REVIEW — “Deer Hunter”

Forest and Bird, Issue 108, 1 May 1953, Page 3

REVIEW — “Deer Hunter”

(A. H. and A. W. Reed, 18/6.)

THIS is the story of J off Thomson, one of the deer shooters employed by the Government. Though the book and its story is, in some ways, outside the usual functions of the Society’s Journal a review is justified because the author shows how the policy of the Wildlife Branch, in combating the deer menace, is being carried out.

The author shortly summarises the history of deer in New Zealand and the damage they are doing. He shows how “culling” is no longer the policy. He writes

“Though we are still graced with the name of cullers;, culling is no longer our job. We are killers with orders to clean out every deer.” He asks “Will all deer be cleaned

out, or is the task an impossible one ? Men I have shot with are divided on this

question.” His own opinion is that extermination is possible and he declares that “We must exterminate every one.”

The story he tells brings home to us the hardships and heavy work these men have to face—terribly rough country, dangers from rivers and accidents, and it will be very encouraging to our readers to know that these Government killers are so keen to do their job thoroughly.

The author’s description of scenery shows that he and his mates are keen lovers of mountains and bush. It is this love of nature that makes men face the hardships, in spite of so many easier and better paid jobs being available. The book will chiefly appeal to those who like to read of such adventures as well as those who desire to know how the war against deer is being waged. —A. P. Harper.