Thread: Advice for a new hunter - Tararuas

Originally Posted by Tentman

Gidday - welcome to the forum.

Its been 40 years at least since I hunted in the Tararuas, and in those days the deer were spread mighty thin, so I can't be at all specific.

From my limited knowledge and worse memory of the area your proposed trip looks more like an "armed tramp" rather than a hunt. I've been an "armed tramper" all my life and I can tell you that its a wonderful thing, BUT it won't get you many deer, unless you are usually disciplined (to stay out in the hill at the right times in the right places) and/or lucky.

Best to have a bloody good look at a map, pick out some good feed areas and climb to them. Watch till dark (or success) with the wind in your favour then return to base the same way. Make sure you take enough gear so an unplanned night out on the hill won't end in tragedy.

All the best

Love the “armed tramper” term haha! Indeed I think from what’s been posted I’ll be overdoing the walking with my plan. Will look to do either the flats or ridge only and save bigger trip for an overnighter when it cools down. Thanks for the advice, so glad there’s a forum like this!