Thread: Any advice for a new hunter?

Join the sika foundation and contact them, asking if a party is short on one of their planned fly in trips that you could join in at short notice. Does cost a bit to fly in. You'll meet other hunters, get to fairly good spots and learn about hunting in NZ.

Sika are a bit different to reds. They are much more wary but also curious. The biggest thing is they squeal at you when alarmed. Surprising no one has warned you about this yet ! If you don't hear a couple of squeals each day you're hunting in a low population area and try somewhere else. 90% of sika hunting is in the bush, specially at this time of year. Sitting and glassing won't be very productive till the spring (November).

Do a few internet searches for sika hunting tips and techniques. I think Neil Philpott is the guru, if he has a book, get that. GThde Lentle and Saxton book you want for sika is "Stalking the Seasons Round".

Other entry points are the several road ends around Makahu saddle (Makahu Road) and Clements Mill Road.
You might also look at the Eastern Ruahines for Red Deer. Again, they won't be out in the open much till spring and summer.

In late Summer and Autumn, there is fire danger (I believe) in the Kawekas.