Thread: Best time to start a day hunt....

Originally Posted by Neckshot

Ruahine water is good as Jojio especially the southern end.I always take water with me as sometimes your not near a main creek.Are you just hunting the creeks? or climbing into the mid to top 3rd of the hills In the southern ruahines looking for open bush? usually just above the vines.creeks there are first thing in the morn then bush anytime and clearings early morn and late arvo.Me personally its at carpark at dark and start moving into the hills when your comfortable with the amount of light to move.Get comfy moving around in the dark before you hunt last light in the ruahines its can get nasty real quick if your not sussed on were you are.

Jase

That's a good point. In the Ruahines (and most other places) as the evening draws in be very aware of your surroundings. Where you are, how you would get across a gully to a shot deer, the route for your way out etc. Map it all in your head. Think about time frames too.
For evening hunting, a GPS with map software is invaluable. Back it up with a compass for sure, but the GPS will become your best friend. They are reliable now and almost fail safe. Spare batteries and a compass, and you are set.

Over the years you will build up a marvellous log of waypoints that will include hot spots, campsites and various info that will enable you to move around with confidence and get a lot more deer. I don't use the tracking function so much...that's a bit too techo for me.