Thread: first hunt and hunting etiquette

New hunter, so new that I don't own a centerfire. Got a permit from DOC for wallabies with a 22 around lake Rotoiti. Tells me where I can hunt. Been 3 times but stayed in the reserve area because of rain and wanted to stay near the car. So first real hunt today planned it all where I was going in, boundaries, features, heading in at dawn ect. Decided to miss dawn raid as I didn't know what the bush was like. So just before 8 am parked up on the verge and headed into the bush (bush right paddock left) got about 20m in and I herd a ute stop. moved to where I could see my car, old guy walks up to my car puts his hands on the roof and starts having a good look inside. I crashed out of the bush, he turns an said aggressively what you doing. I told him. You got a permit he said. He went on to tell me that I should inform him before going hunting. I said I don't know where you live and as far as I know follow that paddock fence line to the stream over the top everything on the right is DOC. You wouldn't be the first I have found on my land. If I hear gunshot I shoot up there to see whats going on. Was worried about my car the rest of the day but was fine. Now should I inform angry farmer when I want to hunt or not. Next question, Saw nothing but a few bits of poop. I realised how little I know about wallabies. Do they go in small groups, solo, or big mobs. The guy I spoke to in a shop said there everywhere you will see them. Am I just useless or am I missing something. Unsuccessful day but was enjoyable spending time in the bush. Live and have worked in rural communities a long time but I don't think I have met a farmer so aggressive.