Thread: Guided Hunting

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

What defines AATH.
Is that dropping a client and guide off on a suitable spot and then driving animals previously spotted to them with the helicopter?
yes i have ethical issues with that but I also know people who for health/mobility reasons can't manage much more that that. Possibly they would be better served by private land hunts with good quad bike access.

As a north islander since I was 10 with limited time, if I wanted to do a south island hunt I would seriously consider hiring a guide to increase my chance of success. On top of that if I was doing a tops hunt I would want to fly in both to save time and due to fitness joint issues. I could walk in to many areas but would be buggered the next day. Then on top of that I would not be able to carry a lot of meat, skin or head etc back out.
(i do a 250mtr climb and decent 1-2 times a week with the dog but it's not the same as a 1000mt climb with full pack and rifle etc)

having the option to be able to fly in to DOC land and take a guide for local knowledge with a party is important to me. Not fully understanding all the detail I do get the distinct feeling that some what to take away this option which in reality for me and many others is the only way we are going to get to expedience and hunt these areas.
Zane

I dont think that a helicopter as transport into and out of the hunting area is the same as AATH. AATH is where the helicopter is used for the hunt itself so that they dont have to walk far.

As mentioned, A guide can be of great help when you are in unfamiliar territory or dont have the luxury of repeated visits to get the "local knowledge" around an area.