Thread: North Canterbury public land hunting

I used to hunt Tongariro a lot and one of the tracks I used to access my hunting area was very popular. I was not uncommon to see literally hundreds of walkers on the way in or out when camping out. Sling your rifle and as @kukuwai said, smile and say gidday. Often they will stop for a chat and are usually genuinely interested in what you are doing (especially if from overseas). I have had few negative encounters and the worst one was with a volunteer DoC hut warden who fed me a total load of bullshit about what I could and couldn't do.
It is also amazing where you will find deer in popular areas once all the trampers disappear in the evening.

Wasps used to be a big problem hunting Oxford / Mt Thomas area.
Also be careful with fire.

I hear there have been a lot of deer around on private land in North Canterbury. Your expeditions onto public land will be more in the nature of an adventure than a bomb up.

If you can afford the petrol, I’d look up the Lewis Pass area. Wonderful country.