Thread: Otago Te Papanui public access tips

Good evening.

On my quest to get my first deer, I have decided I should become aquainted with Te Papanui public land block. Hoping there might be a kind forum member that would give me pointers to get me started? Happy to give box of beers if I actually see animals!
Ideally looking for a place I can get to with my 4wd ute within walking distance of some likely gullies... perhaps. This is 'big' country, not really sure where to start.
Any advice appreciated.

Look for cover and lush green grass. Google satellite photos will help give you an idea of vegetation types in the area. Bring a pair of binoculars and climb high.

I used to run my side X down the side roads towards Taieri River, but last time I was there, two summers back, there were signs saying that vehicles were prohibited off the main road (that you join from Old Dunstan Road) due to fire risk. Beautiful country, always saw a deer or two but usually had to walk quite a few km’s. Good luck.

There is alot of low pH country up there that deer just stay away from. You need to find the lush gullies and you may find the odd one. The rock and pillars offer you sweeter country and a higher population of animals. I will send you a pm with a few spots to look at which will get you in the right area.

That would be very generous thank you!

Disclaimer: i haven't hunted Te Papanui yet but I'm very keen to.

The headwaters of the Waipori River and the right bank of Deep Creek look promising - green and lush with some north-facing shoulders. Waipori River especially. Both are easily accessible from the southern entrance on Gardiners Track.

Te Papanui is also the only DOC land in coastal otago you can get a small game permit for, at present. Flick DOC an email and bring a 22 along for camp meat!

Well, I dont know if you will see many deer in there, unless you take one with you.

Why not go the Blue Mountains instead? Start with a place that already got some.

Plenty of deer, just needs time and shoe leather.

Might be a bit late on this one, but I’ve spent a bit of time up there over the last few years, dear are all around the boundary closest to the farms and the road has become really hard to navigate from the middle march side, we will only go with two utes as there will definitely be a tow out situation, the pig on the Te Papanui side are plenty and with an overnight stay and a bit of a warm wind, you’re bound to get one. Deer on the other hand are way down on the farm boundaries and take a bit more pt to get to. I’ve seen more deer on the Rock and pillar side especially if you can get way down the strip. Check it out on NZ toppo but still recommend going with two utes ��