Thread: Thoughts on hunting guide books?

Hey gents!
Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how useful a guidebook will be? I'm thinking about buying the spot x hunting guide as I'm new to hunting the bay of plenty/Waikato area. Guidebooks really helped when I learned to hunt in Hawaii, how useful are they in NZ? Any suggestions on a better book?

Also, are their hunting clubs in the Tauranga area I could join? Cheers for any suggestions!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There's plenty of free info on the DOC site.

buy it

Originally Posted by outdoorlad

There's plenty of free info on the DOC site.

I've been to the doc site and they have good info on regs and species in certain areas but I'm looking for info like access roads, paths/trails, seasonal tactics, and maybe best of all, topo maps. Nice to have it all in one resource. Curious about people's opinions on this book or any others?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

@Gibo let this fellah buy you a beer and then take him out and show him how to walk a circle in the dark. Ha ha ha ha couldn't resist. Welcome to the forum by the way Soulosurfer. Don't worry if Gibo tells me to fuck off. He loves me really. Ha ha ha ha two ribbings in one post.

Originally Posted by Rushy

@Gibo let this fellah buy you a beer and then take him out and show him how to walk a circle in the dark. Ha ha ha ha couldn't resist.

I like the beer part! the walk in the dark sounds better if we're not armed...ha


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There is an NZDA in Tauranga, may be worth getting in touch with them.

Doc has online topo maps on their website, they are pretty good to use, shows tracks and huts etc...

SpotX book is a good start, cheap enough.

Most north island guides work on private land. Very expensive option, but results are high percentage. It's like hiring a hooker to lose your virginity...Yes you'll get what your after, but results may vary depending on how much you're willing to pay...

The kaimais + a gps on any road end between katikati and tauranga should get you onto deer sign.

Kj

Originally Posted by kimjon

There is an NZDA in Tauranga, may be worth getting in touch with them.

Doc has online topo maps on their website, they are pretty good to use, shows tracks and huts etc...

SpotX book is a good start, cheap enough.

Most north island guides work on private land. Very expensive option, but results are high percentage. It's like hiring a hooker to lose your virginity...Yes you'll get what your after, but results may vary depending on how much you're willing to pay...

The kaimais + a gps on any road end between katikati and tauranga should get you onto deer sign.

Kj

Cheers mate! Exactly the kind of info I'm looking for! Appreciate it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Soulosurfer What did you hunt in Hawaii?
Got any pics?

Originally Posted by Sideshow

Soulosurfer What did you hunt in Hawaii?
Got any pics?

I'm not a big pose and click guy.... I've got few with me in them but I don't like to put em on the internet.
Here's a selection of the kind of variety in in Hawaii.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

None of the pics are great, I take em with my iPhone.
We like to trap pigs too!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Sideshow

Soulosurfer What did you hunt in Hawaii?
Got any pics?

If you want Hawaii hunting info, I got ur hookup. Tons of local Braddahs willing to go out with you.
There is amazing variety. Wild delicious Pigs, rio grande turkeys, two types of deer (different islands have axis or blacktails ) feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon sheep (best meat around except elk) several pheasant types, many many types of upland game birds! And very hush hush but there's even places that wild cow can be hunted through the right channels. Crazy dangerous wild bulls but super fun and a great reward!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm a meat hunter so I don't have too many photos or trophies at home, just love the outdoors and prefer not buy meats from a market if I can keep the freezer full.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Your local library probably has a copy of Spot X.
I borrowed it and decided not to buy it in the end.

Printable topo maps available free here: New Zealand Topographic Map - NZ Topo Map

As the others have said the DOC website is quite helpful.

If you're going to buy any books look at Red Deer in New Zealand & Stalking through the Season by Lentle and Saxton.
Might be in the Library too so you can try before you buy

Originally Posted by Blue Arrow

Your local library probably has a copy of Spot X.
I borrowed it and decided not to buy it in the end.

Printable topo maps available free here: New Zealand Topographic Map - NZ Topo Map

As the other have said the DOC website is quite helpful.

If you're going to buy a books look at Red Deer in New Zealand & Stalking through the Season by Lentle and Saxton.
Might be in the Library too so you can try before you buy

Super good info mate! I wouldn't have though of the public library, brilliant!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk