Thread: Deer 1 & 2

I have been around guns and hunting since the mid 90's- mainly tagging along but regularly taking part in duck opening weekend in Otago. Duck shooting with Dad and the odd Tahr, Deer and Pig hunt with friends had all been fantastic experiences.

I realised that finally gaining my FL would be a good idea, partly because I was going to need to store my aging Fathers firearms and that going out hunting with friends and feeling like the 'spare wheel', had lost its appeal!. The bush/hills/rivers have always held an attraction and a few years of tramping, mountain-biking and fishing had enabled me to gain some decent outdoor skills and fitness.

At the beginning of 2019 my FL arrived in the post and the quest for a first deer began. I had been out hunting regularly with plenty of sightings and a few close encounters with animals in the Canterbury foothill bush. Needless to say I was starting to get frustrated and very keen on bagging a deer. The first deer was one evening in December, on Doc land and the second from a similar area within an hour of ChCh late last week. For both animals there was no rush, plenty of time to get a comfortable rest- breath slowly, and ensure I was going to hit the front shoulder!

Plenty of people say you never forget your first deer and it's 100% correct! I read the forum regularly so though a contribution was well over due and may help anyone still waiting for a first! For me its the entire experience,from the prep,walk,glassing, bush,fresh air,wet feet,ripped skin, to actually pulling the trigger. Arriving back at the car, in the dark, with a heavy pack is a reward for effort.

Problems with the photo attachment- can't get rid of the close ups...