Thread: Kaimanawa wander

Anyhoo, photo story really, A weekend became available so some plans were put in place for my first trip into the Kaimanawa, more so to Clements Mill Road to chase these Jap's that everyone talks of, having been in the Kaweka 4 times and only having managed to shoot 1 so far it was an itch that needed scratching.

Left Upper Hutt looking like this (from out drive looking up to Mt Climie)


Had to turn left and not right


And left here


and finally a right here


Stayed 1 night here


Next day saw me hunting the Kaimanawa for the first time, very different to the Ruahine and Haurangi. Managed to bump and see running at mach 10, 2 sika, a 3rd i managed to see broadside at 40 meters but it only gave me a head shot on account of a convieniently placed damn tree over the big bit, so a decision was made and there is now 1 more wiser spiker counting his lucky stars. (OH AND I MISSED Lips Sealed) also another 2 were heard departing unseen

Found some of this stuff


I then went to pre determined camp spot and set up waiting for the late arrival of the rest of the crew


Next morning we all headed off together and one by one split off into our various spots, Fern (my dog) and i managed to bump another 3 unseen deer and another that is etched in my mind as i write this, as Fern and i headed down a ridge home an unseen stag bolted off from its spot under a tree hoovering up leaves but this time managed to run 270 degrees around me at mach 15 at all but 25m away, all six points pinned back dodging my 708 like trying to avoid a case of rabies, and again another stag a bit more wised up for the next guy

so all and all a good trip with great company, thanks guys, will be back for sure.

Hamish

Looks bloody cold, good on you for getting out.

I like your commitment man - couple of closed roads not even going to stop you getting out

Sika deer Running circles around us hunters for god knows how long.
Always cracks me up on how many I hear departing or barking makes me wonder how many of the cheeky buggers are standing there watching then slip away.
Good photos and winter mission Hamish

Yeah i know that feeling only too well, stayed at Sika lodge too, my hunting ambition is to drop a Jap....wary foe!!!!!! this pic from Clements, Army camp...still shiver when i see it!!!!!!!!

Maybe a silly question. And I'm not planning on it, but could you legally hunt and kill a kaimanawa horse? I'm not sure why you would. I just figure they would be a pest as well, maybe on docs hit list as well?

Originally Posted by bully

Maybe a silly question. And I'm not planning on it, but could you legally hunt and kill a kaimanawa horse? I'm not sure why you would. I just figure they would be a pest as well, maybe on docs hit list as well?

No.... they are protected !!

Good work Hamish ! A lot of hunters on forums talk more than than they "walk the talk" NO matter the japs gave you the cock in the ear. Welcome to the club.
Ive been lucky and have shot ten 8pt japs. Im not a trophy hunter and fill the freezer 1st and i expect to shoot a deer each day in clements.
my best advice is, keep the chin up and keep trying ( as soon as you drop your head they win )
I dont even pretend to be the best sika hunter but have been thinking about having a training weekend down clements for forum members that want a hand learning the way of the ninja. (firearm safety around many hunters, navigation without GPS,tracking sign,
Sika habits etc)
I will post for interest before hand, If nothing else it will be a good party

Originally Posted by 338 man

Good work Hamish ! A lot of hunters on forums talk more than than they "walk the talk" NO matter the japs gave you the cock in the ear. Welcome to the club.
Ive been lucky and have shot ten 8pt japs. Im not a trophy hunter and fill the freezer 1st and i expect to shoot a deer each day in clements.
my best advice is, keep the chin up and keep trying ( as soon as you drop your head they win )
I dont even pretend to be the best sika hunter but have been thinking about having a training weekend down clements for forum members that want a hand learning the way of the ninja. (firearm safety around many hunters, navigation without GPS,tracking sign,
Sika habits etc)
I will post for interest before hand, If nothing else it will be a good party

I'm interested 338 man. .......very interested!!!!!!!!!

Indeed. Be a great excuse for a party hunt...

Looks chilly thanks for posting.

Originally Posted by bully

Maybe a silly question. And I'm not planning on it, but could you legally hunt and kill a kaimanawa horse? I'm not sure why you would. I just figure they would be a pest as well, maybe on docs hit list as well?

They're usually mustered and sold once a year. No you can't shoot them. There's actually an official form in the army you have to fill out if you accidentally shoot one.

Originally Posted by Scouser

I'm interested 338 man. .......very interested!!!!!!!!!

+1. A good excuse to get out and meet a few of you lot.

Originally Posted by 338 man

....I dont even pretend to be the best sika hunter but have been thinking about having a training weekend down clements for forum members that want a hand learning the way of the ninja. (firearm safety around many hunters, navigation without GPS,tracking sign, Sika habits etc). I will post for interest before hand, If nothing else it will be a good party

Great idea Kelly. You'd do a thorough job of it too.

Yep 338, timing would be key but this ol fella's def interested....Clements been my stamp for 35 years or so love the place.....