Thread: Keen as a bean

Many decades ago I was in a similar position as you, Mackley and Matto1234. I'd had my license and a .22 since I was 17 but after hunting rabbits and goats for a few years I decided I wanted to ramp up and go for the big game. I think I'd read too many Rod and Rifle Magazines. I didn't come from a hunting family so I had nobody to gain the knowledge from.

I knew how to hunt. I knew where the deer lived (and it wasn't in suburbia, watching TV like me) and I figured I could probably work out how to recover one if I shot it, but I was smart enough to know there was going to be a LOT more too it than the books made out. After much deliberation I decided to hire a guide.

The guide arranged the food, transport and gear. He also chose the location... in the Urewera's. That weekend I saw 9 deer... more in two days than I've ever seen in the bush since. I shot my first red. I learned how to gut it quickly and efficiently. I learned how to carry it. I learned how to cut up the carcass and break it down. I learned some very practical bushcraft skills. And I soaked it all up like a sponge. It was hands down the best thing I could have done.

At the time I swallowed hard when I was quoted $360 for the trip but when I broke it down, it worked out to a pretty shit hourly rate for the ol' guide. We went in on Friday afternoon and came out on Sunday afternoon. He did all the work and I got a big education. In retrospect it was the best $360 I could have spent and I recommend you consider doing the same... look at it as an investment in your future hunting career.

Whatever you decide, good luck with the hunting. It's an honourable recreation.