Never did introduce myself
Hey guys I never did this although I've been posting for a little bit now. Name is William, live in Wellington, hunt Rimutakas mainly and love the gnarly nature of that particular patch of bush. Although I also love the Ruahines, the Aorangis, etc. Been to the Kawekas once and I really want to go back. I reload and for some reason enjoy it... ? I like making the brass shiny and the artesinality of it and the freedom to produce your own recipes and rounds. Also with a 6.5 x 55 loading your own is of course the way to go. That's the first and only centrefire I've ever owned. I'm in mid life, came to the sport late, just love it. My dad use to cull deer in the 50s over the summer when he was a student putting himself through med school in Dunedin. But he gave it up. Took me tramping, gave me my love of the bush, but never took me hunting. I think maybe one thing for him that happened was one of his first "patients" as a young doctor working off his bond in Westport was a young hunter he had to pronounce dead - shot through the face. Through the lower lip, actually. I still remember him telling me that story. Anyway, he kept the gun. There was a .303 in the cupboard the whole time I was a kid (well, up the back of the wardrobe behind the shoes actually - and that was legal) and I grew up feeling fascinated by hunting but also guilty about that fascination. So that's what mid life is all about I guess. Saying to hell with it. And I'm so glad I did. I find it hard to shoot an animal but I think that's how it should be. I don't like the thought of it suffering so I do my best to make it quick and I never attempt a shot unless I am confident in it. I love the way hunting sends you all over the bloody place, not just along a track, and I love the way your eyes and ears and other senses really switch on. Like all the best sports it is a combination of geeky gear and endurance/strength requirements. Ok that's me.
OH and this forum is great! People are so helpful and knowledgeable.
