Thread: New hunter

Hi there. I'm 14 days old with a shiny new card in my new gun safe.
Moved to the Wairarapa 2 years ago and loving the easy access to quality trout rivers.
Now I'm turning to the hills, where I see opportunities for 'free' meat, if i can just get up there.
I'm joined by my excellent wife (applying to be born) who recently suggested for my 50th birthday we go on a helicopter insert guided hunting trip. I asked 'what target species? Tahr?' When told what that is said 'if I'm paying for a trip I want there to be lots of meat at the end of it'.
So you get the picture. In it to bring home the bacon with a wife who is keen to get out there too as long as we don't get killed doing it. Lots of blaze orange and pink in my future!

I'll be getting a Mauser M18 or a Sauer 100 in 6.5c/m for us to share. I have already been lurking on forums looking for advice so figured I'd better sign up.

Look for me at the Upper Hutt deerstalkers sometime. I'll be signing up soon.

interesting choice for first rifle..... hope it all works out well for you. great the wife will get out there with you and see what you are doing.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

interesting choice for first rifle..... hope it all works out well for you. great the wife will get out there with you and see what you are doing.

Thanks. Re 'first rifle' it's likely to be 'only rifle' for some years unless I can make it pay.
The 3 position safey is a must have, which limits my choices somewhat. The Sauer is a halfway between the Winchester xpr and the X-bolt pricewise, and with a 5 shot moa guarantee and cerakote from factory. Frees up money for better glass.

Ok you are 14 days old? You moved 2 years ago? Your wife is applying to be born? And your now turning 50?

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

Ok you are 14 days old? You moved 2 years ago? Your wife is applying to be born? And your now turning 50?

Thst should be "newborn hunter". Got my licence 2 weeks ago

Ah, welcome and all the best with your hunting

Great introduction. Welcome and enjoy.

if you are new and want lots of meat, I would do a guided hunt closer to home and get some range time in before shelling out a lot of money on a southern alps trip.

and get fit! the hills are steep and tall.

Will do. I'm 42, so I've got time. And yes, the Tararuas are steep and red deer are heavy! Unfortunately I can do the local HUNTS course until next year, so I'll muddle along until then.

Welcome

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

Ok you are 14 days old? You moved 2 years ago? Your wife is applying to be born? And your now turning 50?

I did wonder to myself when I read those things in the OP. It was reminiscent of riddle me this.

wait and find a 2nd hand winchester model 70 lightweight/featherweight in either .308 or .270 ...there have been 3-4 come up for sale at VERY good prices in last 12 months...that gives you the 3 position safety and spare $$$$ for optics AND a fly in trip... or guided meat hunt...

As its been said already, if you want guaranteed meat go to the butcher. Good luck to you on your travels. There a place in central north island that do meat hunts. Welcome to you and Mrs Eat Meater

Oh, getting a Mauser. I am big fun of Mauser, particularly for the 8mm. Have contacted a dealer in South for modern Mauser rifle, but still there is a k98 in my head. Some people say to me do `t do it, too expensive to shoot and you can `t take that piece into the bush, with the iron sight unless you are idiot. Looking forwards to your next tread, with animals and rifle. Good luck!

Welcome Eat Meater. Sounds like your halfway to being a real hunter. You seem to have done everything right so far. A good second hand rifle would work well for many years if you aren't set on buying new. Get fit if you head down here for a tahr hunt, even in easy country being fit makes everything a lot more enjoyable.