The gift of giving

Hunting and Wildlife Magazine - Issue 225 - Winter 2024

Words By: Cain Pullar

The morning was cool and clear as we pushed up the track that weaved between an established mānuka stand. I was a scruffy-looking 18-year-old in need of a haircut on my first deer hunt. We moved off the track, looking into some grassy clearings, when there was a flash of black, and two fallow spikers darted past us and out of sight.

During my after-school and before-university job, I had met a mad keen hunter affectionately known as ‘The Rat’. He was an older, experienced hunter who had invited me and my Dad out for a hunt on a local farm he frequented. The Rat talked us through the basics of hunting as we moved from the mānuka into the more open tussock country. He knew all the spots, and it wasn’t long before he had spotted some more deer on an open face, and we started stalking towards them. I was perfectly guided into a shooting position, with the deer still feeding, unaware. As I got into position, it was time to control my nerves and breathing. When I felt settled and steady, I let off a shot and looked up to gauge the looks on their faces as to whether I had hit it or not. The deer was down. A steep walk down to where it had rolled was followed by a lesson in butchery and how to make a pack out of a deer for me to carry back to the truck.

That first hunt was over 10 years ago, and all it took was one person going out of their way to show a young fella the ropes to ignite a passion for hunting. Ever since then, I soaked up every opportunity to hunt: day trips, overnighters, hikes, drive-ins, new spots, going back to the same spots - if there was hunting going on, then I was keen to be involved. The next stage for me was finding some favourite spots, getting good at hunting those spots, refining some of my gear, doing more individual hunting, and taking some representative heads as memories. The last step for me has been finding a style of hunting that I like, having gear that I know will be super reliable, being a bit more creative with how I use and cook my game meat and taking new people out hunting.

I love talking about hunting. My friends have often heard about my adventures, and I can’t remember the last time I bought red meat at the supermarket or how I like to watch Aoraki / Mount Cook while eating my lunch when I’m up hunting. My friends have often commented on how they would like to do a trip and see what it is all about. I set myself a mental checklist of people to take hunting and then connected them to spots I thought they would enjoy. I have been taking out two or three new hunters per year, and I have found it a great experience to share my passion with others and maybe create a new hunter who will get the same fulfilment out of hunting that I get.

Over my time taking people out for a hunt, I have learned a few things that might be helpful for others to consider.

Spot selection

Great scenery, a good level of terrain, and plenty of animals to look at are points I consider when thinking about taking out new hunters. Getting off the beaten path and having spectacular scenery can be a highlight, especially if the animals aren’t playing ball. Some challenges are expected when hunting, but be aware of how confident they are, remembering that everything you climb up, you have to climb down again. I like to start with a tahr hunt as you are usually in great country with a good level of challenge, and tahr adds the benefit of being a bit easier to spot, which is always more exciting for new hunters.

Using the rifle

Firearm safety is priority number one, with everyone having a great time and getting home safely. If you are starting your hunt early, I find a bit of a safety briefing at your first glassing spot when everyone is not bleary-eyed a good idea. Safety first, and then a chance to get in behind the rifle and get a feel for the setup and how it works. I have found that new hunters struggle to get lined up behind the scope and see things in the scope as they switch from looking at things with the naked eye to higher magnification. A few dry fires at a rock or a similar landmark build a little confidence and help practise the process of spotting, lining up, preparing the rifle and then taking the shot. Animals don’t always get the memo to stand still for new hunters, so having a new hunter familiar with the rifle can save valuable time when lining up on a memorable first kill.

A good first experience

Gear, fitness and food are all things to consider when recruiting a new hunter. Taking some extra gear depending on the weather and checking that they have a set of boots that fit the conditions will help to ensure a good day. To soak up all that hunting encompasses, pushing someone too hard on their first hunt turns the trip from enjoyment to survival. It is best to build confidence and the skills to move around the mountains over time instead of all in their first hunt. An army marches on their stomach and a few good snacks boost morale and keep energy levels up. Regular stops for a bite to eat, a glass and a chance for you to tell old war stories about your previous hunts are good chances to ease new hunters in.

All hunters can think back to another hunter who has helped or given them advice, which has been instrumental in their journey as hunters. Sharing the experience of hunting with others has been a highlight for me as I see others experience all of the elements that keep drawing me back into the mountains repeatedly. Experienced hunters can give others the gift of a hunt into the mountains to experience the unique landscape and magnificent animals that call New Zealand home.

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