It has been 33 years since I last shot a deer, but the memory and excitement remain. Thus, it was with great anticipation I joined six others on the club hunt to the Ruahines, based at No Mans Hut. I may not have shot a deer this trip, but at least I saw one! Getting closer!
The trip into the range, on late Friday afternoon, was steep and spectacular. Open tussock and patches of mountain beech replaced thick manuka as we rapidly climbed the range towards the hut. The alpine areas, quite different from the Kawekas where I have been reconnecting with my hunting past, were vast!
Excitement on the way in as a deer was sighted by the side of road – next time Murray! At least it proved there were animals there!
Arrival at the hut, followed by rapid unloading of vehicles, and the team spread out for a hunt in all directions. Much later a shot indicated success somewhere in the distance, with Aaron and Todd returning with a deer just after dark, shot at a damn long way (I think so anyway!)
This set the pattern for the next three days. The team out early and late, weather (especially wind!) permitting, glassing and finding deer usually at the bottom of steep huge gullies, taking long distance shots and if successful, spending much sweat and energy retrieving them uphill!
Quiet lunchtimes yarning in the hut over a brew – all varieties! And, after hanging fresh venison in the meat safe, evenings spent retelling the day by lantern-light through the smoke of the hut stove. Bloke’s stuff!!I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, and am assured my snoring didn’t keep others awake – it was probably disguised by everyone else’s varied bodily noises! Next time I’ll bring more food and a warmer sleeping bag – didn’t expect a frost in early January!
It was great to have my love of hunting rekindled with such an amenable bunch of blokes. Thanks to Aaron, Mark, Todd, Murray, Otto and Simon for having an old fella (me!) along. My long awaited deer is getting closer!
