Thread: I want to go on my first deer hunt. Where to start?

This is brilliant advice. Try and buddy up with him! Honestly the best option is to buddy up with a reliable and steady hunter who is prepared to take the time with you. You could make lifetime friends like I have done with a few people.

Remember some basic principles

1. SAFETY FIRST. Firearm safety & bush safety.

About 25+ years ago I went on a NZDA party hunt and flew in with a youngster and he did not have a map or a compass despite my reminding him more than once. I told him to buy a map at the Helisika office. He failed to do that. First day of the hunt (just two of us in camp) and he went over the ridge which had guts running in all directions like a spider. He didn't know how to come back to camp and got lost. He spent the night in the bush. Next day he followed the river to a hut and hunters there brought him to camp late in the afternoon. I had a torrid time bush bashing, searching for him and worrying about him. Long story - the WORST hunting experience of my life.

2. Take it slow and enjoy yourself. No hurry, no pressure. Write down some basic points that hit you. Develop your own checklist and personal thumb rules. I have a file with lots of clippings, pamphlets, notes, checklists, phone numbers etc. that I started 30+ years ago.

3. Think 5 times before throwing money at gear, guided hunts etc. Now a day's a lot of gear is cheap online at Temu & AliExpress. Easy to go crazy and buy a lot of stuff that looks cool but will not be much use or will not last. Don't rush into buying fancy stuff like Thermal or night vision etc. Get your basics right first. You have the next 50 years to enjoy hunting.

BASICS are

1. Compass
2. Map
3. Light but solid boots (cramp-ons are really useful)
4. Multiple layers of hunting clothes - no need for expensive stuff - you need 4 or 5 layers that you can mix and match in all weather conditions.
- get a light raincoat
5. A good torch / head lamp
6. 4 season sleeping bag
7. Sleeping mat
8. A sharp knife. Learn to look after it
9. Get 6 cigarette lighters and put one in each of your packs, day pack, jackets etc.
10. A small day pack with water bottle

Build your own list.

Good luck, have fun and be safe.

Originally Posted by veryfuturistic

Welcome aboard mate. As a recent convert to the sport I can give you some pointers as to where and how to get started. I am by no means an expert and am still learning things every free weekend I can get out there.

I would not go the route of a guide. Nothing against the professionals, but you are a uni student, it's bloody expensive, and what they offer is an experience. You will need much more than one deer or one hunt to build the skillset required. It will take a while, but the journey is worthwhile.

First off people have mentioned NZDA and the HUNTS course. Absolutely join the local NZDA .. however, if you're in Auckland, you might be waiting a while to get on the course .. I know because I'm still waiting. Just how it goes in the big city. Definitely join and definitely get yourself in the queue. In the meantime, others have recommended the Better Hunting course online. This is free and gives you a great overview of the ways and means of hunting in New Zealand. It is not exhaustive but it doesn't aim to be, and it doesn't presume any knowledge on your part. You can also go back to it at any point to review information. The packing list is a great start for the kind of kit you should be carrying (and knowing how to use) if you are going to tag along on a hunt.

What is your level of backcountry experience? With the wait on HUNTS training I would highly recommend getting on some of the courses offered by Outdoor Training NZ. The NZ bush is unforgiving. Knowing how to read a map, use a compass and cross a river among other things will give you confidence in the bush. If you can do that, and keep up with a heavy load on your back, you will likely endear yourself to those wise men among us

Get along to the club nights. Bask in your unknowingness. Ask questions. Try and get involved with some party hunts through NZDA. These often pair younger hunters with the more experienced allowing you to soak up some knowledge.

I would second @308's recommendation of the Red Deer in NZ book by Lentle and Saxon. I've read a lot of hunting books now and that is one that I think covers all the bases for the new hunter. Easily found at 2nd hand stores and Auckland Libraries.

These forums (and the wise men contained herein) are really the best resource for hunters in New Zealand. Keep asking questions. It can be daunting but people here will always chime in and give you a hand. They answered lots of my stupid questions starting out.

Most of all stick at it. Your perseverance will be rewarded