Thread: New Hunter

Gibo is on to it get a GPS but also get a compass and learn how to use the WAMS mapping system - its called Walking Access mapping system one can change from aerial photos to topographical maps- take a map of the hunting block with you preferable laminated - leave a map with the wife and a time to push panic button if you dont show up ( we always used 10 am next day ) you may want it sooner - when you set out try to hunt in same catchment for a start - but you must be able to tell where you are in relation to the ridge and river systems in the area and be able to keep yourself orientated to them - as a general warning dont drop into rivers or streams to come out unless you have travelled them - many are simply not an easy job to travel down - gorges waterfalls can mean tiring climbing to get around - ridges are normally a lot better - but use a river or track system as a fixed point to hunt off if you can - the big danger in our bush is getting into a catchment over the ridge from the one you are in and the streams and river and ridges will be going in an opposite direction - that's when a GPS is valuable but have a compass and map as a back up - especially true if you go with someone who knows the area - fine when you are with them but if they disappear what then - and yes as others have said NZDA could be a wise move especially the hunts course - I was a hunts instructor years ago and its good

The other thing worth having is a PLB. My partner wouldn't go anywhere in the bush by herself before I got one for her, but on the same weekend that I gave it for her birthday, she decided to do a solo overnight trip four hours into the bush.
It isn't just a thing that you don't need until you do need it. I would say she has got more value from the PLB than what I paid for it, jand she has never pressed the red button. It just gives her enough confidence to get out there on her own. If the red button day does come, then that little device will be worth more than its weight in gold.

Agree with the map thing above too, if you can navigate with a map and compass, the GPS becomes less of a crutch and more of a convenience.

kind offer from you Longshot a good bugger