Went for an epic 4 day hunt with a mate last week in the Kaimanawa tops. Day 1 started off wet and howling winds, pretty horrid conditions trying to get to our spot to setup. The following 3 days were absolutely mint, perfect for drying all our wet gear. We scoured the tops for sign however didn't really come across much at all, was very baron. Ended up splitting up and hunting way down in the valleys, guts, thick bush & streams. On day 2 I was working my way down some tussock when I looked across to a clearing to a smaller river opening.. Next minute a red spiker appears and we lock eyes, was a mexican standoff! He quickly bolted in the opposite direction and started working his way up through the tussock/bush, I then see him break through to a clearing... and... whack! Dropped him with my 7RM. Stoked.
The following day my mate managed to drop a Sika spiker in dense bush, he was fizzing. His first ever deer. I also managed to drop another spiker down by another riverbed in the middle of nowhere. Bloody tough slog getting that one out.
A fantastic trip, my garmin watch clocked over 85KM of trekking. Our direct trip back to the truck was 26KM alone, a tough slog with howling winds, sleet and laiden packs. Very satisfying having our packs choccablock full of meat..
3 new items I tookin for this trip which were invaluable;
- carbonlight 7RM which was like carrying around a toothpick.
- trekking pole; saved the pressure on the knees.
- bandana which I used just about the entire time, took the wind bite off a tad.
Here's a few photos of the trip. First photo is where I shot my second spiker, way down by the river. 3rd photo you an see our Stoney Creek shelted, a very good piece of kit. Handled the high winds exceptionally.
Some breathtaking country, mad keen to get back amongst it.
