Thread: St James Conservation Area

After missing out on the Molesworth ballot, I'm on plan B or C. I'm presently looking at country in Nth Canterbury to spend 10 or so days from Mid March 26.
My present plan is to fly in beyond the more accessible country to give us more chance of a seeing and taking a reasonable stag.
Initially i was thinking of the areas that feed the tributaries in the upper Hurunui River in Lake Sumner RHA and or Crawford Range.

After speaking with Amuri helicopters, they are suggesting i look at the St James area. This is new country for me, so here goes...
Should i expect animal numbers in the St James area to be similar to the Lake Sumner RHA country or Molesworth Country?

Within the St. James is there advantages in one area verse others eg northern area / block - Yank Hills verse Southern and central blocks (Mt Jervois and Philosophers nob) as far as less hunting pressure and away from the foot traffic in the valleys? Is there a good reasons to avoid this area completely?
I'm assuming trampers will not be a factor later in March in these areas?