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?

Low deer numbers in st James
Lewis is mich better

Amuri will just tell you want you want too hear

There is no inaccessible country in the st James anyway
Just depends how light you travel

If you go in heavy you are stuck in one place for a long time seeing the same deer

The St James is wonderful country but ypu have to look at a lot of different country ever day too find something remotely shootable

Unless you go up towards Waiau Pass, Lake Thompson area you’re probably highly likely to run across other hunters, a lot of Canty hunters hunt St James. Always the option to venture into NLNP from upper St James. There’s some good animals in there if you put the effort in.

Akaroa1 and Woods223,
Appreciate the feedback, direct is good.
I'll probably throw a few clarifying questions at you via PM if that ok?

Originally Posted by Dicko

Akaroa1 and Woods223,
Appreciate the feedback, direct is good.
I'll probably throw a few clarifying questions at you via PM if that ok?

@Dicko absolutely fine

I hunted st James extensively for the last 10 years
And certainly not because there were good animal numbers or trophy quality
I just like that country, type of vegetation and animal variety

Originally Posted by Dicko

Akaroa1 and Woods223,
Appreciate the feedback, direct is good.
I'll probably throw a few clarifying questions at you via PM if that ok?

Fine, although akaroa1 has hunted the area more than me in recent years by the look of it. Was an interesting place to hunt when Jim Stevenson still owned it.

I'm Hanmer based and hunt it a bit. It gets a hammering and most of it is fairly accessible. That's not to say you wouldn't get something but in reality there are better places if your spending the money to fly in. My choice would be the Nelson Tops in the Lewis Pass or the lake sumner area. Another good option with similar flying time to St James would be one of the Hossack DOC blocks. Don't discount the handy areas close to the Lewis Pass Rd either.

Thanks Cantyguy. You live in a nice area.


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Originally Posted by cantyguy

I'm Hanmer based and hunt it a bit. It gets a hammering and most of it is fairly accessible. That's not to say you wouldn't get something but in reality there are better places if your spending the money to fly in. My choice would be the Nelson Tops in the Lewis Pass or the lake sumner area. Another good option with similar flying time to St James would be one of the Hossack DOC blocks. Don't discount the handy areas close to the Lewis Pass Rd either.

You in the township?

I had 8 years down Woodbank Rd,moved up here back 2 1/2 years ago.

Cantyguy is possibly right about Hossack area. I haven’t hunted there since before the current owners of neighbouring Hossack Station took over.

There has been the occasional very good stag shot in there, mostly when WARO has a spell.

Area gets a hiding from waro, unfortunately, due to its close proximity to Hamner. Shot Bill!

Might pay to do your homework

Originally Posted by jamesw308

Area gets a hiding from waro, unfortunately, due to its close proximity to Hamner. Shot Bill!

Might pay to do your homework