Thread: Tongariro National Park-

Saw my first deer in the Whakapapaiti Valley. Was only 17 and had an old beaten up Mauser K98 8x57; my first centrefire. Was coming back to the hut from downstream on the true right side of the valley. Was sidling through the bush about 3/4 of the way up the ridge when I heard a noise.

I stopped, crouched and waited to see what it was. A red hind came into view about 25-metres away across a little clearing. She was reaching up and eating the leaves; but never in clear view. I could've shot through the scrub into her chest but didn't want to risk wounding her; so just watched her graze away. I had the worst case of buck fever ever known to man!

Got back to the hut and noticed that I'd lost my Gerber somewhere in the bush..... About thirty bucks worth back in 1980-ish... Or; about 3/4 of my weeks apprentice wage. I'd saved for weeks to get that knife and rifle.... The rifle was $72 and I'd put it on layby along with a 4x32 scope!