Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Create Account now to join.
  • Login:

Welcome to the NZ Hunting and Shooting Forums.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.

ZeroPak Alpine


User Tag List

+ Reply to Thread
Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 16 to 30 of 39
Like Tree129Likes

Thread: What does a new hunter need?

  1. #16
    Member Ftx325's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Nelson
    Posts
    3,121
    Quote Originally Posted by Madridista22 View Post
    Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.
    My only concern with clothing would be to avoid all the thin super lightweight macpac type trendy gear as it won't last 5mins in a bush hunting scenario , boots included. Others may possibly disagree but I went through all this with my family , the missus in particular as all her tramping friends use that type gear and I was proven correct in... well...5mins of bush hunting.
    Fenriz and Madridista22 like this.
    born to hunt - forced to work

  2. #17
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    NI
    Posts
    11,849
    You don't need flash stuff...or at least you didn't 50 years ago...

    Nathan F, Trout, chainsaw and 7 others like this.

  3. #18
    308
    308 is offline
    Member 308's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Wgtn
    Posts
    3,562
    Quote Originally Posted by Madridista22 View Post
    Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.
    For tops, a 3-layer system is effective
    Merino baselayer/ thermal type thing
    polarfleece windbreak mid-layer for warmth and a top waterproof coat layer

    Adjust according to temperature
    Good waterproof coats can be had from the army surplus guys cheaply

    I'd recommend starting out with a surplus one first and not rush out and spend 600 odd on a Swazi straight away

    Someone will be along shortly with a surplus recommendation


    And always hunt into the wind if you can

    Deer will wonder what you look like and wonder what that noise is but one whiff of you and they'll bolt in most cases
    Fenriz and Madridista22 like this.

  4. #19
    Member Sideshow's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    7,900
    Not said yet but as a starter please do get a PLB! This little bad boy might just save your life!

    As said above learn map reading and compass work there’s plenty of google ways to learn this!

    Good case for your phone water proof if you can and then get the topo map app! When using this there’s a few tricks so it won’t drain your battery one is put it in flight mode and shut down all your other apps. But make sure you mark and check your progress on the other paper map!

    If you have a place that is going to be a regular hunting ground then get that map laminated.

    Try and find someone that has shot a few and tag along. Even if your just to help carry the meat out if your successful

    Learn the art of bush stalking....as you have no doubt seen they can be closer than you think.

    Clothes: use the search engine on here and have a good look through. There’s loads of stuff. Boots that fit and are comfortable and are suitable for the area you are hunting. Mountains are different to bush in that bush hunting you can use a lot lighter boot. Sometime you have both in the same area.
    A good rain coat! Also a good water bottle and a filter if your in a Giardia area....you don’t want this

    Again use the search engine to look for light weight cooking gear!
    Some of the flys these days are brilliant.
    But again all this can come latter.
    Join NZDA do the hunt course this will give you a huge step up.
    Rifles and scope and bins have been covered.
    Hope this helps......don’t forget the PLB have fun ah
    Fenriz and Madridista22 like this.
    It's all fun and games till Darthvader comes along
    I respect your beliefs but don't impose them on me.

  5. #20
    Member Nathan F's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Deep South
    Posts
    2,236
    Just join the local nzda and get a good mentor to take you out and show you the ropes. Good boots sleeping bag and pack is what I’d be doing. As funds allow get some good binoculars and don’t skimp. You can shoot deer with any old thing as mentioned above. Get used to walking long distances carrying weight. Get hard and fit. Get hard mentally too. Push yourself.
    Tahr, Speill, Fenriz and 1 others like this.

  6. #21
    Member Happy Jack's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Nelson/Tasman
    Posts
    3,123
    What's wrong with the super tough CCC stubbies, I wear them almost year round if it gets super cold some thermals under do the trick. Just rfemember not everyone thinks Merino is the bees knees I don't as I can't wear it and its damn expensive too.
    Ftx325, Fenriz and Madridista22 like this.

  7. #22
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Te Atatu
    Posts
    223
    Quote Originally Posted by 308 View Post
    And always hunt into the wind if you can

    Deer will wonder what you look like and wonder what that noise is but one whiff of you and they'll bolt in most cases
    This for me as a beginner was huge, because when I started I didn't have deer hunting mates to pass that sort of wisdom along. I knew they used their noses, but had no concept of quite how much the deer relied on their sense of smell. Their eyesight is pretty good too, especially for movement. So take advantage of that invite to tag along with your mates, there is a bit to learn. And then join/do the Deerstalkers Assn Hunts Course, well worth it as it covers clothing, equipment, maps, rifles etc.

    And clothes wise, you don't "really need" camo. If you are in open country, staying downwind and low to the ground helps lots. If you are in the bush, finding sign, and slowing down hugely and looking lots will help.

    Good luck.
    308, Fenriz and Madridista22 like this.

  8. #23
    Banned
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    North Canterbury
    Posts
    5,462
    Quote Originally Posted by Madridista22 View Post
    Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.
    I wouldn't over think it at this stage. You may not like or be any good at hunting. I would go for some un armed game spotting trips first before buying gear. If your heart races and pounds in your chest when you see a deer and when you sneak in close then hunting is for you. If there is no buzz and you dont like being in the hills it might not be your thing.

  9. #24
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Southern Alps
    Posts
    4,000
    Learn to read the weather forcasts a few days ahead and river level data from ecan web sites.Watch the good weather coming over from Australia,gives you a good idea whats coming from here and the southerlys coming up with the cold weather.Good weather makes hunting more enjoyable.Deer stalkers association clubs a very good place to learn as well.

  10. #25
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    christchurch
    Posts
    17,093
    always buy good quality gear, doesnt have to be a name brand. good boots are a must! even 2nd hand ones (ask sarvo)
    and best of all is a hunting mate you can trust
    Madridista22 likes this.

  11. #26
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    Scotland
    Posts
    1,044
    Quote Originally Posted by Madridista22 View Post
    Hey guys, so I am completely new to all things hunting and am looking at getting into it for a hobby as well as to stock a freezer. I have never had any experience in hunting or shooting anything other than rabbits. I am planning on getting some basic tramping gear and going on some hunts with my cousins and friends to watch without shooting and get some experience and will buy more gear as I go along to be able to hunt by myself. I was wondering what sort of gear I will need and any recommendations on the types of gear or good brands that are good to have with you. I'm thinking of doing both day trips and multiday trips and mainly going after deer but really I'm just looking to start building up the basic gear to get started. If anybody can help it would be much appreciated.

    Cheers
    Items/brands that are possibly the best despite being relatively cheap:

    Mora knife- If you are prone to losing/dropping things get a pink or orange one(or both!), get a stone and learn how to sharpen

    Opinel knife for backup

    Aliexpress titanium gas stoves with pot supports (buy three and you are still less than half of a fancy MSR cooker)

    Casio digital watch (waterproof and accurate yet replaceable)

    Vortex binos (cheap, come with a harness and will retain some value, forever warranty)

    Silva Compass (get one 'baseplate' type one for map reading and a watch strap one for taking bearings)

    Osprey backpack (get a bigger one, secondhand)

    Do not ever skimp on:

    Quality wool Socks

    Sphur Hunting series (not tactical) scope mounts

    GPS (Garmin Marine are my pick, they are accurate and float!)

  12. #27
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Auckland
    Posts
    201
    Join NZDA, do their HUNTS course. It's not the kind of thing I'd normally do, but was advised to on this forum when I asked the same question as you a year or so ago.

    It was the best thing ever in terms of getting started. You don't need the kit to do it, I didn't even have a rifle as my license took a while to come through.

    When it did come through, I went to Reloaders Supplies where after some discussion with the guy got sold a rifle that I needed rather than the one I thought I wanted. I remain pleased that I took the advice - which is a long way around of saying "Find a decent gun shop".

    Start small, work your way up as you find what you need.

    And being able to find your way around in bush is far more part of making it all work than I realised.

    Edit: and to level up quicker, pay someone like Paul Carmine to spend a couple of hours with you and your rifle getting you and your shooting sorted out, plus all sorts of hunting advice.
    308, caberslash, Fenriz and 1 others like this.

  13. #28
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    HB
    Posts
    408
    Quote Originally Posted by Madridista22 View Post
    Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.
    Personally I wouldn’t cheap out on packs, boots and waterproofs, especially down where you live.

    Waterproofs can save your life in shit conditions and also act as windproof layers, if you have shit boots you’ll regret every step you take in them, and getting the right pack is key to being able to make the most of your time hunting. Get one fitted for you in a store if you can.
    Fenriz and Madridista22 like this.

  14. #29
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Central North Island
    Posts
    4,216
    Quote Originally Posted by mimms2 View Post
    To up your shooting skills, a .22 and a shitload of ammo. All ranges, all weather.

    "Shooting rabbits" may or may not have been good practice... were you head shooting them? Stalking them?
    .
    And here's where the humble .223 comes into its own. If you have access to plentiful bunny hunting areas, then once you are happy tipping over bunnies @ 200- 250m then Deer become big big targets.
    Trout, Micky Duck and mimms2 like this.

  15. #30
    frankenhand scotty's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    waikato
    Posts
    2,326
    "what you need" has pretty well been covered over the last couple of pages ....just to add you need an old codger to be camp mother ,cook big feeds for you , show you how to sharpen your knife keep the campfire going and pass on his local knowledge around said campfire ...... alot of guys had their father to do that for them .....some of us didnt ....so dont be shy if an old grizzled hunter offers to take you bush ......take every opportunity you never go away without having learnt something

 

 

Similar Threads

  1. Thank you NZ Hunter!
    By stagstalker in forum Hunting
    Replies: 113
    Last Post: 22-04-2020, 07:50 PM
  2. Berger VLD Hunter and Hunter classic
    By Danny in forum Reloading and Ballistics
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 22-03-2020, 10:52 AM
  3. Wts K2 Hunter 95 ltr
    By Huk in forum Gear and Equipment
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 27-05-2015, 08:05 PM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Welcome to NZ Hunting and Shooting Forums! We see you're new here, or arn't logged in. Create an account, and Login for full access including our FREE BUY and SELL section Register NOW!!