Thread: Where to hunt when wanting to consistently fill a LARGE Meat locker/freeza from Auck?

Originally Posted by Dyls

I have a few spots but i dont think im cultured enough for ya.

I don’t think goathead is asking for spots, just which general public hunting area has good animal numbers to live near for him to explore himself.

But seriously. The King Country has loads of goats. On private land though so you would need to do some door knocking.
As far as Deer are concerned if you have to ask then you probably aren't skilled enough. Put in the hard yards though and you will eventually have regular success. Pureora, Kaimais and Te Urewera are worth a look. Just don't expect to shoot something first trip.

Originally Posted by Chur Bay

But seriously. The King Country has loads of goats. On private land though so you would need to do some door knocking.
As far as Deer are concerned if you have to ask then you probably aren't skilled enough. Put in the hard yards though and you will eventually have regular success. Pureora, Kaimais and Te Urewera are worth a look. Just don't expect to shoot something first trip.

Actually what are the general rules behind door knocking etiquette? Like what times of the day, how to approach with the topic of hunting, and what to offer, etc. the closest I’ve been comfortable with door knocking is asking friends at work if they know someone with farmland. Been too nervous to actually randomly drive up someone’s driveway and ask a stranger if they have animals I can shoot. hunting native public land is a lot more fun and challenging for the sport side of things but sometimes it’s nice to just get meat from a friends house and offer some drinks or other treats as thanks.

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

Actually what are the general rules behind door knocking etiquette? Like what times of the day, how to approach with the topic of hunting, and what to offer, etc. the closest I’ve been comfortable with door knocking is asking friends at work if they know someone with farmland. Been too nervous to actually randomly drive up someone’s driveway and ask a stranger if they have animals I can shoot. hunting native public land is a lot more fun and challenging for the sport side of things but sometimes it’s nice to just get meat from a friends house and offer some drinks or other treats as thanks.

That's an incredibly good question. As a land owner with a sporadic deer problem I hate to say I would probably still say 'no' straight away to any unknown person seeking hunting rights. There are so many possible things that could go wrong with unknown shooters on private land, and there are liability issue for landowners that need to be taken seriously, as well as issues over liability if something goes wrong with neighbours.

I have found it is very difficult to guage how reliable someone might be untill I see them handling firearms. People who appear highly credible might be incredibly negligent with firearms, and I know some rough looking buggers most people would not trust to look after their spare change who are the most sensible, safe and reliable people around. In my case I don't let anyone shoot here without observing them shooting first.

You're probably on the right track seeking hunting farmland through a mutual friend.

Originally Posted by Ben Waimata

There are so many possible things that could go wrong with unknown shooters on private land, and there are liability issue for landowners that need to be taken seriously, as well as issues over liability if something goes wrong with neighbours.

Nobody would blame you either. Im presuming word of mouth is how you get people on yours?

I found overseas liability was the main reason people were not so keen, even on well presented people of mutual friends. Im not sure how it runs in NZ, but being a business does a farm have liability for anybody on the property or only if they are working for paid money on the property?

Originally Posted by GoatHead

does a farm have liability for anybody on the property or only if they are working for paid money on the property?

Yes we are technically liable for everyone, even bad buggers trying to steal stuff. There have been some strong conversations here before I've allowed regional council and farm forestry field days, ultimately I am responsible but it's likely if it came to a court case logic would win. We're supposed to point out every possible danger. One field day I deliberately made up a stupid hazard list including things like tripping over snails, meteor strikes and zombie attack just to make a point. I make jokes about tripping over snails but it's less stupid than it sounds, 20 odd years ago a local guy here slipped in the mud one cold wet winter day, fell and hit his head hard enough to lose consciousness and drowned in a very shallow puddle.

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

I don’t think goathead is asking for spots, just which general public hunting area has good animal numbers to live near for him to explore himself.

Some people read the post.... Its always the way, on any hunting/spearing forum, you ask for GENERAL areas that are best for your location and you get people acting pissy like you asking for their mums secret sauce.

But yes Jess that is exactly all Im asking for, and thank you to those that answered it.

I also really like the idea of these meat hunts, not something Ive had to resort to before but that will take the pressure of when I want to hunt for fun if the family is fed. They getting a bit sick of fish ;-p.

One form of hunting, more from a sporting perspective, Id like to get into is deer hunting in the push with indicator/pointing dog. The Mrs has OKd me building a Kennel so I can detach the pup from the house until old enough. Just not sure what breed yet. Ive read the NZ pointer dogs, which I presume is a mix breed, are less high maintenance to something like a German pointer. Either way I think dogs need exercise daily anyway. Id like to hunt scopeless and Im wondering if a 22 or 223 is suitable given the very close up hunting Im intending to do. It would also make a good gun for plinking bunnies.

Yep all good with Goat, I make a mean curry with it.

Not sure if there is any public land with rabbits, given they tend to like open pasture fields. So not sure who to approach to get some bun fun happening.

As for Cultured sorts, bit salty there, the sarcasm was lost, my apologies.

What I meant in honesty is more around how to find good sorts, ie people with morals that arent going to swiipe your new GPS you just spent ages saving for. I guess its just a case of joining a club and word of mouth who is a good sort to go hunting with?

Sounds like I was on the right track for good spots, especially using dogs. But will definitely look into these meat hunts.

I was planning on a 308 150 or maybe even 200 grain, and a 222 50 grain set of rifles, although if I end up getting enough meat hunting in the bush, the 223 might be good enough for both. Im not sure on optics or not though, I think bush bashing clearly no optics a gun stays true, but it might be a good idea to start with a small one?

Are there some good dog threads on here? That might be a good place for me to get started.

Originally Posted by GoatHead

Some people read the post.... Its always the way, on any hunting/spearing forum, you ask for GENERAL areas that are best for your location and you get people acting pissy like you asking for their mums secret sauce.

But yes Jess that is exactly all Im asking for, and thank you to those that answered it.

I also really like the idea of these meat hunts, not something Ive had to resort to before but that will take the pressure of when I want to hunt for fun if the family is fed. They getting a bit sick of fish ;-p.

One form of hunting, more from a sporting perspective, Id like to get into is deer hunting in the push with indicator/pointing dog. The Mrs has OKd me building a Kennel so I can detach the pup from the house until old enough. Just not sure what breed yet. Ive read the NZ pointer dogs, which I presume is a mix breed, are less high maintenance to something like a German pointer. Either way I think dogs need exercise daily anyway. Id like to hunt scopeless and Im wondering if a 22 or 223 is suitable given the very close up hunting Im intending to do. It would also make a good gun for plinking bunnies.

Yep all good with Goat, I make a mean curry with it.

Not sure if there is any public land with rabbits, given they tend to like open pasture fields. So not sure who to approach to get some bun fun happening.

As for Cultured sorts, bit salty there, the sarcasm was lost, my apologies.

What I meant in honesty is more around how to find good sorts, ie people with morals that arent going to swiipe your new GPS you just spent ages saving for. I guess its just a case of joining a club and word of mouth who is a good sort to go hunting with?

Sounds like I was on the right track for good spots, especially using dogs. But will definitely look into these meat hunts.

I was planning on a 308 150 or maybe even 200 grain, and a 222 50 grain set of rifles, although if I end up getting enough meat hunting in the bush, the 223 might be good enough for both. Im not sure on optics or not though, I think bush bashing clearly no optics a gun stays true, but it might be a good idea to start with a small one?

Are there some good dog threads on here? That might be a good place for me to get started.

Join your local deer stalkers association. Get up the front smartly and introduce yourself and tell what you want to the meeting. Build relationships with people who can make their assessment via eyeball Mk1. Earn it.

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Join your local deer stalkers association. Get up the front smartly and introduce yourself and tell what you want to the meeting. Build relationships with people who can make their assessment via eyeball Mk1. Earn it.

I think @257weatherby has hit the nail on the head!
Even better if your local branch runs a HUNTS course.
Buy a Spot X Hunting book, pick a spot and beat the feet...
Alternatively as previously suggested you could look into payed hunting access etc, in which case Kaipara/Muriwai Fallow would probably be your closest bet I imagine

Originally Posted by Pav

I think @257weatherby has hit the nail on the head!
Even better if your local branch runs a HUNTS course.
Buy a Spot X Hunting book, pick a spot and beat the feet...
Alternatively as previously suggested you could look into payed hunting access etc, in which case Kaipara/Muriwai Fallow would probably be your closest bet I imagine

Yep I agree, it cant hurt to get reaquainted with the NZ terrain and meet some other people along the way, who I may even be able to offer some help, which is always a good way to both be a better person and make good friends, by helping others.

The meat hunts, whilst cheaper than paying retail are quite exy, even though I understand why, I thought it meant you pay for access to a block, not for a guide etc. All the same, with red meat being eaten less in a week in our house, a solid Red will last a long time.

Will find a Spot X book, is there a particular edition that is best? I have already found a number of spots that Im semi familiar with, but as you say, beat the feet, if merely for scouting and getting hiking fitness back up is a great way to go. So many options, thanks for the tips.

Have you had dogs before?
It's a big commitment (as I found out once I got one). Yes they definitely require daily exercise and attention, a bit like having kids.
Training then up to indicate requires a lot of time in the bush. With my bitch I followed the deer dog blue print for the first 6 months, but to be honest most of it is common sense if you have trained dogs before. Once she hit 8 months I have had her in the bush almost every weekend for the last two years and extended trips of 4-10 days as often as I can get away from work.

I have a Viszla crossed with Heading Dog and she is great at indicating deer, but very high energy and requires a lot of work.
A lot of other people I have met run a Viszla as well but the pure breds can be a bit 'soft' in the bush.

As for scopes, for bush hunting I use a shortened .308 with a 2-7 Leupold on it. Does the job and has done me out to 150m with clean kills with good shot placement. Scope light and compact enough not to get in the way when pushing through real dense bush.

I'm not sure about finding hunting partners to be honest, I tried attending a few local NZDA meetings but it seemed very cliquey to me and I had trouble meeting anyone who I thought was like minded and would be keen to get out and go hunting (could be the club, could be me?). Doesn't seem to have much in the way of club hunts etc going on either. I am going to try my luck at a new branch this year and see how it pans out.

Originally Posted by odds0und

Have you had dogs before?

Yep, both hunting and water dogs. Vizsla was my first pic, but Ive read articles about NZ breeds, being less high maintenance. I will have to investigate that further.

Most definitely a MAJOR commitment. But I have plenty of time. The main thing is I see no point in buying a pointer if they are not trained thoroughly to a blueprint.

There is something intangible about having your dog out there with you, Im sure you know what I mean.

Thanks to the poster for the heads up on a 22 on doc land and the preference for an iron site caliber.

Ive found some blocks already that id like to just get out and have a scout around. Love being in the bush, prefer that to glassing and knocking over animals long range. Each to their own. Both take a lot of skill and a lot of hard work.

I started hunting in NZ at very young age and whilst I left NZ in late 20s I havnt stopped the need for a feed. It might sound a bit hips

Originally Posted by GoatHead

Yep, both hunting and water dogs. Vizsla was my first pic, but Ive read articles about NZ breeds, being less high maintenance. I will have to investigate that further.

Most definitely a MAJOR commitment. But I have plenty of time. The main thing is I see no point in buying a pointer if they are not trained thoroughly to a blueprint.

There is something intangible about having your dog out there with you, Im sure you know what I mean.

You'll be alright then, like I mentioned to be honest a lot of what is in the deer dog blueprint is common sense if you have raised dogs before.
It's definitely a good foundation and I picked up some neat tricks along the way but I think it really does just come down to time in the bush with your dog and learning to read them.

Definitely great company in the bush though, always the one hunting partner who will never bail on ya!

As for Spot X books, definitely a good help for identifying new areas to check out and gives you a good starting point as to how to access/hunt them.
They are up to the 5th edition now (I've had 3rd/4th and now 5th). I guess the latest is the most accurate as access is always changing.

https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/fishi...IaAjqOEALw_wcB

Could find cheaper, I picked up the latest in Hunting & Fishing down here when they opened up their new store.

Originally Posted by odds0und

Could find cheaper, I picked up the latest in Hunting & Fishing down here when they opened up their new store.

Choice one, chur. I'll send you a PM re hounds.

As for snobbing 270 shooters, wont that leave me a FONC in NZ? lol

Originally Posted by GoatHead

the 223 might be good enough for both. Im not sure on optics or not though, I think bush bashing clearly no optics a gun stays true, but it might be a good idea to start with a small one?
.

Hey Goat, have you considered irons for the bush, and QD mount scope for distance? I am a firm believer in military-style rear aperture iron sights, in the bush you get great peripheral vision, and as you say the sights stay true with rough treatment. This coming from someone who 2 years back had 12 red deer in a close group watching me as I fired 15 rounds at them at 100m with an E cat rifle that had been bumping around on the back of a farm ute. The optics were so far out I could not hit a close spaced bunch of reds at 100m, despite good accuracy the day before. Pulled that bloody optic off asap.