I've been a little slow on the hunting side of things since owning firearms.
My first, the 10/22 was used for possums and rabbits most weekends. When a cheap .308 popped up, I thought that was my ticket to bigger game. But, with a laminated stock, bull barrel and the biggest scope I could afford on top, I resigned to the fact that carrying this heavy bitch was not in my best interest.
Not long ago I picked up a Howa 1500 in 7mm08. Already with a DPT, adequate scope, bipod, etc, this was my ticket to hunting. After my Dad's mate took me out to his block in the Wairarapa during the roar, the Howa had now accounted for my first two deer: a yearling Fallow and a good sized Red hind. There were plenty of good stags; Fallow and Red on the hills, but were off-limits for this trip.
Which bring me to now. Spring/Summer hunting. Over the last two days I've covered a bit of ground, have seen plenty of sign, but haven't yet spotted an animal. With what I'm told "Great numbers" in the SE Ruahines at the moment, I'm not yet miffed, but starting to think I might be missing a few things.
Day one was a walk to Matanginui (high point 1074) with my partner- after buying her some boots so I have someone to keep me company. Granted, we left home (DVK) at 9 and got up there at roughly 1, stopping and looking at the odd slip on either side. Not the best time of day, but all we had available. Old sign in the river and on the track.
Day two was a solo mission to Stanfield Hut. I left the car park at 4 and walked up Holmes Ridge and then back down the river. I got back to the car at 8:30. Ideally, If I had left it an hour later, I would have been getting to the car in the dark, but it would have been better light for hunting perhaps? A few prints and poo on the ridge and was hoping to see a silly spiker grazing the track after a sprinkle of rain, but not to be. Once at the hut I turned back down stream and for the next hour followed a lot of sign in the gravel and sand- both small and large hooves, as well as footprints. The tramping club were in there that morning and had done the same loop.
Attachment 79887
So, things I learnt:
1. "Big numbers" don't mean that this hills are moving- especially mid-day.
2. Don't let the lack of animals ruin/dishearten a good walk- it was good to get out.
3. I need some binos. 'Scoping' slips is a pain in the ass.
