They have started early this year, I heard a stag roaring on March 31st, not really going hard just that initial moaning to bring the hinds in.
Today I went into my usual spot..Spot X in the Rimutakas. I was walking for about 2 hours with nothing heard so decided to turn around and head back, I thought it was wise to drop into a deep bush gut and sidle across and work my way back onto the track. A reasonable way down I heard a low moan about 200 yards from where I was, I gave a pathetic moan back, not wanting to sound intimidating I often try and sound like a spiker or stupid stag with no purpose.
I hear a branch break and know from experience that this fella is coming in for a look. I can see him through the mature Beach trees and he stops..Not enough clearance for a shot, he moves again and is now broadside about 20 yards away...looks like a reasonable enough head to pull the trigger so I let rip, he drops on the spot. It's a decent 11 pointer...or a 12 if you count one stubby point on top..regardless I love it when they walk in on me so this was a fun hunt..Early days so hopefully one or two more will be on the cards as I heard two seperate stags moaning on my way back out.
Attachment 247268
