Thread: Sika Double with the 45-70

After a busy Saturday in Taupo doing the big run event, Sunday was free and the weather excellent so I decided to chase some Sika. The rifle of choice was the 45-70, so off the dog and I went. The wind initially was a bit tricky and required a change of tact, so over the ridge into the next watershed had us sorted. After we descended down a spur Zoe was wind scenting and shortly after I spotted 2 Sika hinds feeding in a Tussock chute. A small stalk had us at just over 150yds, I settled the Marlin 1895 over the pack, placed the aimpoint on the shoulder and squeezed. I immediately knew I had missed as the dot was low on the shoulder and she bolted up hill, zeroed at 100yds, the Speer 400gr projectiles drop rather quickly! We continued working he creek scanning the tussock clearings and opposing Manuka faces. After a km or so I spotted a Sika hind, as we crept into position just over 100yds away I was convinced it was the same pair from earlier. Once again I set up over my pack on top of a small bush, the mature Hind was front on quartering towards me, I squeezed off and down she went into the scrub. The young animal with her stuck around and gave me another opportunity so a hasty shot off the knees sealed the deal, a nice double for the 45-70. Zoe and I made our way over and tracked up both animals which had barely moved from where they were shot. A quick bone out of hindquarters and back steaks, a snack and some photos had our job done, all that was left to do now was a couple of kms back up to the top of the ridge. The legs were pretty achey after Saturdays efforts but we got there in the end. Was great to get out with the levergun again, it's been a while!

Short video of the hunt on the Gopro attached.
https://youtu.be/p1JG9Jib6Ak?si=0usHeEIerm2UggiC