SCHOOLS OUT
Our first goal was to get a public land Ruahine deer for both Conrad (10 yrs) and Jack (7 yrs) and also drag their sister Madison along for a trip or two.
The boys had been on many adventures with me through some amazing country but they had both only taken Fallow deer on some local conservation blocks. I have brought the kids up to appreciate just how lucky we are to be able to enjoy our passion together and although we do still enjoy Fallow hunting and they are very handy to our home town, I have always made a point of showing them how much more enjoyable and stimulating it is to put in the hard yards on public land. Not that I have any issue with private farm hunts – I did many with the kids at younger ages and we had a relaxing and enjoyable time.
As early December arrived, Conrad was tied up with sports and schooling activities so it was a good opportunity for Jack and me to do a few days away together in the Ruahines. We shouldered our packs and enjoyed a stroll for a couple of hours in nice weather into our hunting grounds. It was around 2pm when we arrived at camp so we decided to have a quick bite to eat and then head off for some bush stalking before going back late in the evening to a slip where an animal might present a good opportunity for Jack to take a shot at from a rest.
The afternoon was eventful with the dog taking us in on a few deer but they were only hinds and fawns. At 4.30pm the dog indicated strongly in a little bush
