SIKA Success
“Bugger this – I’m wet to my undies and the stags have gone quiet!”
Hunting in unfavourable conditions in the bush can really wear a hunter down, both physically and mentally. The 2018 roar seemed to be one of those times as my good mate Wallace and I were blasted by heavy winds and downpours, making stalking in tight bush very difficult. But you don’t get them sitting at home!
After a hard but fruitful roar in the Ruahines chasing Reds, Wallace and I planned to hit our local spot in the Kaimanawas for a couple of days. Sika stags are by far my favourite deer to target in the roar; they are very vocal and territorial which can make for some exciting encounters.
With a wet forecast and no likelihood of being able to dry out any gear, we opted for day hunts, basing ourselves at Wallace’s farm where a hot shower and cooked meal would be welcome after a long day’s hunt. The main attraction though was being able to dry gear overnight.
Lying in bed on the first morning, I could hear the rain beating on the roof and thought I should have brought a wetsuit instead of a rain jacket. It was well before first light and I was adamant we were going to have a
