Gear used – Rifle’s -Tikka T3X Strata, Tikka T3X Standard, Howa 1500, Optics – Leupold Rangefinder, Burris & Bushnell Bino’s, Bushnell & Vortex Scopes, Tatonka & Hunters Element packs, Stoney Creek & Hunters Element Clothing, Garmin GPS’s.
A great time had by all. Tired & sore bodies now but you get the smiles when you put in the miles.
]]>As per the NZ Police safer shooting website, "Anyone 18 years of age or older can possess and use an airgun. Anyone under 18 years of age may use an airgun if:
‘Immediate supervision’ means that the licensed or older person is within reach and in control of the person using the airgun. The person providing the supervision must be able to take control of the airgun. They cannot be in possession or control of another firearm or airgun. On a range or paintball field: the rules in place, fenced field and supervision of umpires, referees or Range Officer go toward immediate supervision.
Young airgun owners:
If you are 16 or 17 you can see the Arms Officer at a Police station about getting a firearms licence."
All while remembering it is an offence for us to sell, or distribute an Air Rifle to an unsuitable person per the Arms Act 1983.
Purchasing:
When buying an airgun we simply must ensure you are of age, if you are under the legal age (of 18) - we must verify a firearms licence. We also record the details of who was sold what rifles in our Hunting Store.
Online Sales:
If you purchase an Air Rifle of our online store, the process is also remarkably easy. Simply have your age verified by your local police station, and they will email us attesting to your eligibility. We can then get underway in getting your purchase to you.
Click here - Getting your Firearms Licence, this will provide you with all the information you need about gaining your firearms licence, if you wish to start the journey and take the next step toward your hunting. We highly endorse the process and guarantee you will learn everything you need to know about being a responsible rifle owner.
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Gordon is the head of our hunting department in-store and manages the day to day operation, ordering and organizing your new rifle package. He is an avid hunter and fishermen, and his commitment to his job is a testament to how far he will go to ensure you get the right gear for your next trip into the hills.
Hunting and Outdoors have an extensive range of Hunting, Shooting and Camping gear - but most importantly the knowledge to ensure you are prepared and suitably equipped when out hunting.
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First impressions were a touch on the heavy side, bearing in mind it had a full length barrel, rather large scope, rail and rings, bipod, sling, and suppressor. Definitely not the ideal combo to lug around the bush. However on the range it shot bullets on top of each other, and just felt so good to shoot. It looks and feels a lot like Benelli's shotguns, which are very ergonomic.
The BE.S.T coating is another amazing feature. This stands for Benelli Surface Treatment, the team at Benelli understand, "harsh environments wreak havoc on gun metal." Benelli spent more than a decade developing BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment), a proprietary coating that protects steel with a tough, impenetrable armor that stops rust and corrosion. Applied using nanotechnology and diamondlike carbon particles, BE.S.T. outperforms every other available coating and surface treatment in the firearms market today. Parts treated with BE.S.T have been tested by immersing them in saltwater for months with no signs of rust or corrosion. This is backed by an impressive 25 YEAR warranty.
These rifles are also fully customisable with aftermarket shims to make the rifle fit you, not the other way around. This is imperative in achieving the best you can on the range and in the hills. It, of course, sports a sub MOA guarantee, and a stylish double stack detachable magazine.
This rifle has 7 new, Benelli Exclusive, patents attached to its design. Which really shows the R&D and time spent designing the rifle. It has the progressive comfort recoil system Benelli is known for, and weighs 7.1lbs. So you can be sure it will be a joy to shoot.
In our time with the rifle, we shot targets at different ranges (out to 400m), and all the factory ammo we put through it went well. It is not a fussy rifle, but the clear winner was Sako Gamehead 150 grain. One of the boys even managed to knock over a nice eating bit of wild pork.
Overall a rifle that handles beautifully and shoots consistently and accurately. Tried, tested and endorsed by the team here at Hunting and Outdoors.
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The team at Evolve Outdoors were nice enough to provide a couple of the staff here at H&O with some Spur Trousers from the Hunters Element range. Both these staff members have been avid wearers of shorts and thermals their whole hunting life, and have disliked wearing trousers in the bush. As they can feel restricting, get too hot on big days and really soak up the moisture in the scrub.
They were assured the Spur trousers would change their mind. Designed as the ultimate year round hunting pants, while being supremely quiet, stretchy and durable in the rough stuff. The thigh vents designed to let cool air flow in the warmer months, and close them off and the under-layer keeps you warmer in the colder parts of the year. Ultra-durable 4-way stretch HYDRAFUSE™ SCRAPEarmor™ is fabric placed on the knees, seat, and lower legs to add durability to the high wear and tear areas. The Articulated knees and an athletic cut mean they feel amazing in the field and the convenience of multiple streamlined pockets provides plenty of places to store accessories like a pocketknife, lighter or phone.
Other features include;
It all sounds very impressive, but how have they performed for the boys?
These trousers have been tested in the Ruahines, in the hills around the Rangitata River down south, the Pureoras, and the Te Urewera Forest parks. They have quickly become favourites due to their durability and lack of restrictiveness. The Spur pants don't absorb the water like fleece, and are even quieter. The zipped thigh pockets are a godsend for storing a lighter to check the wind, and the waist pockets are deep enough as to never lose your belongings while climbing around the scrub, whether it be a phone or spare mag.
They are definitely warm enough but in the South Island thermal leggings were worn underneath easily enough. This really increased warmth retention and remained very comfortable. They haven't been tested in the middle of summer, however it is easy to appreciate the heat vents, and the boys have found themselves using these while carrying meat out or more recently in the middle of very spring like days.
The sustainability factor in the production of these garments is also a nice addition, and the thought that has been put into the design is superb. With the reinforced cuffs where your boots rub, and the stretch in the seat of the pant. The Desolve Veil camo is great, and definitely helps to obscure you from the cunning eyes of Sika, Reds or whatever you find yourself chasing.
Overall a great product and will see the boys right for many more adventures to come!
]]>It was also a great chance to get their heads around the new products instore, in particular the GPO Rangeguide binoculars. Which for a touch over $3000, really hold their own against some other big names. Holding true to their word and would accurately range out to a maximum of 2990 meters, onto a large hillside in full light. Which was very impressive - further than the 2800 they are rated for. They furtherest the boys ranged an animal was just over 1000m, albeit well out their shooting skills, but it is reassuring being able to range the distance and begin a stalk.
The clarity in low light and clag is superb. This was a big plus for the GPO's, the glass is clearly of supreme quality and worked great well into the last few minutes of light. The most important time of the day when out in the hills.
The unit also features a scan mode which automatically ranges as you are glassing. The laser scanning three times per second which accurately gives you the exact distance as your glassing, perfect for when you are waiting for a moving animal to stop - or planning routes. It also features an angle calculation for entering into your ballistics app, if shooting sharp uphill/downhill angles. They also feature a temperature calculation.
Overall a great unit that well surpasses its price, contending with some much more pricey' binos' on the market. They will do everything the long range hunter needs and more, and operate perfectly in less that ideal conditions.
The only drawback is the lack of TBR (True Ballistic Range), and the weight. They are a touch heavy, however you do get the advantage of two units in one. Which is amazingly handy, and in our opinion it is easier to get a more accurate ranging at longer distances.
A great unit well worth looking into if you are in the market for some new binos' or a rangefinder. Even both!!! Click here to check them out!
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Thanks to the team at Hunters Element, the crew had an array of new gear to test out in the mid winter weather of the central North Island. Including the all new Hunters Element Sleet Jacket, the Broadleaf Bush Coats, Lima Boots, and Core+ thermals. Also in the list was the Downpour Elite Jacket and Spur trousers. This would result in lots of functional knowledge of the products performance in the field. All for the betterment of the customers experience when it comes time for them to head to the hills as well.
The Hunters Element Sleet Jacket was by far the boys favourite piece. With a waterproof rating of 10,000mm and 100g of prima-loft down, it keeps you both warm and dry. Perfect for glassing on a chilly/rainy evening and it is also equally useful around camp, or to keep in your pack 'just in case.' It is compact when folded up and very light. However the trade off is that it isn't quiet, but bush stalking is not its forte anyhow. This is where the Hunters Element Broadleaf Bush Coat is in its 'element.'
The Hunters Element Broadleaf Bush Coat is silent, super tough, and very well designed. From the deep roomy pockets, with draw-cord midsection and water resistant three layer membrane. Keeping you warm and dry in the harshest of wind and drizzle. It features a tunnelTech hood, and super tough outer layer making it durable in all types of scrub, all while remaining deadly quiet. The team highly rated the Frontier Bush Coat, especially where most of the hunting was in the bush as the deer were not feeding on the grass except for the early hours of the morning.
Next in line was the Hunters Element Downpour Elite Jacket. It lived up to its 10,000mm waterproof rating while remaining extremely breathable. The key elements looked for in a hunting jacket, it is a true workhorse at a great price. It has very generous pockets large enough to hold a decent amount of shotgun shells or accessories for a days hunting, and a large chest pocket also. It is seam sealed and features Hunters Elements tunnelTech hood.
Hunters Element Boots were also put to the test, with the staff all round pick being the Lima Boots. Lightweight at 700g per boot and featuring a hydrafuse lining, to keep the water and cold out - but the heat in. The Hunters Element Maverick Boots were also on the list, and are more suited to bush stalking as opposed to an all round boot. They are simply water resistant with a hydrafuse outer, high ankle support, and the same weight as the Lima's at 700g per boot. For an all round hunting pick, the Lima's are a top choice. However if you are simply always bush stalking and silence is the key to success, the Mavericks are your best choice.
Not many Deer were seen over the course of the trip, a total of three. They have been hunted very hard in recent months, with the looming green rain (1080) due to be dropped in August. However, a bit of wild pork was taken as the place is riddled with pigs. Which gave the boys a good chance to test fire the all new Benelli Lupo in .308, topped with a Burris Signature Illuminated 3-15x44. Kindly on loan in a demo model from the team at Beretta New Zealand.
This is a fantastically ergonomic, well built rifle. With a beautiful trigger and action, letting it shooting extremely well. Has a detachable, double stack magazine, and its fully customisable to match the stature of the shooter, as additional cheek risers, and shims available. Its 'Progressive Comfort' recoil system made a noticeable different when firing at targets, and it also has integrated swivel mounts. But most importantly had no trouble knocking a good pig over for some meat!
All in all a great trip and the crew learnt lots about new products from Hunters Element clothing, to new rifles and optics from Benelli. A bit of meat being a good bonus!
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By 8am sharp, the Ute was jam packed with rifles, ammunition and a crew eager to go.
Upon arriving at Rotomate, an awesome farm in Piopio, we were welcomed to the woolshed and greeted with coffees, cake, and a safety briefing. Owner Matt gave us a run down of how the day would look, told us a bit about the farm, and provided tips for staying safe out there.
He threw us each a helmet and into the can-am we all crammed.
The guns on the menu today were the Howa 1500 in 7mm08, Tikka Superlight 6.5 Creedmoor, Sako Carbonlight in 243, Tikka T3X 308 Bush Pig, and Tikka T3X Rough-tech in 7mm Rem Mag.
After a chilly drive into the depths of the farm, a pond appeared amongst the paddocks, with wooden targets set up on one side at varying ranges.
These targets had been set up specifically for us, at 100m, 150m and 200m. To the left of these wooden targets was one extra - nestled in a valley was a target at 500m, for the 7mm rem to really stretch its legs on.
With nothing but the sound of sheep in the distance, the first shot erupted and well and truly broke the silence. After that, shots were ringing out every few minutes, with the team very excited to have an organised range to put these rifles through their paces.
One by one, each gun was tried and tested.
The Howa 1500 .7mm08 -
The Howa 1500 is one of most popular rifles here at H&O. With a very strong stainless action and barrel, and hogue stock. Making it extremely good in less than ideal conditions. On our day out, Gordy's rifle shot just on an inch groups at 100m, with a Weaver 3-9x32 scope on top. A great all round setup that won't break the bank, and be your perfect hunting companion!
Tikka T3X Superlight 6.5 Creedmoor -
This rifle is paired with a Swarovski z5 3.5-18x44. The combo comfortably shoots well under 1MOA at 100m using factory Sako Gamehead 140gr ammo. With reloads, using Sako brass and 143gr ELD-X projectiles, this rifle can shoot 0.5MOA at 100m. It is Jayden's favourite personal rifle, lightweight, accurate, good at longer ranges, and has no recoil at all. It has taken all types of deer from fallow to sika and reds.
Tikka T3X Bushpig .308 -
The ultimate bush/roar hunting rifle. While still having the capability to reach out while slip shooting if need be. With all the well known features of the T3X, this rifle easily shoots under an inch at 100m and performs well with a short suppressed barrel. On the day the first shot went right and after a quick adjustment performed a nice grouping. Well within a "minute of deer." We recommend using a 2-10 power scope such as the Burris this was tested with. Or a 3-9x40 is another popular option. Talley one piece rings are a great choice to keep the weight down!
Sako Carbonlight .243 -
A beautiful rifle, but with a wicked price! Paired with a Leupold VX6 2-12x42. Only weighing in at 2.4kg this rifle will go everywhere with you. It is of premium quality, shoulders excellent and shoots like a dream. On the day it shot Hornady ELD-X .243 rounds into the same hole at 100m.
Tikka T3X RoughTech 7mm Rem Mag -
This rifle was paired with a Steiner GS3 4-20x50 - for the purposes of test firing. It is muzzle braked, which made it a pleasure to shoot as a magnum. The action is silky as expected from the Tikka T3X. It has a fluted bolt, and an oversized bolt handle which really adds value to using the rifle. It shot under an inch at 100m, after which the boys had little trouble shooting out to 500m with it. Simply using the reticle in the Steiner, after a bit of trial and error the boys were on target. A deadly long range setup, weighing in at 3.2kgs!
After an epic morning of target practice, we packed up all the gear and headed to the Maimai just down from our previous spot. Wraps, muffins, brisket buns and more were laid out for lunch - talk about a warm welcome!
Once we’d had our fill, out came the shotgun. With the clay thrower ready to go and duck season still in full swing, clay bird shooting was a must.
The Winchester SX4 Waterfowl is a great shotgun, and cycled every round we threw at it. From light clay loads to heavy 40g field loads. If there is any shotgun we recommend on the market at the moment this is it...
When the clays were all shot, and the food had settled in our stomachs, it was time to venture further into the farm. Now was the moment we were most excited for - pest control. With goats in the hills and hunters roaring to go, we piled into the can-am and went out in search of prey.
After a bit of scouting, we decided on a section of the farm to try our luck - and it did not disappoint. After a lot of walking and climbing, Max took out the first 2 with the Tikka Rough-tech 7mm rem mag. Proud as punch, we snapped some pics and headed on to the next area.
This time the goats could see us coming, but didn’t seem to be phased by a 4x4 packed with hunters and guns - an excellent advantage to us. Jayden, Gordon and Max all managed to take out some of the pesky goats, while Josh captured the action.
As the sun started to set and the cold came creeping back in, we butchered the dead goats, taking a couple of nice nannies for meat, and began the drive back to the woolshed. Exhausted but ecstatic, we said our thank you's and goodbyes and headed back to base - AKA Fish City Hamilton.
An absolutely epic day. Thanks heaps again to Matt from Rotomate for hosting us, we’ll be back again for sure.
]]>The boys landed in Mangatainoka River. Greeted by a steep faced beech block, with many creek heads, clearings and slips to explore. The hut has everything you could want, especially when the last couple of trips have been fly camping! It was quickly likened to a hotel. Kitchen, potbelly, meatsafe, toilet, outdoor fire, luxury! Discussions about calling Sika, and the best way to hunt these crafty buggers filled in what was left of the first afternoon. Over a few cold beers of course.
The first day the boys discovered the bush was thick, with excessive amounts of crown fern in places, and cornflake like dried up beech leaves underfoot. Not to mention the windfall and snow damage. It was not going to be easy hunting. Jayden shot one hind the first day, after about an hour of cat and mouse. Sneaking in close enough to see her and get a shot away. A few stags were heard single calling and he-hawing but none were heard or seen sneaking in. Eye fillet sandwiches for dinner and a few brews, topped the day off nicely. The hunters were amazed at how vocal and inquisitive these deer are, sharing their days experiences around the fire.
At night the Stags roared consistently, teasing the boys into getting up early and putting on freezing wet boots. They all headed of in their different directions after a discussion about where each hunter would be. Gordon had an early close encounter with a hind. Both staring at each other, Gordo slowly loaded his rifle but couldn't get a shot away in time. Sneaky Sika...
Deer were seen or spooked by everyone in the party, but no stags unfortunately. So left for another day. The deer in this block are plentiful, so plentiful, they are very skinny. Aside from a couple of very good condition hinds that were seen moving very quickly in the opposite direction.
Jayden's first couple of days topo tracks:
Lots was learnt about the behavior of Sika over the first couple of days. Mostly by sitting still. This was far more productive than moving all the time. The boys quickly learnt, when you think you have waited long enough - wait longer! Rut pads were on most flat open terraces and right down to the creeks. Marking out the resident Stags territory. They also enjoy beating up the young native trees nearby.
The third day was a lay day to recover for most of the hunting party - nursing dodgy knees! Adam played games single calling with a stag right behind the hut, but the wind wasn't playing ball and it circled him.
Jayden went on another big walk to sit on a promising looking terrace. Forty minutes after letting out just one single call two stags snuck in. Coming from exact opposite directions. Shooting a nice four pointer as it came right in close, more venison for the stew! The other stag seemed much more apprehensive and just gave glimpses of himself, probably due to Jayden's scent wafting down that direction. It was a much bigger bodied stag than the four pointer that was taken. He became much more vocal after the shot went off, hehawing and single calling the whole walk down the ridge back to the creek.
Dinner that night was a big one pot stew, and venison, bacon and chorizo kebabs over the fire. With a few celebratory beers and a bourbon. After the firearms were away safely on the gun rack provided. Decent facilities in the hut, cheers Heli sika!
On the last couple of days the boys explored likely areas they had discovered. Jayden went up behind the hut and chased the stag his old man Adam had got onto. Gordy went across the creek and had a go at a stag Jayden had seen, but given him the slip as the wind swirled. Adam and Pete hung out down the creek in the flats which had a heap of sign. The Stags were getting quieter and quieter. Overall no luck was had. However Jayden had an interesting encounter with the 'hut stag!' No more than 300m from the hut he let out a single call. Right where Adam had spooked him the day before. However, he had to set his rifle and pack down and get the old toilet paper out. Nature had urgently called. Within two minutes a very nice looking 6 pointer came crashing in and stared at him from no more than 5 meters away! Unfortunately the rifle was about the same distance away... Amateur hour. All we can hope is he is an 8 next year!
It made for a good yarn back at camp over a nice bottle of whiskey saved for the last night! With a nice cheeseboard and another massive dinner!
Sneaky bloody Sika.
The next morning was a big clean/pack up and wait for the chopper. A great trip all round and the boys will definitely be back in there. Good hunting, cold brews, good food, and stories!
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After a quick sight in at 100m. He quickly realised they are very accurate. Shooting three bullets in the same hole, a quick adjustment and cool down, and then three in the same hole once again.
The boys then headed into the bush for a recon mission before the roar. In the early morning the boys saw a mob on a slip, at a range of around 300m. A good test for the 6.5. The long slender projectile hit a touch to far back behind the shoulder, but the hind only moved 5 meters or so into the bush. Very flat shooting, and with virtually no recoil.
The recovery mission began. Meanwhile another young stag had not gone far and was heard quietly breaking twigs as it moved through the bush. A quick little moan was let out which it replied to straight away, but he continued moving away. It could not resist a hind call and came trotting right back towards the boys. Where it was shot in the neck at about 10 meters, the 6.5 strikes again. Doing the damage at a decent range then right up close in the bush. Two nice meat animals down.
The next trip the 6.5 was taken on was into Lake Waikaremoana. Securing a nice even little 6 pointer at 15 or so meters in the crown fern. Again very close range, but the Sako 140gr Gameheads do a great job in the bush. *Pictured is a .308 bushpig, another favourite!*
Next up was a trip into the Motu. Which ended up being very rainy & quiet - the boys were about a week late. Nevertheless managed to get a young four pointer angry enough to come right in. A new close range record for the 6.5 of five meters. A Sako 140gr pill in the neck and it dropped on the spot.
Great performance at all ranges - (especially up close), no recoil, and super flat shooting. Three big ticks for Jayden who is very happy with the setup. The 6.5 definitely walks the talk.
A .308 is great if all you will do with it is bush hunt. But the 6.5 outperforms the .308 versatility wise. For long range shooting, energy and velocity wise. As the 6.5 maintains its ballistics better. Surpassing the .308 at 400-500m. Making it easier to shoot more predictably, and accurately at longer ranges. Not to mention the complete absence of recoil, improving your shooting even more. 6.5 projectiles are available with great BC's and sectional densities. Therefore a great rifle for tops shooting - as well as in the bush!
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Your feet are 'solely' one of the most important parts of your hunting equipment. You will be spending all day on them and comfort should not be overlooked. Optimum comfort & performance is achieved by numerous considerations, adequate insulation, proper fit, sole material, waterproofing, and boot height.
Insulation, waterproofing, and sole material are largely dependent on the terrain you are looking to tackle. If hunting in alpine country with a heavy load on, a stiff sole, with waterproofing and good insulation is necessary. If you are bush hunting with a lighter load, a softer sole will suffice - and be quieter for stalking. Ankle support should also be considered, which goes hand in hand with boot height. Stalking boots tend to cut off at the ankle. Whereas in extreme weather, with heavy loads on your back, boots that go past your ankle to your calf are ideal. Preventing ankle injuries as they provide a lot more support. With the trade off being between bulkiness and weight vs support required.
This is where it is important to realise that one boot is never going to fill all the gaps. The same as you need different rifles or fishing rods for different applications!
The Boots we Recommend:
We recommend Crispi or GriSport boots for all North Island hunting in the various conditions you will be faced with. They are reasonably stiff, well insulated, and waterproof, while remaining quiet for bush stalking. They are reasonably priced for the technology you are benefitted by, and worn by nearly all our staff members.
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1. Game On Full Size Flocked Decoys:
This as the top pick, is all about adding size and realism to your spread. Drawing more ducks in, with increased visibility, and superior realism of flocked decoys!
2. Cupped Wing Calls 'The Mutt':
A quality duck call, such as the premium level offered by Paul from Cupped Wing Calls, is a need not a want!
Very handy to have around the Maimai, for repositioning or if you wish to have a quick shoot at a spot on the way home. You never know when you'll need one, but when you do, you'll be glad you did!
4. Spinner Winner Motorised Decoy:
Realism and Movement go hand in hand when hunting waterfowl. The Spinner Winner is the perfect way to achieve this without breaking the bank. Imitating a landing duck, giving those timid birds the confidence to commit.
5. Beretta 686 Over and Under Shotgun:
Beretta quality and reliability is unreplaceable when you need it most. A common staff purchase here at Hunting and Outdoors. Save some ammo - as there is only two shots to work with! While making the day more sporting!
6. Outdoor Outfitters Ultimate Mallard Family Pack:
Perfect pack to beef out, or top up, your spread or fill a small pond. A variety of different shaped decoys. Including feeders, sleepers, and active drakes and hens.
7. Game On Braided Call Lanyard:
Having your callers within reach at all times is a must, at a very low cost you gain a huge benefit. This one is a no brainer.
8. Winchester SX4 Mossy Oak Camo:
New from Winchester! And demo models tested by staff, meant this had to be in the top ten.
9. Game On Neoprene Game Carrier:
Super handy in the field collecting your limit! Especially if there's no Labrador about!
Keeping your ears protected is a big one while shooting Waterfowl. Especially in an enclosed space like a Maimai. Do it for your hearing! Available in Green, Blue or Black.
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On Quentin's most recent escapades, he decided to take a chance on the Fast Hunt gear...
His biggest pro was that it weighs next to nothing to carry around, and kept him surprisingly warm for a thin garment. The pockets are roomy & functional due to the zip size, & durability of the material. The Fast Hunt chest zip is long enough to generate very good ventilation. Making it great at both, insulating and cooling when required, a rare attribute in hunting garments. Where hunters often have to change, add or remove layers. Although Quentin would not recommend this as an insulating piece of clothing for colder months. It would be fine for more brisker mornings in late summer and early spring! - perhaps paired with a thermal base layer to be safe.
Also handy was its UV protection, SPF40+. Ensuring you don't get burnt as the day goes on in Spring and Summer. QP also found it was very quick drying, the material is advertised to dry 10x faster, and be 25x more breathable than a conventional cotton shirt. Stoney Creek are true to their word! After a few days wearing and a quick wash, it will be dry not long after being wrung out and hung up.
The only downfall for QP was for guys with larger arms wanting to roll up the sleeves. Hunters do this for a number of reasons, firstly cooling, washing your hands, cooking, and it is the first thing you do when gutting an animal. He found it was difficult to roll up the sleeves as they weren't very roomy. We have been assured the team at Stoney Creek are working on this! However the domed buttons work great and are very tough.
Overall, Quentin highly rated the Fast hunt gear, priding it on versatility, toughness and its lightweight. It packs down to next to nothing, and the tuatara camo, as usual, also did a great job. Playing its part in securing a number of Whitetail Deer this trip!
QP's Ratings:
Stoney Creek Fast Hunt Shirts:
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Gordo often chases Sika as well as Reds. His top tip is maximizing the usability of the AJ callers when in country that holds both species of deer. By having two soundcards, one for Sika and the other for Red Deer. This lets you capitalize on any opportunity you get given in the hills. AJ Deluxe callers and soundcards can be found on H&O website and in store at Fish City Hamilton. They are a staff favourite so there are always good stocks!
Gordo's next bit of advice is to do with footwear. Back to back days in the bush are best spent in boots that fit and are comfortable. He is of the opinion that boots are an investment, what you spend is relative to comfort and longevity of use. Secondly quality boots that fit properly shouldn't take long to break in. However a few walks and getting them wet before your trip is also highly recommended. Gordo's favourite, for the best balance between price point and quality, are the Irish Setter Trailblazers. A "superb" all round North Island hunting boot. If you require something geared towards more alpine hunting, Hanwag boots are worth a look!
Gordo with a sneaky Sika while roaring Red Stags:
Jayden is a big fan of the Hind Call. 'Number 4' on the AJ Productions Deluxe callers. Often stags will go quiet when you close the gap. However, he has found when getting in close, a big angry stag cannot seem to say no to the idea there are other ladies about!
Secondly, sleeping! Walking all day requires a comfortable sleep to ensure you're ready to go again the next morning. With the inflatable mattress' and sleeping bags available today - make this more than achievable. He personally is a fan of the Therm-A-Rest & Domex Halo sleeping bags, paired with a Therm-A-Rest Neo Air mattress. Which can all be found on the Hunting & Outdoors website.
No 4 Hind Call victim:
Quentin's top roar tip encapsulates safety. If you are new to hunting in the roar, hunting with someone experienced is imperative. This will teach you things like wearing bright blaze colours, gun safety, and roaring techniques - especially with other hunters in the area or on public land. This prevents misidentification of targets, and potentially roaring in other hunters. All which can be prevented by proper education. The best blaze colours are Hi-Viz Blue, Yellow and Orange. But keeping your blaze clean is another top tip, if possible. Blaze orange can quickly look like the red of a deer if covered in dirt, blood or mud.
Also making sure your rifle is zeroed' for the close nature of hunting angry stags in the roar. QP ensures this by purchasing a packet of his preferred ammo before his trip and having a few shots at 20, 50, and 75 metres. This is good peace of mind, and also much fairer on the animal - preventing wounded stags and guaranteeing a clean kill as often as possible. As these shots are rarely over 50m, it is important to know your rifle. Furthermore, a good soft point bullet, designed for close range shooting is optimal for this kind of hunting. As opposed to bullets which are designed to mushroom at longer ranges. The staff pick here at Hunting & Outdoors, in Fish City Hamilton, is the Federal Fusion load!
These boys are very passionate about hunting, and would love to offer you advice on locations, tips and gear to use when in the hills this roar. Ensuring you have the safest, and most enjoyable time on your adventures!
]]>On the first night, Rich went on a solo hunting mission. Shooting two yearling Whitetail Deer up high, in Coey bay. The rest of group explored other new country. But, unsuccessfully, returned back earlier to set up basecamp. Always a highlight of the trip in itself! This was followed by a fishing adventure for an hour or so, to keep six nice blue cod for camp food. The boys were shocked at how prolific they are down there, and aren't surprised the limit is twenty per person.
Rich with his young yearling Whitetail:
The hunters woke up to gorgeous weather on the second morning. The group split up again. To remain quieter in the bush and to explore as much ground as possible. For the most part again the boys were unsuccessful, however Steve spooked one right up close and saw the 'white tail' end of one running away, living up to name. Bloody grey ghosts! QP and rich tried their hand at freediving which was quickly given up on! They were not big fans, it is safe to say the Crays were safe!
QP all camouflaged up and ready for a hunt!
The third day was spent at camp due to the weather. The boys played cards and drank a few brews, and planned their approach for the next few days. Having gained a decent amount of knowledge about the block, and the Whitetails feeding behaviors in the area. The crew swore to capitalise on their insight over the remainder of the trip!
Few rainy brews and some card games!
After a big breakfast, on the morning of the fourth day, Steve ventured out on a full day mission. After a long slog he ended up shooting one directly behind the hut, but quite high up the ridge. The deer seem to like it up there where they can feed on fallen broadleaf and shelter behind logs and in the fern. Quentin found a wicked clearing with a broadleaf grove, further down the Lords river. He left the clearing and hunted his way around that area. Having no luck he retuned to the clearing that evening, but no whitetail. Cunning things!
Returning to camp Stewart Island style:
By the time the fifth day came around, the boys all a bit tired - slept in. They then decided on a later mission, to have another crack at a deer on the evening. Which naturally should be more productive. QP stayed and took care of camp, battling the waves, wind and rain attempting to fill up the 14ft Frewza tinny. The Stewart Island mode of transport! They found this real handy to get to different parts of the block making the most of the area and covering great deal of ground.
In the evening Rich and QP ventured back to the clearing now coined broadleaf grove, which had been discovered the previous evening. The boys sat down and waited patiently. Before long they were rewarded. Twenty minutes in, a nice young buck walked right in close to 10m away. QP and Rich gave each other the excited nod, and the bolt was closed. Click. The rifle dry fired, but the young buck didn't bolt, rather stood there staring at them. Rich re-cocked the rifle and it didn't let him a second time. Boom! Whitetail Down! A proud moment for the two hunters, love it when a plan comes together! The boys couldn't believe their luck, they thanked the animal before cleaning it and reminiscing on their journey back to camp.
QP with the young buck:
On the sixth day Rich went on yet another all day solo mission. QP battled the weather at camp, keeping the boat empty, all while the weather worsened. Facing massive tides and wind up to 120km/h. The wind was shocking down there! Steve ventured back an old tree stand he had found, finding a deer sitting below it less than three meters from him! Once again looking through his scope at the textbook white bum dancing away through the crown fern. Bugger not quite quick enough! Rich managed to standing shoot another yearling across a little gully, which was pretty impressive. Then made his way all the way back to camp, to relax and enjoy the last night of their trip and on Stewart Island.
The last day at camp was spent processing meat, reflecting on a great time with good friends, and packing up camp preparing for the long drive home back to the Waikato!
If you are planning a Stewart Island trip, and need advice as to where to head, gear to take, or logistics for planning and ensuring you have the best time you can. Pop instore to Fish City Hamilton and QP would be more than happy to help you out!
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