Growing up in Otaki, in the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, the outdoors has always appealed to me, and I headed off dairy farming when I was 15 years old.

It wasn’t until I was around 23 that I started hunting. A mate introduced me, and it’s been an itch I simply can’t stop scratching ever since. This friend and I have hunted together for over 30 years now, and those experiences hold so many memories and laughs – there’s certainly more to be had.

I live in Taupō now and get out for a hunt when I can. It’s a good release and recharge from the day-to-day pressures of everyday life. Even just getting out into the bush and sitting, listening to the birds and the wind – it’s good for your soul.

Giving Back

I saw applying to become a council member at the GAC as a way to give back to hunting. I’m at the stage where hunting is much more than just heading out into the bush and harvesting an animal. For me, it’s now about making sure we have a sustainable population of quality animals to harvest, along with a healthy habitat that can sustain those animals so future generations can have the same opportunities to release and recharge that I experience through hunting.

The GAC has achieved a huge amount during my time on the council, and there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that many people don’t see or wouldn’t know about.

I think the GAC is moving in the right direction, and with the support of the sector, will be able to continue fighting for hunting and quality management of New Zealand’s game animals.

Managing Game Animals

Hunters need to be thinking about the management of the animals they hunt. While deer do need reducing in numbers in some areas, it’s important that hunters understand the best way to achieve this while also ensuring a sustainable hunting resource remains. Shooting hinds is the fastest way to manage populations and leads to better quality animals, better rutting experiences and more desirable habitat.

To me, hunters are New Zealand’s biggest conservationists. Kiwis love to hunt and share their success with family and friends. There’s a strong connection between hunters and conservation – we want quality animals to hunt and a good habitat to hunt in.

Giving Hunting a Go

If you’re new to hunting or keen to take it up, just give it a go! Hunting provides so many benefits to you as an individual, but also to the wider community. Jump online and give the GAC’s online hunter training platform a go at betterhunting.nz. Join a hunting club or the NZDA and complete practical training through NZDA HUNTS. There are plenty of opportunities to learn and connect out there; you just need to take the first step.

Wishing you safe and successful hunting.

John Cook is also President of the Central North Island Sika Foundation.

The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory body working towards the sustainable management of game animals and hunting.