My Thoughts …

Make the most of the cold snap!

Whether you’re hunting deep South or North Island beech forest, these sudden cold snaps and heavy snow throw up hunting opportunities for those hardy enough to leave the fireplace in search of adventure and fresh organic game meat. As the snow settles on our Southern Alps this June, canny hunters will realise the opportunities, as these weather fronts affect animal movement, habitat and altitude. Here are a few bonuses to hunting in a fresh snow dump or cold snap:

Animals, particularly deer, will look for warm, sheltered areas and stay there as long as the feed allows. This bunching makes them harder to find, but when you do, you can expect great hunting.

Animals are far easier to see silhouetted against the snow, whereas normally, rocky and bushy backdrops make them difficult to see.

In heavy snow, alpine animals like tahr can be pushed down nearer the rivers and again are a lot easier to spot and access when backdropped against snow. It’s also their rut period meaning their search for and need to be near their nannies makes them easier to hunt.

There are fewer hunters around!

With those points in mind, let these latest articles in this issue of NZRod&Rifle inspire and motivate you to have a few winter adventures – not only will it make you a more rounded hunter, but understanding how to target the effects of cold snaps and winter weather on animals will keep your freezer fuller for longer.

Good luck, and don’t let a bit of snow stop you!