My Thoughts …

At NZRod&Rifle, we pride ourselves in printing and supporting articles from writers in areas or topics that are not typically your standard fare for a hunting and fishing magazine. In this issue, we have a special article from Terry Smith, whom I met when out hunting a few years ago. Fast forward to this issue, for which Terry has written an excellent article with a very important message: don’t ignore any health issues and go and get regular checkups. This message is particularly for any parent who puts their family first and their own health second. I’ll let Terry’s article speak for itself, but we at NZRod&Rifle recognise that this is a personal and difficult time for him and his whanau. We appreciate the effort Terry has made to communicate his message of warning to others during the battle he’s currently fighting.

In this issue, we’ve started a new series called From Tramper to Hunter. This is where NZRod&Rifle takes keen trampers, who are interested in hunting, on a three-day introduction to hunting trip, free of charge. All we ask is that they write an honest article of their experiences during this outing.

There’s a huge interest in hunting in NZ, but the tough task is finding someone to teach you. I believe if you’re able to introduce and teach new hunters, then you should. Our long-term future depends on as many people as possible partaking in this amazing pastime as well as lots of hunters sharing their experiences and the bounty of wild game meat. Hunting is ingrained in our history and in our DNA; it’s also a key life skill that not only teaches self-sufficiency, confidence and outdoor skills but is also a massive positive boost to any person’s wellbeing and fitness levels.

The Sika Show is upon us again team; it’s time to text friends, tee up meeting places, do your homework on new products and go and see every personality, retail outlet and hunting-related organisation all together in the one place. If this Sika Show can improve on last year’s fantastic event, we’re in for another cracker weekend. And if you’re heading along, do come and say hello – introduce yourself to us at our stand and maybe enter the NZRod&Rifle roaring competition on the Sunday afternoon. Hope to see you there!

Stay safe and shoot straight!

– Dave Benfell