Kaimanawa Hunt
Keith, Robert and I were off to the Kaimanawas for the big hunt, with plenty of deer bounding around the hills in front of us waiting to be shot according to Keith! The weather was good the week before so we where hoping for similar to be produced for us while hunting. Wednesday was fine and after thinking that I would have to walk down to Taupo as Keith and Rob were late we were finally off. A quick stop in Taupo for the supermarket shop we were off to Air Charter Taupo for the flight into the Boyd. Plan was to stash some extra provisions in the tussock then walk to the Tussock Hut stay for a couple of days the back to the Boyd for 3 days. After the great flight we arrived at the Boyd air strip to encounter a couple that wanted to hitch a ride back with Christine to the North Arm. Seems that the lady in the party was lost out for 2 nights and the male partner out for one of those nights after finding her, then walked down to the Boyd for help. Just goes to show you can get lost in the Kaimanawas. These people were very lucky to be alive, ill equipped (nothing But the clothes on their backs and one rifle) and no food, compass etc and lucky it wasn't two days later.

We got sorted and after 3 hours of walking we arrived at the Tussock Hut. Three hunters already there so with six bunks it was going to be cosy. The weather was deteriorating as it started to drizzle half way there. After talking to the other hunters in the cabin we found out that we weren't very welcome so we may a decision to fly camp up the top of the Harkness valley. This didn't please the other hunters and advised us that it would be better to walk over to the Harkness as they would be hunting in this area! (I don't think so). Luckily Keith our Saviour brought some tarps so after setting up camp, we were off for an evening hunt but with no success. Rained most of that night and woke up to a frost. Breakfast was had and off for the day, Keith and Rob one way and me the other. Little did we know that it was snowing lightly out on the tussock as I found out when I walked over the tussock to the Mangapapa saddle.

After hunting the morning I arrived back at camp about 3'ish to find Keith and Rob back also. Snow was coming down pretty well by now. Late lunch then back out for an evening hunt. More snow. Back before dark. No success today for anybody. More snow. A fire was built to save us from the ravages of winter (this was early October). Dinner was welcome, then some hefty drinks to help sleep most of the night. Morning came early. We packed up then departed after a quick breakfast of muesli bars and hot tea. Did I mention it was snowing! Past the warm and not so inviting Tussock hut and off to the Boyd for an arrival of 1 pm. No hunting just warming up and drying of boots etc. We were welcomed by Bruce Thompson who works for Air Charter Taupo with hot tea, good to see most people are friendly.

Three more arrivals by plane and we had 7 in for the night. Snow had stopped by now, cause we were in the hut!
Next day we had great weather with Keith and Rob one way and me another. Ivan, wife Wendy and daughter Taylor were going to hunt around the hut. I had no success but saw heaps of very fresh sign in the snow, and I was expecting something just around the next ridge but the wind was doing me no favours. Keith and Rob got on to something early in the morning. Keith went one side of the ridge Rob the other. Keith spotted a spiker looking around the side of a tree, bad thing to do, with Keith sorting him out. I arrived back early then Keith and Rob about an hour later. Ivan had shot an 8 pointer (Keith did a quick Douglas score of 137) just below the hut in the morning with five shots to dispatch him. Three low, fourth shot nearer, fifth in the chest. Not bad considering from one side of the valley to the other (300m + shot).Some good food and company was a good way to finish a great day even though I didn't get anything.

Next day I had to go up to the Boyd Rocks to make a phone call to my lovely wife as I thought we were going out that day but we still had one more day in this paradise. Late last night some more hunters arrived from the Oamaru after a ten hour tramp. Took half an hour to get from the Boyd air strip to the hut. They were totally shagged. Keith went back to the same area as yesterday as they had disturbed another animal the day before. While I was going up to the rocks I came across the two late last night hunters going up to make a call also. With the wind up our butts we were making our way up quickly. Near the top I came across some fresh sign. With a slow look around at the bush line I made my way to the top to make the call when I spotted a stag legging it up to go over the second saddle behind the Boyd Rocks. With no rest, puffing and no time to think I put a shot in front of him to stop and have good shot but he turned on a dime and disappeared back down the hill before a second shot was had. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it ). I didn't see any thing for the rest of the day and neither did anybody else. Found some good spots to hopefully go back to one day if my lovely wife is good enough to let me. More good food and company to finish the day off. Last day came and we were packing for a 10 o'clock departure. The weather wasn't looking good at all with a mean southerly coming in. Down at the strip we were there with Bruce as he just got back from the private block. 10.30 and in came Strout in his chopper he had just dropped some hunters in the Harkness. He said the weather was getting worse and the Chris wouldn't be able to get in so he would take us out. This was great as Rob and I hadn't been in a chopper before. We had a magnificent ride over Poronui Station. Thanks Strout. This just topped off a great trip with a few character building moments.
Out with some meat and great memories. Thanks Keith and Rob for the brilliant company. Dennis T.