Intro to Tahr Hunting

What is it:-
NZDA member and experienced professional hunting guide, Phil Wilson is running another popular Tahr Weekend for NZDA members of the Southern Lakes/ Central Otago & Upper Clutha branches

The weekend is to be held at Ferintosh Station,  Mt Cook staying at the shearer’s quarters accessing public land by 4x4 and/or on foot.

For who:-
The trip is for those just starting out hunting to the more experienced members to either take new hunters out and/or hunt for themselves.

The pre-hunt meeting will be via Whats App at 730 pm on Wednesday the 18^th of October, link will be issued on payment of registration

Numbers/ Cost:-  
We can host 16 hunters at a cost of $95 per person.

(New and non members are $195 which will cover membership)

Bring: -
Weekend hunting equipment and a basic list can be provided if required, when you bring a rifle it must be sighted in and able to shoot 200m plus remember a DOC hunting permit is also required. For those without rifle you will be with someone with one so not an issue.

Accommodation:- 
Is at the shearer’s quarters,  bunk rooms plus 2 man huts with generator power, one toilet and shower, fridge, oven and coal range plus all pots, pans, plates , knives and forks please bring sleeping bags, pillows or linen plus own food and drink.

Transport:-
You can drive a car to the quarters if you have a 4x4 with two sets of chains then it may be required to get up the hill, motor bikes and 4x4 quads are fine too just let Phil know.

Dogs: -
You can bring your hunting dog if need be just let us know.

Agenda:-

INTRODUCTION TO TAHR HUNTING PROGRAM OUTLINE

Hunters need to arrive on the Friday afternoon/evening either way Phil will be there, and asks that you Whats App your eta when you get close. For those arriving by 4 pm we will go out glassing for tahr weather permitting and be back by 8pm for the safety briefing at 830pm.

20th Oct
4.30pm Searching for Tahr - field location (Optional)

8.30pm Welcome and Safety briefing  - Room

For those Members who have the experience and just want to do their own hunting after the safety briefing on Friday you will be free to do so as there will plenty of areas you can

21st Oct 
8am Weekend plan briefing - Room 

• Hunting safety briefing 
• Introductions 
• Staying safe in the mountains 
• Equipment, food and drink
• Packing back pack 

12pm Lunch followed by (outside) 

• Rifles and how bullets kill
• Sighting in and shooting rifles 

4pm Tea

5pm Planning your hunt - all carried out in the field (outside)

• 4x4 to search for tahr 
• Identifying tahr 
• Planning a stalk 
• Stalking
• Shooting and recovering 
• Dealing with meat and skins 
• Walking in the dark (approx at 9.30pm)

8am Safety Briefing - held in the room

• Recap of yesterday 
• Q & A 

10am moving outside we cover 

• Long distance shooting 
• 4x4/foot to search for tahr

4pm 

Option 1) Finish up hunting walk/drive back out and pack up then head home.

Option 2) Is to stay on hunting that evening depending on weather so plan on a late night home and/or the next day off work (Is labour day anyway)
The following is then covered in the field (outdoors) 

• Searching for tahr 
• Identifying tahr 
• Planning a stalk 
• Stalking 
• Shooting 
• Recovering 
• Dealing with meat and skins 
• Walking in the dark  

Note: Due to unforeseen weather conditions the above program may and/or will change on a day to day basis.

All questions to Phil Wilson please Whats App on 027 270 3006 (no cell coverage where he lives)