Whitetail Deer
Of all nine species of deer there are in the South Pacific, without question whitetail deer are my favourite. The reason why is simple; compared with all the other species of deer that I hunted, in order to attain my South Pacific 15, the challenge to secure a whitetail buck was by far my greatest. In all, I undertook seven hunting trips to New Zealand, five of which were to Stewart Island and two to the South Island before I realised my dream of one day taking a mature whitetail buck. In fact, I found the challenge so daunting, there were times that I questioned the whole exercise. For success to come my way, I had to first learn then implement new hunting techniques and unearth reserves of determination and patience I never knew I had.
Whereas whitetail deer numbers in North America are abundant and scores of magnificent trophy bucks are taken each year by a league of dedicated hunters, the same can't be said for the two remnant herds that are found in the wild in New Zealand. Gifted to New Zealand by US President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 for hunting purposes, the two small herds that survive today, in the areas where they were originally liberated, struggle to maintain their numbers through a lack of management by successive New Zealand Governments.
Even though many magnificent trophy bucks have been grassed over the years in New Zealand, the situation at present is a somewhat sad story. Whilst the odd top class head continues to be taken each year by the keenest of hunters, it would be fair to say, the challenge to unearth a mature whitetail buck from the wild would rank right up there, as one of his or her most difficult assignments, if the hunter holds true to the ideals of fair-chase hunting. From personal experience, I can tell you, the challenge is great, the hunting is superb, get out there and give it ago; you will have a ball trying.
As for the future of whitetail deer in New Zealand my one wish is, the authorities come to their senses and realise the worth of maintaining a viable wild herd, so future generations can enjoy what President Roosevelt, originally intended all those years ago.