While the primary purpose of the visit by Hunting Aotearoa was to review the quality deer management program in operation on the property, there was also time for a hunt enabling Howie to secure his first Sika deer – a management stag taken with a great 275 metre shot.

The review of the deer management programme was equally successful. Steve and wildlife biologist Cam Speedy were successful in locating all of the 10 stags carrying radio transmitting collars. The highlight was when Cam was able to “arrange” for one of the stags affectionately known as “tripod” to run past the camera – a great example of using the tracking equipment to locate a specific stag. It also showed just how tight a stag will hold in cover – Cam was literally almost touching the stag before it broke.

The Hunting Aotearoa episode featuring Poronui will feature on Maori Television in 2011. We’ll update you on the screening date and time as soon as it is available.

Here are some photos of the day: