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With the rut rolling, sharp-eyed shooters have been taking to the bush. During the roar, mating season for deer, stags make their presence known by emitting guttural ‘roars’ to attract mates.
Their bellows also draw groups of human mates keen to bag a stag or several while enjoying the great outdoors.
However, it is no free-for-all – experience and preparation are essential, says J.
“Slow down and prioritise safety. The roar is when the bush is busiest, so clear identification of targets is critical. Know your firing zones, be visible when moving and never rush a shot,” he says.
“For new hunters especially, hunting with an experienced mate and being disciplined about shot selection makes a huge difference.”
Recent changes to firearms legislation, intended (in part) to cut red tape, may swell the number of shooters this season, making it even more vital to follow the lead of seasoned hunters.
“Licensed hunters are already heavily regulated and generally take safety and compliance very seriously. Changes that reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve fairness and focus regulatory effort on criminal misuse rather than law‑abiding people are positive,” Tomlinson says.
“At the same time, strong safety standards and fit‑and‑proper licensing must remain non-negotiable.”
As previously reported, the roar begins in late March, but April can yield more success depending on the weather and the particular happy hunting ground chosen.
As secretary of the NZDA’s Drury-based South Auckland branch, Tomlinson is often right on target when it comes to where and when to hunt.
“There definitely are opportunities right through until the end of April. While peak activity is usually earlier, deer don’t just disappear once the roar quietens down,” he confirms.
“Later in April, you often see less hunting pressure, which can work in your favour if you’re patient and willing to put the time in.”
Unfortunately, an early season expedition to the South Island didn’t go as planned.
“About ten people from the club returned from a week-long trip to the Southern Alps. The weather was pretty miserable and the stags weren’t very vocal so early on, so most of us returned empty handed.”
If he doesn’t pay another flying visit to the South Island, Tomlinson will likely try his luck closer to home.
“I will focus my efforts somewhere in the central North Island as there are plenty of DOC blocks to choose from. The key is doing your homework, understanding access rules and being realistic about terrain and conditions rather than just chasing spots you’ve seen online.”
Whether they’re aiming to claim trophies or just to make a meal of it, hunters also help keep deer numbers in check.
“Recreational hunters play a very important role. They contribute significantly to controlling deer numbers, especially in areas where commercial control isn’t practical,” Tomlinson adds.
“Just as importantly, they tend to have a strong connection to the land and a vested interest in doing things properly, safely and sustainably.”
