another hunter kills person in nz again

[recurveron]

There is no way that I would plan my walks at places where hunting is allowed.

Thats a shame , as that would rule out most of the Alpine National Park including the Moroka river , Snowy Bluff area that you have just enjoyed .

I should add that the only hunting permitted in the National Parks is for Deer only and you have to be suitably liscenced ( Game and Firearm) and also have recomended minimum calibres.

You'll find most hunters to be quite normal ( i think i am ) law abiding, everyday people , the only way you would tell We were hunters from other bush users would be from the clothing ( yes mostly camo) and of course the gun, which makes getting the pack wieght down that little bit harder.

We gain access to the same area's as bushwalkers onlong tracks but most hunting is done off track where MOST walkers dont go. As in all cases there are the ones that do the illegal things like gaining access in vehicles behind locked gates and spotlightling for deer , these are your typical yobbo redneck, and its a shame people associate them with responsible hunters. Sorry for getting off topic , regards Ron

[tasadam]

As in all cases there are the ones that do the illegal things like gaining access in vehicles behind locked gates and spotlightling for deer , these are your typical yobbo redneck, and its a shame people associate them with responsible hunters.

That's the problem with a lot of things about stigma, it sticks.
To a non bushwalker, we could be seen by some as a bunch of greenie tree huggers.
End of the day, I treat people as I find them, regardless of recreational pursuits.

[dplanet]

There is no way that I would plan my walks at places where hunting is allowed.

Thats a shame , as that would rule out most of the Alpine National Park including the Moroka river , Snowy Bluff area that you have just enjoyed .

I should add that the only hunting permitted in the National Parks is for Deer only and you have to be suitably liscenced ( Game and Firearm) and also have recomended minimum calibres.

You'll find most hunters to be quite normal ( i think i am ) law abiding, everyday people , the only way you would tell We were hunters from other bush users would be from the clothing ( yes mostly camo) and of course the gun, which makes getting the pack wieght down that little bit harder.

We gain access to the same area's as bushwalkers onlong tracks but most hunting is done off track where MOST walkers dont go. As in all cases there are the ones that do the illegal things like gaining access in vehicles behind locked gates and spotlightling for deer , these are your typical yobbo redneck, and its a shame people associate them with responsible hunters. Sorry for getting off topic , regards Ron

I can recall a terrified experience when I had been with a walking group many years ago; but can't recall exactly where the walk had been. The shooting had been so close (within 70m ?) that we had had to stop. Because of high scrub, we had heard only voice and steps moving towards us; therefore, we had tried to make loud noise to be heard.

Recently, my friend and I walked in the Moroka with the info about the walk mainly based on the guidebook “Bushwalks in the Victorian Alps” and on some updates from the forum. Will have to look into ParkVic as well.

[puredingo]

I remember a few years ago I was walking through a pretty remote area of scrub (which I'm not entirely sure I should of been in?) and while making my way across a grassy flat this figure emerges about 50 mtrs ahead of me, all decked out in camo gear carrying a BIG rifle. We just stood and stared at each other, me hoping that he identified me as NOT a ranger and who knows what he was thinking. I just turned my back and stated walking away anxiously hoping that the next sound i heard was not the bolt on that rifle engage.

On the other hand I've often thought that if it was legal for me to carry a little .22 on my walks the amount of feral cats, fox, piglets , goats and deer I could have exterminated over the years there would be a lot more blue tongus, lyerbirds, scrub turkeys ect getting to live their life to old age.

[recurveron]

I must admit it would be confronting to meet someone carrying a gun while out on a walk, especially if not expecting it and not used to being around firearms .In the unlikely event i was to see someone when out hunting i would try to stay out of sight or approach just to find out there movements so as not to enchroach on there space. But please dont be put off by hunters being in the same area's . My next walk will be along the moroka following part of the Mc Millan walking track at the end of this month , only really get to do 2 walk ins a year.

[hairbear]

Hi all,
strange that most people seem to shy away or feel threatened , when you see some one hunting , have come across a few walkers ,some have abused me , others have turned around and gone the other way , when all i want to do is say G'day, have a yarn,maybe even a cuppa , just really want to know, which way your going ,and where you came from ? , is there another group coming ? so i can hunt some where way out of your way , and we all can enjoy
Now days , i just sit and watch you's go by , totally un aware i am there ? does that make you feel better ????
i am guessing Not !
next time you see a hunter , give them a wave , so they know your there ? even stop for a chat , some of the things i have found down in them dark gully's might interest you , old mining equipment , front half of a WW2 fighter training plane , and other strange things , fresh water springs that are just a trickle in mid summer ...ect

Thanks
Andree

[puredingo]

G'day hairbear,
regarding my post I didn't walk away through snobbery, anger or intimidation I walked because I knew...and so did he..that the hunter was in an area he totally should not have been in. I was being a bit naughty being there myself but to be hunting in there is seriously criminal. So this was a case of some things being better left unsaid.

I suppose I should clarify I'm a hunter myself and tonight in fact a layed low a BIG fox dog at 40mtrs with open sights.

[hairbear]

G'day Puredingo,
Yeah I can understand ,Was not trying to point at anyone , just general observation . I have had some run in's with various people , even had my car trashed,while out hunting , not the best feeling after 10 hours of hopping ridges , then walking a further 30+km into town ,only to be bailed up by our police services, but turned out well , quite interesting , some mugs where working over hunters vehicles looking for weapons ...ect , then spraying car with some nice anti hunting slogans
But it's good to hear you are using open sights , it's a skill worth honing ! I Still use open sight on my sambar

[Lindsay]

While on the subject of hunting, why do some hunters feel the need to wear camouflage clothing? I believe that deer and other prey are mostly colourblind and see movement rather than shapes, so is there a reason or are some people just acting out a military wannabe fantasy? (Genuine question here - hunters please don't take offence)

[Macca81]

While on the subject of hunting, why do some hunters feel the need to wear camouflage clothing? I believe that deer and other prey are mostly colourblind and see movement rather than shapes, so is there a reason or are some people just acting out a military wannabe fantasy? (Genuine question here - hunters please don't take offence)

spot on. Hence why the camo wearing hunters can wear a fluro vest and the dear be none the wiser

[walkinTas]

You answered your own question Lindsay. The camo isn't to hide the hunter, but to hide the shape. Doesn't matter if the deer see the world in grey scales or not. Blending the edges of your shape into the surrounding bush, hides your basic shape. These days a lot of hunters wear orange camo - human visible. Grey camo to deer, and still camo that blends you into the surrounds. Then all you have to do is learn to keep still while walking around looking for deer.

[north-north-west]

*shrug*
I've done plenty of off-track walking in deer-hunting areas during the season and am still alive. Of course, I've yet to bump into a hunter who knows me . . .

[Rob A]

Only becuause you havent been carried off by a man eating dingo.......