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MANAWATU
Special
Feature: Sambar trophy herd in coastal swampland
The Ruahine and Tararua ranges form a central backbone to the
lower North Island region bordering the wide Manawatu Plains.
Tussock covered summit ridges from the Ruahine skyline, fall
abruptly in steep-sided bush clad ridges into beautiful secluded
valleys. The high country supports only low numbers of deer due
to the relentless pressure from recreational hunters living
nearby in Wellington, Palmerston North and other urban centres.
Red deer are present throughout the main ranges and doing the
‘hard yards’ by tramping into the less accessible river
headwaters and climbing onto the open tops, a fit hunter can
achieve good results. Sika deer are gaining ground in the
northern Ruahines, displacing some of the resident red deer. It
seems likely that they will spread into the Tararuas as they
aggressively seek new territory and food sources.
Sambar deer have a unique coastal enclave, effectively concealed
in sand dune, pine forest and near impassable swampland. These
magnificent animals are built like bulldozers - solid and squat
and the stags carry even six point antlers. This protected herd
is controlled by balloted hunting within a limited season.
Initially the herd struggled to survive in a small range based on
Santoft Forest but now has expanded northwards. Farm escapes and
illegal releases have enabled sambar to spread into the
Whanganui, Mangawhero, Whangaehu and Turakina river catchments
east of Wanganui city.
Wild pigs occur in the Ruahines and Tararuas in small pockets
along the forest margins in scrub and fern covered foothills.
Goats are well established on the drier eastern slopes of the
Ruahines but are kept in check by culling.
Waterfowl are quite plentiful on Manawatu lakes such as Omanu
near Foxton, Koitiata near Bulls and wetlands at Makerua,
Waimahora and Pukepuke. Pheasant and California quail can be
hunted in a number of Manawatu forest areas.
Guided hunting for fallow trophies in regenerating bush on
private property is offered in Waikanae and helicopter fly-ins to
the Ruahines and Tararuas can be arranged at Paraparaumu Airport.
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