|
WANGANUI
Special
Feature: Fallow herds with the North Island’s best
trophy potential
The largest lowland forest in the North Island spreads across the
Whanganui National Park, straddling the Whanganui River.
The upper reaches of this river - the longest navigable waterway
in New Zealand, are cloaked in dense rainforest on razor back
ridges and deep valleys largely devoid of man-made tracks. To the
west is an endless skyline of bush ridges across the Matemateonga
Range and to the east is equally inhospitable bush country
plunging into the Mangawhero and Whangehu river catchments.
Red deer are the predominant game species and generally thrive
throughout the region. Moderate to high densities occur up the
isolated creek heads on tributary rivers, where jet boat and
helicopter access is difficult.
Fallow deer range across large areas on either side of the
Whanganui River, especially where farmers of a bygone era have
been forced to abandon their holdings, which are slowly
regenerating into native bush. The mix of bush, manuka scrub,
fern and lush grassy swards in these old farm blocks is heaven
for the small, elusive fallow, which have the luxury of good
grazing land interspersed with ample ground cover.
Wild pigs are quite numerous in the Whanganui River catchment due
to its relative isolation. They prefer the marginal lands just
like the fallow deer, so a hunter can inadvertently disturb a
resting mob while patiently stalking a deer - a double whammy of
excitement and surprise.
Goats are present in high numbers along the main river margins
and in scattered groups elsewhere. Periodic jet boat hunting
culls temporarily restrain the resident herds along the Whanganui
riverbanks.
Mallard and grey ducks are quite numerous in the Waimarino area
between the Retaruke and Mangawhero rivers, especially on farm
ponds. This is a great game bird area renowned for its paradise
shelducks and Canada geese. The coastal sand dunes, pine
plantations and bush-lined streams support good populations of
pheasant and California quail.
Guided fair chase fallow stag, red stag and sambar hunts on
private land can be organised in Wanganui. Heli transport is
available to remote areas of the Kaimanawas, Kawekas and Ruahines
from Wanganui, Taihape and Raetihi.
|
