I'm going to hit the sambar areas hard this year and try to get a big snapper as well.

I have 2 big 10 day Tahr trips planned. Plus a few 1 and 2 day Chamois and red deer hunts.

Took my 6yo grandson fishing up in Auckland where he lives last day of 2023 and he got a couple of small snapper so not a bad pre start to 2024.

As always each year looking forward to the opening weekend of our gamebird (duck) season. We usually get in some good shooting with lots of birds. My young springer spaniel is a godsend, between her and my son's GSP we get all our birds retrieved and never lose any wounded swimmers now.

All going well weather wise, myself, three sons and a couple of their mates have a tahr block for a week from 1st June.

Will get in some deer hunting during the year down with my eldest son who lives in the shadow of Mt Hutt. Reports the area being overrun with deer and pig.

Just got to look after my health and body, at 72 the years start to be felt.

Fly-in trip into the Kawekas in Feb - havent been there for several years so be a nice break.

I MAY go duck shooting (if there is a season). Then it will probably be more sambar hunting (my favorite pastime) unless someone can suggest a good place to look for fallow.

I'm into time-on, too, Eagle, but so far can still walk and climb well enough, despite all sorts of issues with my feet and legs. My main hunting mate, who is 14 years younger, however, tried to break a piece of wood in his driveway but managed to break his leg and ankle this week.

Making plans to hunt Tahr and Chamois. Have hunted neither for several years.
Also want to look for a decent Fallow buck if I have the time.
Definitely will be Sika hunting through Autumn, Winter, Spring.
Will try getting back to Molesworth again. Had a great trip there late December '23.
Should be culling a few Goats soon, then again in Summer late '24.
Close to home will have some enjoyable walking hunts for Hares and Rabbits.
Nice to have all this ahead.
No overseas hunting planned for this year. Gotta rebuild the reserves after paying for my Zimbabwe and Turkey trophies getting shipped to NZ.

Best of all though is my hunting son wants to do some hunting with me this year. He's a very busy guy and had no time the last few years but has accumulated quite a few weeks of holiday time owing that he now wants to take. Happy days ! He is a great hunter and we always enjoy ourselves on the hill.

3 weeks march april NZ reds, a few humpy horse trips, NZ October spring reds maybe Tahr

Maasailand in October for Lesser Kudu, the gazelles and buffalo. Maybe something else before then when I am no longer a nurse. I will need a change of scene.

quote:

Originally posted by the Pom:
Maasailand in October for Lesser Kudu, the gazelles and buffalo. Maybe something else before then when I am no longer a nurse. I will need a change of scene.

Very sorry for what both of you, and your extended family, are going through Paul. Sadly, that sometimes is how life rolls and terrible situations arise. I know the outcome ahead will be difficult but I wish you the best in getting through.