Hi everyone, I'm an American hunter (from South Carolina) currently living/studying in Palmerston North, New Zealand. I've been a longtime reader here, but I only recently joined.

I love New Zealand, but I'm going to go crazy if I can't figure out a way to go hunting every once in a while. I've done some research on the internet and talked to local guys in the Fishing and Hunting store, and I think I'm in a good duck hunting area. Is that true? What about deer?

I'm an avid white tail deer hunter back in South Carolina...is there anything closeby that will offer a similar experience to that?

Thanks for any and all replies/advice. If anyone is ever looking for a hunting buddy, please let me know. I could always return the favor (deer hunting mostly) should someone from here be in the U.S.

Welcome,you are not going to find any whitetail as there are no Whitetail in the north island,i hunt around Dannevirke a bit and hope to be down there for the roar(rut)in April.There are some guys living in your area on this forum http://www.fishnhunt.co.nz/issues/issues.cgi

Cutman - you will be disappointed by NZ's whitetail deer in relation to your local deer. Ours are smaller and dont have heads like you are used to.

Those hills to the east and south of Palmerston North have plenty of red deer running about , and reds and sika to the north and north east . plus pockets of fallow all over , and sambur not that far north of you too.

Of course , as you have found , access is the problem. I would suggest asking at one of the local gunshops about contacts in the local Deerstalkers Assn. That would put you onto local hunters who would be able to help .

Otherwise , pm me or Top Predator for some more hints and help .....

Thanks for the replies. I knew there weren't any whitetails around here, but I'm happy to hear that there are other species closeby.

How's the duck hunting?

Duck season starts first saturday in May , runs for about two months and you have a prime duck river running through the middle of your town.

Once again , I suggest that you ask at one of the local gunshops for a name of a duckshooter who may be able to help you out .Local knowledge is the most important thing you can have as a newcomer to the area . Good luck