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A reader’s question about hunting

by Whaleoil on October 10, 2012

A reader has emailed me with this conundrum:

Hi Cameron, how’s it going.

Just read your post ‘kill, clean etc‘ I have long been in conflict with the belief, if I can’t kill something then do I deserve to eat it, why should I let someone else do the dirty work.

That being said I haven’t been able to go vego, but I also don’t have any hunting skills, none in the family or friends.

So my question, do you have any advice on getting into hunting, would it be via clubs?

All valid questions, and I can certainly sympathise with not going veggie. Perhaps the manly types might like to share some tips.

Off the top of my head Deerstalkers would be a good place to start.

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  • http://www.whaleoil.co.nz Whaleoil

    Another reader emailed:

    “Yes, A mate I sponsored for gun license is currently doing a course
    with Auckland Deer-Hunters. It is very comprehensive and runs over 8
    weeks starting with the basics and ending with 2 hunting trips, about
    2 lessons a week. I would recommend it.”

  • 2ndAmendment

    Clubs are good for seals, piglets, rabbits if you can catch ‘em. For more than that, I suggest a gun.

    • Travis Poulson

      You can say some dumb shit sometimes.

      • Lofty

        Oh come on Travis, it was pretty funny really.

        • Travis Poulson

          Nope. He left out cats. Unforgivable.

    • Vlad

      Don’t be stupid

    • Steve (North Shore)

      I thought it was a fun play on the English language.

    • Goldie

      2nd Amendment – made me spill my drink laughing.

  • Bunswalla

    I’ve never had the opportunity to go hunting but I have no qualms about eating meat of all kinds. If you narrowed your diet down to only those animlas you personally killed, in order that you “have the right” to eat it, it will be a bloody boring life. I use the barter system, and the fish and crays I get are shared around. Likewise I get given venison from my hunting friends, and meat from my farming mates, and for the rest I find a good butcher and vow never to buy from a supermarket.

  • Vlad

    Deer Hunters sounds like a good start. If you are well cashed up, maybe a go out with a guide would be a good though expensive way to bag your first feed? I admit I speak with no recent experience to say the least but distant memories of having bowled goats pigs and deer and somewhat easier quail and ducks in my youth are pleasant. These days I bludge off mates and relatives. Always hoping for a slab of venison from Whale, but I admit family comes first.

    • Travis Poulson

      I think you mean New Zealand Deerstalkers Association?

  • kowtow

    Maybe he should start with a spot of fishing.Easier than getting a firearms license and he can hone his kill clean etc skills before moving up to mammals?

  • rouppe

    Not to mention going to a rifle range to get some practice at actually hitting the thing you aim for…

  • cows4me

    Probably killed thousands of animals over the years with most been varmints. Getting older now and don’t really hunt as much as use to, probably done enough killing though still go with the kids now and then. I wouldn’t feel guilty about eating meat but not killing to provide it. The reality is that many now live in cities and simply don’t get the chance, I would not think you any less of a man for not doing so. Perhaps if you have your heart set on killing something you might start with smaller game.I have friends and relations that come from a urban environment, they enjoy duck shooting or spot lighting, general small game hunting on our farm. We also do a lot of trap shooting, perhaps if you joined a club you may meet others that would be willing to take you hunting. Where there is the will there will be a way.

    • davcav

      Hate to imagine how many South Otago rabbits I killed in my younger years.
      Been hunting for bigger game but these days I mainly enjoy getting out on rivers and lake for a spot of fishing.

  • Brian Smaller

    It is not just hunting that provides meat. Having enough space to grow our own meat means that we supply about 90% of our protein ourselves.

  • Helmet

    Mountain safety council hunts course is the absolute best way to learn if you ask me. It’s cheap and all the free stuff you get pretty much covers the cost anyway

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