First Bow Hunt

[Kiwi]

Recently I got my first bow, an Elite Energy 32. For a couple of months I practiced most nights and then thought it was about time I went hunting. I decided to take a week off and head to the South Island to hunt tahr.

My west coast plans changed and I made a last minute decision to head up the Rangitata. What a magic place! Very long drive after the ferry crossing between the North and South Island, but definitely worth it.

Spotted about 70+ tahr over the 3 days, but no big bulls seen. Got within bow range to a few of them. Got within rifle range to about 30 of them. It must be a bow hunters recurring thought - this would be easy with a rifle!. Was a weird feeling having a staring contest with a tahr at 80- 100 yards and knowing he's impossible to get. I didn't get any tahr on this trip but the buzz of being so close was definitely worth it. I had a better time with the bow and not getting anything than if I had shot a few with the rifle. I guess you could say I'm a bow convert.

Here are a few photos to give you an idea of the country.

 

[Rooster52]

Man! That is some rough country

 

[TheShootist.41]

Rough but beautiful

 

[fishing4sanity]

I think I pulled a muscle just looking at how steep that is, but beautiful area.

 

[El Jason]

I love it! Looks like some of the stuff we hunt chukars in.

Bowhunting is incredibly addictive.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Yes, its rough country alright. But if you take your time you can access a lot of it by using the river beds and tussock (mountain grass) areas.

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Did you come across any Hobbits on this excursion...elves perhaps?
Amazing country.

 

[Kiwi]

Did you come across any Hobbits on this excursion...elves perhaps?
Amazing country.

None unfortunately. After the success of the recent film series I believe they all bought large houses in Hobbiton.