Since the decline of cannibalism over the last few centuries, social convention has forced men to turn to other fields to satisfy his blood lust. Thus evolved the noble art of deerstalking; in New Zealand a far cry from the horses, hounds and hoo hah of Medieval England, whose legal hunting was restricted to Lords, Nobles and Kings.

Although the term "deerstalker" implies that the hunter shoots only deer, in New Zealand, thanks to the foresight of the pioneers, a great variety of wild animals were liberated for both economic and sporting purposes, and of these a number of different species have established and spread themselves over large parts of New Zealand, some causing considerable destruction of protective vegetation.

Realising this, about 1930, the government labelled all wild introduced mammals "noxious animals" and so started the widespread campaign for "complete extermination." In the last few years the government has realised the recreational value of these animals and have modified the policy to one of "close control, except in critically eroded areas." This situation is still far from being realised.

Noxious deer!

Most well-known of these "noxious" animals are the Red Deer, first introduced to Nelson from Europe in 1851. Not many people realise that in New Zealand we also have Virginian Fallow. Sambur, Rusa and Sika deer, as well as the Wapiti (North American Elk) and a small moose herd in Fiordland.

Goats are in abundance, but a surprising amount of people don't realise that the delicate European antelope and chamois are also frequently encountered in the Southern Alps. Had all liberations been successful, New Zealand would have looked like a gigantic zoo to the overseas tourist hunter.

Every hunter has his dreams, and often as he sits vacantly in front of the camp fire he wishfully thinks of being in this position:

Wakes up.

Cooks breakfast over usual open fire.

Thinks: "Damn racoons have at the bacon again."

Thinks: "Will shoot a trophy gnu today."

Kicks squirrel off tent roof.

Rides to gnu hunting grounds but attention is drawn to a herd of mule deer so stalk them instead. A mob of kangaroos Interfere and all escape.

Still no gnu around so climb nearest mountain and shoot up a mob of bharal sheep.

Returning to camp shoot an Axis deer and find the bandicoots and chipmunks have chased Ilamas all over camp site.

However, this is just a hunter's dream, for the pioneer liberations were not quite so successful.

In spite of these unsuccessful liberations there is still enough game to make New Zealand a hunters' paradise.

Young club

The Victoria group was formed in 1962, so the club is young, small and very active.

It has endeavoured over its short life to arrange trips during long vacations and during the shorter breaks such as Easter, study week, and Queen's Birthday weekend.

Because a deerstalker is essentially a lone ranger, organising trips is difficult. It is not usual for more than [our members to go on any one trip, as any number above this becomes too cumber-some for successful hunting, so consequently transport has become the club's biggest problem.

The real value, therefore, of the club is to provide a means for shooters to meet, talk and arrange trips with the help of the gear that the club can provide and the pooled knowledge of its members.

Members' experience ranges from ex-government cullers to prospective hunters who have never seen a deer, and here the real value of the club becomes apparent.

The club has a certain amount of tramping and camping gear, which it is hoped can be expanded this year.

Map library

We are trying over the years to build up a map library and trip and hunting information in the form of available periodicals and publications, to be supplemented by members' own trip accounts. However, shortage of money has handicapped these plans.

Club trips in the last few years have included trips to Kaimanawa, Ruahine. Tararua and Rimutaka ranges. In the South Island, the Nelson Lakes are a favourite haunt of Victoria hunters. Last year a most successful trip was run to the St George (Seven Seas bar) and a great number of trophy animals were shot and reshot.

Club evenings are held at regular intervals and have included talks and film evenings. Any person who wishes to "return to the wild" is welcome.