BIG GAME.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17115, 9 April 1921, Page 5

BIG GAME.

WAPITI ABOUND TE ANATJ. Following up'on the report af Mr Moorhouse, a Government conservator who journeyed tcs George Sound by sea and brought back definite information as to the spread of tho wapiti, or-elk, and moose which were introduced from America in 1905, comes news that the wapiti,- at least, have crossed tho Saddle, seeking the warmer regions of the Lake side (says the "Otago Daily Times'). itany vigils of thwr presence wen' discovered by Messrs Cyril Caldwell and H. Paton, who have just returned to Dunedin .after spending three months in the country adjacent to the western shores of Lake 'le Anau and in the valleys leading to George Sound, on the eastern watershed extending to Henry's Saddle. Tho w.aj>iti is nest to. the moose in size, and is possessed of a stately grace and power which makes it an attractive-animal I when seen in its- haunts. Among numerous traces of the animals noted were that the lower parts of the trunks of certain classes of trees were strongly indented with hoof-marks, the animals evidently having stood ou their hind legs,-with their forafeot on the tree trunks, while feeding on' the green leaves near the tops. Mr Caldwell also picked tip the cast antlers of one of these animals on one of their many trails through the undergrowth, which, in places, is fairly open. Whenever a sandy beach was crossed .near a river it was\always noticed on their return tliat fresh hoof-prints were mingled with tho tracks of the party, indicating that .the animals had been on the heach in their absence. The first traces seen were at a distance of only four miles, from tho head of the north-west branch of the middle fiord of Lak<» To Anau, and indicated that the animals would he there in good numbers. The moans of access is not at nil difficult, as a ..voyage from Te Anau township of only three hours i in Mr Govan's launch brings one almost to the first indications. Mr. Govan, being the proprietor of Lake Te Anau Hotel, is the owner of a good motor launch, dinghy, and two canoes, and knows well the region in which the animals abound. It will be remembered that a track was. constructed about 20 years ago m George Sound, but it became exceedingly overgrown. It is now, however, free from obstruction, having been cleared by Messrs Caldwell and Paton, and is now in good travelling condition between the head of the north-west branch of the lake and the Saddle. It lies within a hroad field for deerstalking. There is. also ?, hufc on the. track, 'about .fight milefy ahead of the north-west branch of the lake, and it would be of great use to deerstalkers. It is still standing, and requires duly slight renaifV to make it verv habitable. When licenses are issued #f or the hunting of "big game in this region, and t>hen it •becomes hette.r known, it will probably bo otto of the favourite grounds for hunters.