60 Years A Deerstalker

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 4

60 Years A Deerstalker

You’ll Learn No Harm From The Hills. By Newton MeConochie. A. H. and A. W. Reed 200 pp. . Although Newton McConochie’s book follows a long succession of works written in recent years about New Zealand's back country and its trophy hunting attractions, his must rank as one of the foremost because of its presentation of the highest ideals of sportsmanship practised over a career of more than 60 years. The author’s name is synonymous with deer stalking in New Zealand. His close study of the deer and other wild life has made him an authority in these fields. Mr McConochie was born and raised at Glenhope, a quiet, bushed area in Nelson province. He came from a pioneer farming family, and grew up with an inborn love of the wilderness. During his childhood years the red deer

first established themselves in his valley and they became the focal point of his interests. He saw the early build-up of the herds, and experienced the golden age of trophy shooting during which he gained outstanding heads of wapiti, red deer, and other game animals. His quest for perfection in these animals has taken him into every mountain region in the South Island. The enthusiasm which the author has shown for deer stalking and the high country life over more than 60 years is evident in his writing. Yet he has given back much more to the sport than he has taken from it. He is widely known for his encouragement of the younger generation of shooters. His book will be of value to every young shooter because of its emphasis, by personal example, of principles of mountain and firearms safety, respect for the mountains and native bird and animal life, and consideration for high-country landowners. The author’s reasoned views on many aspects of deer management and control are worthy of study. They carry even more weight when the author’s interests as a landowner as well as a sportsman. and lover of wild life, are taken into account. The book contains 36 photographs of New Zealand-class heads obtained by the author and shooting companions, and the remote areas in which they were taken.