FIRST MOOSE HEAD

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1929, Page 7

FIRST MOOSE HEAD

FROM DUSKY SOUND HERD. The head of the first moose shot in New Zealand and perhaps in the Southern Hemisphere was placed on exhibition in Invercargill on Wednesday and created much interest and admiration. Those who saw the noble and powerful head could well understand the tales .ithat hunters tell of the tremendous Strength of the moose and the real danger run in stalking them (says the “Southland Times”). The head measures 22 inches from the end of the snout to the base of the antlers and broad in proportion, while the aiftlers have a 38-inch spread. The animal stood seVen feet high at t>lie. shoulder. ' The moose was shot in April of this year in • ikisky Sound by' Mr E. J. Herricks, a sportsmarf of Hawke’s Bay, who had arranged a special tiip, extending for some weeks, to secure the one head allowed him by license. Three unsuccessful attempts had previously been made, in 1923, 1924, and 1925 respectively. The . Acclimatisation Society then discontinued issuing licenses until this year, when Mr Herrick’s license was granted, hut in the coining season, two moose licenses will be issued, each for one head. Moose hunting is one of the most sought after sports in the world not only because of the animal’s huge size, but because of the thrills of stalking one of the most difficult biggame animals in the world to secure. Although moose are the largest members of the deer family and often attain a weight of almost half a ton, they are able to get away at (the least sign of danger without leaving any noticeable traces. On Mr Herrick’s trip on several occasions he and his guide found resting-places where the ground was still warm from the moose’s body, yet no further trace of them could be found. Sportsmen agree that the speed at which they get away is really remarkable. The strength of the jaws is sucu that moose have been seen to seize saplings and tear them out by the roots with ease! Thait strength, the savage use of the forelegs, and their natural bold nature, make them dangerous animals to deal with, particularly when they have been wounded. The size of the head shown is a triumph of acclimatisation. In 1909, four bulls and six cows were imported, the gift of Theodore Roosevelt, then President of America, to the N.ew Zeitiand Goveu mrn/uit. All reports from stalkers show that the stock is flourishing. Opinions vniy as to the number the original ten have increased to, and estimates range from Mr L. Murrell’s estimate of less than 20, to Mr Donald’s belief that there are not less than 250.