Hunters gear up for roar

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 624, 20 February 1996, Page 7

Hunters gear up for roar

Sika and red deer stags in the central North Island have started coming out of velvet and polishing up their new antlers ready for the autumn rut, or mating period, known locally to New Zealand hunters as the 'roar' , according to the Department of Conservation in Turangi. Conservation officer Cam Speedy , who is responsible for animal management in the department's Tongariro/Taupo Conservancy, says the spring and summer have provided an outstanding growing season this year and antler quality should be high this autumn. "While the ash from Ruapehu has had some impact on the habitats and deer in parts of the conservancy, particularly the western side of Kaimanawa Forest Park, elsewhere velvet growth started a little earher than usual and there are some magnificent stags around at present," he said. Hunters wishing to hunt in the Tongariro/Taupo Conservancy this roar can obtain hunting permits by returning the completed hunting diary section of their permits for the previous permit period, detailing any hunting activity undertaken through the spring/summer period. Hunters who did not hunt in the central North Island over summer can write or fax details to the Department of Conservation office in Turangi.