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Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 March 1940, Page 9

Although for the best part of a decade relentless war has been waged upon the red deer, they are still plentiful in the South Island back country. This confirms the opinion repeatedly expressed by experienced stalkers, that the deer will never be exterminated. Constant shooting, however, has diminished their numbers to such an extent that their depredations, except in the far south, are no longer serious. Runholders, however, are apprehensive lest the war should result in a big increase in the deer herds. The absence of most of the professional shooters, who, being for the most part, fit, hardy, crack shots, and of suitable age, make excellent soldiers, is likely to mean that the deer will be permitted a truce until the hostilities elsewhere are ended. Wherever the Government shooters have carried out a prolonged campaign the deer have been reduced to such an extent that it is rare even in the rutting season to see more than six or eight in a herd, and at this time of the year more than two or three beasts together, where formerly twenties and thirties were common.