WARWICK'S CORNER

Here I sit looking for words for yet another Warwick's Comer. But as in other years when there never seemed to be a problem finding a subject to write about, this year my mind is blank. The reason being, I have spent the last nine months ridding my system of Sambar deer. As you may have guessed I have retired from the Foundation. Yes, you read that right - RETIRED. It has taken a fair bit of getting used to no meetings and no forays into the countryside to check for Sambar sign or even a glimpse of a Sambar deer. It all got too much for me towards the start of last year's season and I made it known that it would be my last season, but before the season finished I ran out of oomph. I had no more to give and pulled the plug. I apologise to those of you I let down. I am sure the Foundation will move on without me. It is in good hands and progressing well. I wish you well.

I wouldn't be much of a hunter if I didn't fire a few last shots, so here goes.

Shot number 1:

Do you remember in last year's Warwick's Corner I wrote about deer vision and the use of blaze orange clothing. Well it hurts me to read of hunters loosing their lives while enjoying their favourite pastime. Thankfully no one has been killed during a Sambar Foundation hunting season and I hope no one ever is. I recommend it be made compulsory for all hunters to wear blaze orange - not only Sambar hunters - all deer hunters! But lets start by leading the way and set an example.

Shot number 2:

This too must also be aimed at the hunters. It seems to be the done thing to rubbish and sling abuse at the organisations that manage our hunting. It gets me down having to listen to the rubbish thrown at the Department of Conservation staff. These guys and gals are only doing their jobs. They don't always enjoy doing the things they do, but must, because of the rules and regulations. I have found it easier to work with them than to work against them. I have had some memorable moments working with the DOC staff. As for the other organisations that manage your hunting remember that the people you ring and abuse are volunteers. You are either ringing them in their own time or at their work. Most don't mind giving their time, but remember they are not paid servants. Next time you have a gripe and feel like ringing one of these volunteers give a thought to how much voluntary work you do for other's hunters' pleasure.

Shot number 3:

This is also aimed at volunteers - or the lack of. I was a founding member of the Foundation because I believed that local people should be managing local resources, rather than being run from the main cities. This we were able to do successfully thanks to a dedicated few. But the old saying "many hands make light work" doesn't seem to live around these parts. What I'm trying to say is more people are required for committee meetings, monitors and field research - especially from the Manawatu and Rangitikei areas. If volunteers can travel from the Hutt Valley, Dannevirke and Taranaki, where are the locals? I have enjoyed meeting people from all parts of New Zealand and from all walks of life. All of the phone calls I will miss, and have already noticed how quiet the phone is.

Shot number 4:

I hope I am not missing with all of these shots. I shouldn't be as I have identified my targets. Poachers are still active to a lesser degree than in the past, but still impacting on the number of opportunities for the legal hunter. I'm sure some of you out there know who these guys are and could help put them out of business. Just think that greedy *#@% is stealing your deer. Come off it guys, I'm sick of it - why aren't you?!

Shot number 5:

A favourite place of mine would have to be "The Swamp". Over the years it has produced a lot of deer. Be it bow hunter or rifle hunter, man or woman, some shooting their first Sambar and some shooting their first deer. What a wonderful place. The most unusual and unlikely place to hunt and shoot a deer. We must make sure it remains this way, I would like to see a plan to develop this area.

Step 1 - Dam the drain to raise the water level - because the flax is struggling to survive without the water.

Step 2 - Replanting of the grass area with flax - which could be done with working bee's.

Step 3 - A water hole dug to create greater wildlife diversity.

Step 4 - Replacing cabbage trees - possibly fence areas to exclude deer until trees are established.

Step 5 - Enlist the support of the Foxton Waterfowl group and "Fish and Game".

Step 6 - Put a plan on paper with a management proposal to the Department of Conservation.

I'm sure a management plan may be the perfect way to keep this amazing place for future generations. Please give it some thought.

Wow!!! For someone searching for words, I've done rather well - even fired my last shot. Finally I would like to thank the many people that have supported me over the years of Sambar Deer - particularly my wife, Lesley. Many thanks.

Happy hunting
Warwick