“… two fallow bucks … each killed with a single neck shot .”
HUNTS course with him .
This time the wheelchair was left back at the shearers ’ quarters and the shooting frame and rifle were attached to the front of the Polaris . However , with the rifle being mounted at the front of the vehicle it would have taken an ostrich to get close enough to see through the scope from where Elliott was sitting ! Another simple modification did the trick , with the image from the scope being transferred back to a small hand-held screen .
We travelled the many tracks , popping up over ridges and down into the valleys . We saw animals that didn ’ t present a shooting opportunity ; we soaked up the beautiful countryside and enjoyed seeing the vastness of this property and what it has to offer . As the afternoon wore on , we saw a couple of pigs darting off into the fern . At
times like this we are reminded never to take anything in life for granted – we need to grab all opportunities and live life to the fullest every day .
Finally , as we were quietly driving up a steep section of track , we saw two deer off to the right on an old slip scar . Eon gave us the nod and Elliott nudged and tweaked the joystick with his chin and cheek while Dale held the scope screen for him . We all held our breath and watched as Elliott moved the crosshairs and rifle into place and then , with a slight turn of his head , the tube was in his mouth , a suck on the straw and the bullet was on its way . Instantly the deer collapsed and tumbled down the slip face . The second deer moved off slightly and then carried on grazing . Eon said , “ Shoot the other one too if you want ,” and Elliott tweaked the rifle into place with the controls , fired and two fallow bucks lay on the
ground – each killed with a single neck shot .
It was high-fives and handshakes all round and I ruffled Elliott ’ s hair as a tear of joy rolled down my cheek – true testament to just what can be done when you put your mind to it .
Mike and Dale rounded out the 2016 HUNTS course in style with an animal each the following day , thanks to the help and support that was provided by our hosts at Makowhai – and everyone else who had helped make this year ’ s HUNTS course possible . Too many to list , they included our guest presenters , DOC staff , club members who mentored hunters in the hills , MSC instructors , range officers , helicopter operators , landowners , course promotors and sponsors , and the team who brought the course together along with all 12 awesome participants . Everyone helped to ensure that the course provided an outstanding introduction to hunting for years to come .
NZ Hunting & Wildlife 196 - Autumn 2017 27