“Bush Stalker” by Tim Stewart, self published. Available by e mailing <timstewart920@gmail.com> Price $28 plus postage and packaging $11, rural delivery $16 plus.
Reviewed by Tony Orman.
This is a book of deerstalking yarns and interspersed within the chapters are many invaluable tips for not only the beginner hunter but the well seasoned hunter too.
An example of the many handy hints occurs early in the book when the author writes “covering up your face with a camouflage scarf can buy the hunter some time. The deer must spend just that little bit longer on identifying that danger is prowling nearby. I also wear gloves so that the movement of my hands does not spook my quarry.”
Then follows a hint that many an experienced hunter will know i.e. of not washing hunting garb in washing powders that contain fabric brighteners. “These will result in a neon hunter alarming any deer that comes close,” the author adds. Then comes a wee gem that quite a few experienced hunters may not know of:- using “a handful of baking soda to wash dried blood off my hunting clothes and day bags, finding it does a great job.”
In amongst the hunting tales are ideas of siting an overnight camp relative to where the next day’s hunt will be. A poorly sited camp can make for a poor next day’s hunt as deer are alerted overnight by the hunter’s presence. In the “roar” there’s some great thoughts in amongst some exciting tales of roaring stags on techniques in imitating a roar and which way is the best to fool a stag.
Tim Stewart is well known to readers of the “New Zealand Outdoor” magazine for his articles that have appeared over the last several years. The book’s cover is striking and a superb design. Inside there are no photos which is a bit disappointing but the tales are absorbing and well told by the author.
He’s a regular and active hunter throughout the year mainly intent on putting meat on the family’s dinner table.
The author comes across as a thinking hunter with an analytical mind and an attitude that every hunt, whether you bag a deer or not, is a learning experience.
It’s ideal for the beginner hunter and because of the quality of tips – not forgetting the tales either – it should also appeal to the experienced hunter.
You never stop learning whether it is hunting or fishing. Nice cover.