A Marine Ecologist’s Book on the Secret Lives of Fishes

Book Review “Fishes of Aotearoa” by Paul Caiger, published by Potton and Burton, Price $79.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman Being insular in location, totally surrounded by sea, New Zealand with its minor islands has an aquatic ecology both in saltwater … Continue reading

More Galleries | 4 Comments

New Book on a True Deer Hunting Legend

“Finding Frank” by Louise Maich, published by Bateman Books, price $67.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman As a young deerstalker I remember the name Frank Erceg well. He was then a deer culler and a photo of him, rugged good looks … Continue reading

More Galleries | 2 Comments

ELECTION 2023 – Act Confident it will Woo National on Firearm Reform

From Newsroom The Act Party will fight to have the firearms registry shut down with its spokesperson Nicole McKee sure she can persuade National to rethink its support for it Act and National have a lot of common ground when … Continue reading

More Galleries | 9 Comments

Forget Boot Camps, do Outdoors Youth Training

Opinion by Tony Orman It’s difficult to understand the inward looking attitude of Police Minister Ginny Anderson to youth training camps. The title “boot camps” that she negatively uses is derogatory and distorts the intention and what they should be. … Continue reading

More Galleries | 10 Comments

A Stunning book on a Central North Island Station

Book Review “Blue Duck Station – The land, the rivers and the people” by Nicola McCloy, published by Basteman Books, Price $69.99 Reviewed by Tony Orman. The publisher’s blurb says of this book – “outstanding, amazing, fantastic and incredible and every other … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

Political Parties Disappoint on Fisheries Policy

With an election looming, a new survey by Horizon Research has found saltwater fishery policies are important to voters. A nationwide survey reveals most (79%) Kiwis believe bottom trawling and dredging should be phased out of inshore fisheries and replaced … Continue reading

More Galleries | 9 Comments

New Research Supports Managing Deer For Biodiversity Over Carbon Storage

NZ Game Animal Council Media Release 25 September 2023   New research shows deer have little impact on the carbon storage of our intact indigenous forests and supports biodiversity protection as the primary goal of deer management. The report, Review of … Continue reading

More Galleries | 3 Comments

Moves to Destroy America’s Hunting and Fishing Heritage Pandering to Radical Left?

Subtitle – Government agencies target archery programs, lead ammo and more to end hunting, fishing Based on an article by Luke Hilgemann Fox News, published September 22, 2023 In just three years under President Joe Biden, America’s hunting-and-fishing heritage is under attack in ways never … Continue reading

More Galleries | 1 Comment

NZDA’s New Operations and Marketing Manager

NZDA Press Release – 19 September 2023 NZDA is delighted to announce the appointment of Hugh Devereux-Mack as our new Operations and Marketing Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome Hugh to the New Zealand Deerstalkers National Office team,” said Gwyn … Continue reading

More Galleries | 5 Comments

The Problem Isn’t Firearms but a Dysfunctional Society

Opinion by Tony Orman Recently there was a stabbing spree overseas that left two dead, including the attacker who was fatally shot by police. Naturally people were horrified but there was no visible reaction that stricter controls were needed on knife … Continue reading

More Galleries | 7 Comments

That first Deer

by Ben Hope The American hunting author Larry Weishuhn, in Pear Flat Philosophies, wrote, “Most people’s lives are filled with firsts – first day at school, first date, first kiss, first car – but for me perhaps none of my … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

Welcome Reprint of a Great Tramping Guide Book

Book Review: “Tramping in Aotearoa” subtitled “New Zealand’s Top 45 Tracks” by Shaun Barnett. Published by Potton and Burton. Price $49.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman Shaun Barnett is already an established – indeed accomplished – author particularly in the field … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

“Mother and Daughter Tackle the NZ-long Te Araroa Trail” Book

“Adventures with Emilie” sub-titled Taking on the Araroa trail in 138 life-changing days” by Victoria Bruce, published by Penguin Random House (NZ), price $40. Reviewed by Tony Orman Author Victoria Bruce and her 7 year old daughter Emilie took on … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

Is Your Fish and Game Ownership Being Filched?

Currently the Wildlife Act is being reviewed by Government, i.e.  the Department of Conservation. Tony Orman highlights a vital section of it that prevents public ownership being taken over by privatisation. This article was written three years ago but is … Continue reading

More Galleries | 5 Comments

Public Opinion: Firearm crime up and registry won’t reduce it

Council of Licensed Firearm Owners – Press release A new survey has revealed that the public are noticing more firearm crime, but believe the firearm registry won’t reduce it, gravely weakening claims that the public support a registry.  A Clarity … Continue reading

More Galleries | 8 Comments

Democracy is Fragile Even in Outdoors Issues

Opinion by Tony Orman Way, way back in 1974 I wrote to the Labour government and in particular the Minister of Internal Affairs Henry May, about a government proposal to reorganise acclimatisation societies the predecessor of today’s fish and game … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

OSPRI’s 1080 Research Cause for Concern

by Dr Jo Pollard BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology According to OSPRI, the organisation responsible for controlling bovine Tb, 10 years of research have demonstrated “that 1080 can be used to control pests without harming native birds” (Media release, 1/8/23). OSPRI … Continue reading

More Galleries | 5 Comments

Rats Being Released to Combat Bird Problem

Special report Ship rats have been introduced to the  Lake Rotopiko Waikato wetland in an endeavour to combat the hundreds of thousands of birds that live there. The outcome is far from certain of theist under 50 ship rats released … Continue reading

More Galleries | 2 Comments

1080 Poison Damage Overwhelmingly Costly to Native Creatures

Special report A Canadian scientist Dr Alexis Pietak says New Zealand’s use of 1080 poison in its war against “pests” is doing extreme damage to the ecosystem and native wildlife species from birds to insects and other creatures. Her research … Continue reading

More Galleries | 7 Comments

The Green Party’s Plans for Public and Private Lands

by Dr. Peter Winsley The Green Party wants to facilitate the transfer of more public (or “Crown”) and private land to iwi, hapū, and whānau. The intent is to address inequities arising from Māori land loss, especially in the 19th century.The … Continue reading

More Galleries | 6 Comments