Written by Corey
Eight trucks, 32 members, and a mission to fill some freezers. After a short 4WD trip through Poplar Station and onto DOC land, we arrived at the Hope Kiwi Lodge. Kit was unpacked, tents were pitched, and plans for the afternoon began coming together. Three parties set out to take on the surrounding country wherefrom these efforts, one yearling hind was shot for the afternoon. A good first night was shared with some local trampers before we all called it a night and prepped for the following day of hunting. Five teams set off for the hills at the break of dawn, fed and eager to see what the country could provide. Over the day, lots of ground was covered. Some teams reaching elevations of 1840m and walking up to 35km! A whole range of animals were seen including deer, pigs, and chamois. The day was filled with exceptional views and some unreal terrain, which was topped off with the club bagging two decent-sized stags and two young spikers. The guns and boots were hung up and the club treated themselves to a well-deserved beer and a feed to finish off the last night at the Hope Kiwi Lodge. A sleep-in was enjoyed by many as the rain dampened an early morning hunt the following day. After a good clean of the hut, the utes were packed, and we were on our way back to Lincoln after a successful trip in some awesome South Island backcountry!
