Hunting for the head

Crisp air, snow-capped mountain scenery, earthy smells of manuka and beech forest, heaving lungs and a pulsing heart rate, man did it feel good to be back out in the hills!

WORDS BY WILLIE DULEY, PRODUCER, NZ HUNTER ADVENTURES

I could feel weeks of tension, stress and grief (as well as litres of sweat!) simply lifting out of me with every step I took.

I appreciate many did lockdown and are still doing Covid-19 much harder than I did in my privileged and opportunity filled Kiwi life so I say all this with a grain of salt, but to be stuck in an old farmhouse miles away from the mountains for the entirety of the roar, well that was pretty tough for me.

Rightly or wrongly, Level 4 lockdown saw the recreation of hunting despite its isolated nature 22 REAL FARMER and comparatively low injury rate, deemed off limits and understandably, my business was not considered an essential service, although some diehard viewers might disagree! Could our Covid-19 situation have been handled better given we are one of the most isolated countries in the world? Yeah probably, but I sure as heck wouldn’t want to be in charge of steering the bus through the unknown… The thought of the show now being a whole season behind in production and marketing budgets (which are the bulk of my income) being first on the chopping block, coupled with the tragic loss of a couple of close friends entering the lockdown period, was enough to make me feel a bit like a lab rat in a cage being poked and prodded with no outlet to release what I was feeling. Me ol’ noggin seems to be fairly resilient though and I had an endless amount of work to keep me occupied, but I do sympathise for the many rural folk that find things get on top of them and then struggle to find ways to shake it. Roll on Level 3 and an allowance was made for hunting to take place on private land within your ‘bubble’. We were back on the hill from that very first morning and absolutely embracing our newfound freedom! But why did it feel so good? I’m a firm believer that the simple task of climbing a mountain is good for the soul and to steal a quote from Newton McConachie, “you’ll learn no harm from the hills”. This year illustrated to me beyond all others just how good hunting is for people’s wellbeing. Beyond the obvious physical benefits of exercise and providing the ultimate ethical and free range source of kai (pipping grass fed beef and lamb at the post in my highly bias and unqualified opinion), I am also becoming ever aware of the mental health benefits gained from hunting. Hunting in the mountains is all consuming, right from the get-go, you become engrossed in small everyday challenges, like getting from Point A to Point B while carrying a heavy pack on your back, scaling mountains, searching out likely

areas where animals are living, bush cooking with minimalist equipment, and even basic survival instincts like finding water and shelter are critical if you want to come out of it all in one piece. Listing these off makes me laugh as on face value, I’m not making hunting sound super inviting. Admittedly, hunting does often fall under the category of ‘Type 2 Fun’, you know like when something isn’t actually fun at that moment. In fact, it feels much like suffering. It’s only after the event, and in reflection, that you come to realise you actually had fun! Nonetheless, I find that hour by hour, day by day, my worries and stresses from home and work just fade away and that the mountains and hardships you are forced to overcome when hunting have an incredible way of putting life in perspective, what’s really important and what’s not. By the end of a trip, I head home a new man. I’m carefree, happy and positive like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I even look forward to sitting at an office desk, well for a day or two at least! I realise hunting is already a popular pastime among our rural communities but an observation I have made (though I’m by no means an expert on the matter), is that some who struggle with mental health are those that don’t have an outlet by way of an extra passion or hobby beyond their normal day job, an extra purpose beyond work and family. Some might work on the farm day to day and then spend all their spare time also working on the farm because there’s forever another job that should or could be completed. I accept it’s ‘easier said than done’ and my own transition from a cushy rural banking job to running my own business on the bones of my backside was a shock, going from a stress free lifestyle with no real risk or skin in the game to suddenly struggling to leave the desk and shut-off from work as there was always something that needed doing and I continually seemed to be behind on deadlines. I probably blur the lines here a bit myself and I’m sure it’s similar for many famers, where to a large extent our passion, whether that’s hunting or farming, is also our day to day job and that’s why we go the extra mile and stick at it. I’m lucky in a way that I still get enjoyment from trips in the bush even when a camera is in tow, and I manage to regularly squeeze in recreational hunts with my partner and friends as a ‘weekend warrior’ to keep the freezer full and mind clear. I think farmers can easily relate to hunters and vice versa as there are many parallels between us, particularly around the challenges we presently face. Our way of life is under attack more than ever before, we are constantly having to defend our jobs and pastimes and fight for commonsense outcomes, which is undoubtedly hugely

ABOVE: The freedom of the hills and mental outlet they provide is not to be overlooked ABOVE TOP: The great thing about hunting is it’s a sport for everyone, male and female, young and old LEFT: The hunt consumes you with overcoming everyday challenges

taxing on our mental state. You can’t nurture and even encourage intensive farming practices and hunting businesses like Regional Councils and DOC have done over the last 10 years, collecting their consent and concession fees along the way, then suddenly pull the rug from under those people’s feet and expect them to change and adapt overnight. By in large, we all agree change needs to take place and things can be done better, but the rationale and process of that change is key to get full ‘buy in’. While all the people I’ve introduced to the sport, irrelevant of their backgrounds have embraced it, hunting is understandably not for everyone. I think however any sport that involves some form of graft and mountain scenery is good for our mental state, mountain biking, tramping, rock climbing and mountaineering are a few others I’ve dabbled in that have given me a similar release. A lot of people tend to measure the success of a hunt with securing a trophy head. The older I grow and the busier life becomes, it seems the real trophy of a hunt is being able to clear one’s own head, reset your mental space and return home ready to live life to the fullest.

Summer Style

SUMMER COOKING MADE EASY Make sure you have your summer dining table essentials on hand when entertaining.

Quality carving sets such our Victorinox 2-piece set will last for many more Christmas hams to come.

Keep the seasonings handy for all your dinner parties and barbeques with the elegant but durable

Cole & Mason Lynhurst Salt and Pepper Mill Set. CHRISTMAS PANTRY ESSENTIALS Get your pantry ready with our wide range of food options available in store. From our popular range of delicious cakes to boxes of chocolate to our locally sourced Crozier’s turkeys and range of condiments, Ruralco has convenient options for your trip away to the bach or Christmas party. FORKING Make this christmas merry and bright with Tiff’s table styling tips. Decide on a theme. For a traditional look, Simple foliage and florals are very much on of eucalyptus or pine to your centre piece or table runner. Add some warmth. Candles can add a cosy fragrances such as pine and cinnamon. Incorporate some elegance. Consider adding napkin rings and classy candle holders to add some sparkle to your setting. The Prebble family have produced Flax

Seed oil in the heart of Canterbury for over 25 years and are involved in every step of of the production process of their products.

The best-selling Instant Pot Duo multicooker not only replaces seven appliances but speeds up cooking and saves up to 70% of the energy used in traditional cooking methods. The Instant Pot brings quality and convenience with sauteeing, steaming, slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking and even yoghurt making capabilities. Check out this mouth watering BBQ ribs recipe from Instant Pot. The perfect

TABLE ESSENTIALS

COLE & MASON LYNHURST SALT & PEPPER MILL SET $149.30 VICTORINOX 2 PIECE CARVING SET $97.80

PREMIUM MINT SAUCE $14.50 WHITE CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE $50.60 LOCALLY MADE

TOTALLY KIWI FLAX SEED OIL $13.90

Tiff’s tips

go with red, gold and green, or if you prefer a modern look, choose a colour and add decorations with simple gold or silver tones. trend again this year so consider adding fronds touch and bring warmth to your table. Try festive option for your summer BBQ.

CANDLE HOLDER $54.10

MAXWELL & WILLIAMS RADIANCE ENTERTAINERS DINNER SET $183.50

MAXWELL & WILLIAMS VERONA HI BALL GLASSES $59.90 BBQ RIBS 2 baby back ribs 700gm 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp mustard powder 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 cup water 2 cup barbecue sauce warmed If your ribs have a thin membrane over the bones on the backside, remove it by carefully sliding a knife under the membrane and peeling it away. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne. Rub mixture all over ribs. Place trivet in Instant Pot and add water. Place ribs on trivet so that they are standing up. Secure lid and set to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Follow manufacturer’s guide for quick release, making sure to wait until the cycle is complete before unlocking and removing lid. Using tongs, carefully remove ribs from Instant Pot and lay them flat on a large baking sheet. Brush both sides all over with barbecue sauce before serving.

INSTANT POT $219.90

SUMMER ESCAPES FROM MAXINE WHITING, ASHBURTON HOUSE OF TRAVEL

RAINFOREST RETREAT—FRANZ JOSEF Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring mountains, glaciers and bush of the South Island’s stunning West Coast with a spectacular tree house experience at Rainforest Retreat. Located in the heart of Franz Josef village, this secluded alpine retreat is the ideal base for those exploring the glacier country.

Two nights from

$499

per tree house (inclusions valid for two adults). Betty By Tiffany McDaniel So begins the story of Betty Carpenter. Born in a bathtub in 1954 to a Cherokee father and white mother, Betty inhabits a world of poverty and violence. But despite the hardship she faces, Betty is resilient. Her fierce love for her sisters and her father’s brilliant stories are kindling for the fire of her own imagination, and in the face of all she bears witness to, Betty discovers as escape in the redemptive power of words. EXPLORE FIORDLAND & MILFORD SOUND Explore Milford Sound on an overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland, providing astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure. Experience a mysterious underground world at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with a guided cave tour past the rushing water of an underground stream before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.

Three nights including overnight Milford Sound Cruise & activities from

$369

per person, family share,

BOOKS FROM THE LIBRARY

Summer Reads

based on 2 adults & 2 kids 5-14 yrs.

The Stranger

By Simon Conway

From the corridors of Westminster to the refugee camps of Jordon, and the Badlands of Iraq, MI6 agent Jude Lyon must piece together the shape on an implacable horror coming towards him—and a conspiracy of lies behind him.

WINGS OVER WAIRARAPA 2021

WINGS is unlike any other aviation event—the Wairarapa scenery provides a stunning backdrop to an extravaganza of aerial action over three days. The Vintage Aviator Hood Aerodrome based aircraft collection is without doubt the largest flying collection of flying WWI aircraft in the world. Static displays include the opportunity to get up close with aircraft, emergency services displays, delicious food, wine and market stalls. There really is something for everyone.

Two night holiday from

$359

per person share twin, flights are additional.

SUMMER READS FROM NORMA GEDDES, ASHBURTON PAPER PLUS

The Vanishing Half

By Brit Bennett

Twins, inseparable as children, ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds: one black and one white. Weaving together multiple strands and generations, from the Deep South of Carolina, from the 1950s to the 1990s,The Vanishing Half is at once a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of race, gender, and identity, and the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person’s desires and expectations.

Your own edible house

Create your own Rudolph

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Egg carton Red pom pom Googly eyes Brown card stock paper Glue/Hot glue gun Brown paint METHOD: Step 1: Start by cutting individual cups from an egg carton. Step2: Paint each individual cups with brown paint and let them dry. Step 3: Glue on some googly eyes and a red pom pom for the nose. Step 4: Cut out some reindeer ears/antlers from card stock paper and glue them onto Rudolph.

The Christmas Maze

TRACE THE PATH THROUGH THE MAZE & GET THE GIFT TO THE CHRISTMAS TREE. INGREDIENTS

2 cups icing sugar 2 tbs milk

1 packet Arnott’s Nice biscuits

1 handful lollies

1 handful M&Ms

1 handful sprinkles

METHOD

Step 1: Sift icing sugar into a large bowl. Add milk a little at a time and stir until you have a thick, paste-like icing.

Step 2: Spread a little icing onto one biscuit and top with another to form the base of a house. Spread icing onto this top biscuit as well. Repeat to make six bases.

Step 3: Spread some more icing along the long edge of one biscuit and press it against another to create a V shape. Place this upside down onto a base, using icing to adhere. Repeat to make six houses.

Step 4: Decorate the houses with lollies using icing to stick them to the roof and base.

Ruralco Kids Christmas Colouring Competition Once completed, get it to Ruralco by 22 December and you’ll be in to win great prizes!

AGE MEMBER NO.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: • There are two age groups and prize packs allocated per age group: age 4–7 and age 8–11. • Please ensure the family Ruralco account number, age and name of the entrant is submitted with the entry. • All entries must be received by Ruralco no later than 4.30pm, 22 December 2020. Either drop it in to any of the Ruralco stores or post to PO Box 433, Ashburton 7740. 28 REAL FARMER Winners will be announced by 29 January 2021. One entry per child only. Ruralco reserves the right to publish all entries and details of the winners. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Once the judging has taken place, winners will be notified by telephone. • The prize is not transferable or exchangeable and

Ruralco reserves the right to change the prize to the same or equal value at any time if the prize becomes unavailable. No responsibility accepted for late, lost or misdirected entries. Additional copies can be downloaded from www.ruralco.co.nz/kids