Review rating 8 out of 10.
Here we review Peter Harker’s first book, complied and published in 1976. This classic hunting book records the many experiences, successes, close calls and characters that Peter endured as a meat and skin hunter, trophy hunter, big game guide and live game recovery specialist in the South Westland region (affectionately referred to as the “Coast” in the book). This is a must read for all New Zealand hunting book fans… read more
Review rating 5.5 out of 10
James Passmore has written his second book about what it means to be a “wilderness hunter”, the type of hunter which he confesses to be himself. James mixes South Island hunts for red deer, fallow deer and tahr with chapters on the challenges and ethics of hunting… read more
Review rating 4 out of 10
Here The Hunter reviews a collection of anecdotes by Chris Phillips spanning his hunting and shooting career, centered around pest control of rabbits, hares, pigs, stoats, possums and wallabies. The odd red deer stalking story is also recounted … read more
Review rating 5.5 out of 10
Kerry Butler’s revised book is a how-to guide for bush stalking deer in North Island conditions. As a self taught and experienced sika and red deer stalker, Kerry passes on his passion and techniques for hunting … read more
Review rating 6.5 out of 10
There have been many books written about deer culling exploits in New Zealand and Don’s autobiography is a great addition on the subject. However this book provides a welcome change with a focus on the North Island and also details early tests using 1080 poison to control deer numbers. This book is a must read for New Zealand hunting purists … read more
Review rating 5 out of 10.
Trevor Bentley’s first book, Hunting for a Hobby, details the trials and tribulations of the self confessed average Kiwi hunter … read more
Review rating 4.5 out of 10.
Written by one of New Zealand’s most respected outdoors authors and editors, Tony delves into present day ethics, policies and politics of hunting in New Zealand in his 23rd and latest book, A Hunting Life … read more
Review rating 8.5 out of 10.
Being compared to great outdoors authors like Ruark, Hemingway and Leopold is high praise but there is no doubt that Peter Ryan’s book is an instant New Zealand, if not worldwide, hunting classic. Wild South is the kind of book that makes you want more and one that you wish would never end … read more
Review rating 3 out of 10.
Unfortunately not all books on the subject of hunting are recommended reads despite their subject matter. Greg Fagg’s first shot at writing may have come up short, not being suitable for all readers — however there are glimpses of quality hidden away in his clumsy writing style. The book’s one shining quality is its many colour photos … read more
Review rating 9 out of 10.
In this book review we take a step back in time to read Major Wilson’s epic accounts of his time red deer and wapiti deerstaking during the 1920s to 1940s. First published in 1961 the latest edition can be purchased only directly from the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA Publications) … read more
Review rating 6 out of 10.
The Hunter takes a look at Steuart’s follow up book to his previous two how-to guides on alpine hunting in the Southern Alps for tahr and chamois. Steuart, in addition to covering some previously unpublished material on tahr and chamois, writes about his deerstalking experiences and offers insights into his way of hunting … read more
Review rating 6 out of 10.
Connor McKenzie’s name will be recognisable to most New Zealand hunters due to his regular column in NZ OUTDOOR Hunting Magazine. Continuing in his tongue-in-cheek style, where Connor mixes fact with fiction, his new book is sure to be a classic kiwi comedy. This book is for hunters and non-hunters alike … read more
Review rating 7 out of 10.
For The Hunter’s first book review we look at Gary Joll’s fourth book. This book showcases one of New Zealand’s premier hunting guides’ personal trophy collection and contains many epic stories from his years hunting around the world. Visually striking with many colour photos, this larger than standard hunting book is ideal for any coffee table … read more
Hello New Zealand hunting book readers.
Welcome to The Hunter — A Hunter’s Review, New Zealand’s newest source of hunting book reviews.
I have a passion for hunting and also reading about hunting, but I found it hard to find reviews and information about New Zealand’s hunting literature. Knowing many other hunters faced the same problem I realised that this was an issue that needed fixing, and so here we are.
Soon you will find regular reviews of the latest New Zealand hunting books (just in time to help you choose that perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season!) and over time I aim to publish reviews about all of New Zealand’s hunting books too.
Your views are encouraged so please let me know your thoughts by sending in comments, or feel free to request a book review.
All the best,
The Hunter
The Hunter 