I just got finished with a 7 day, "wild Red Deer" hunt myself. Down in the Blue Mountain area near Tapanui. We hiked for MILES up massive hills. The roar was just starting and we had some exciting times. I agree with Al. If you see a photo of this massive, huge stag, it is a farm reared stag that has been fed every growth hormone and special feed possible and then released in a paddock (pasture).
Beauty beyond description... Huge country and se saw no other hunters. Didn't get a shot, but what a time I had. We did manage to catch some HAWG Brown Trout during mid day, though!
You've done a magnificent job of reporting what New Zealand can be like. Congrats on a great hunt, Al.
Too Short (written from New Zealand)