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Unlike trophy hunting, our fly fishing is 95% catch and release. If on the odd occasion we are lake fishing and feel that trout would make a nice change to the menu that seems to consist of wild pork and venison mixed in with ducks and sea food, we will bring a fish back for dinner.

Our river” blue ribbon” fisheries are just not prolific enough, fish numbers wise, in the majority of cases, to sustain taking fish on a regular basis, better to leave them to live for another day. Or is it? Consider the fact that as a guide we do get to know our fisheries extremely well, well enough to know and expect certain fish to be in certain places at certain times. With our gin clean back country fisheries this is indeed the case. Fish are creatures of habit, there requirements are simple, food and safety, in a predator free environment trout will either be out feeding or in their safety zones. If they are feeding you’ll find them in the exact location in the pools and runs time after time, its their back yard so they have learned where to expect feed to be at any given time. If they aren’t out feeding  then they will be either lying resting in the slack water and you have a slim chance of getting them to except your offerings but its a chance. If on the other hand the pool appears devoid of trout then you know that they are in there “boltholes”. Why? There are many reasons but the big thing is its not my fault, but I digress. Big fish or old fish that hold prime lie in a pool will in my opinion do so to the determent of any other trout attempting to establish their presence in that pool. Remove the ‘resident” fish and you will make way for new recruitment and that may be several fish of lesser size but several fish gives way more opportunity than a single or a couple of resident fish. Easier said than done however, as we all like the certainty of knowing that “george ” or “mary” will be at home just around the corner. Even if we have caught or attempted to catch these fish on numerous occasions over many seasons.

Thankfully I’m not restricted to “blue ribbon” fisheries, in fact I tend to stay clear of these fisheries, especially in the latter part of the season. But its all a matter of expectation. You as the client/fisherman have charged us, the guide, with taking you to the best place on the day to match your abilities and expectations. If a big fish is what you want then big fish is what we will attempt to find, likewise if you would be happier with several smaller, everything is relative, fish then we can hopefully take you to the venue that will meet those requirements. This is however totally at the hand of what the weather gods and mother nature have conspired to present us with on the given day. Thankfully fisherman are optimists and have short memories, or should I say we all have that interesting habit of quickly forgetting the many, many not so good days for the occasional great day. Its this very unpredictable nature of our pursuit that draws us to the water day after day, imagine how boring it would get if every good cast was rewarded with a fish. I can only imagine!

The 2012-2013 season is still 4 long months away but come October the fly boxes will be fill, having spent many dreamy hours at the tying bench over the cold short winter months. Expectations for the coming season are never a given but just knowing or imagining what lies ahead will be more than enough to have us all ready for next season. Over the years we have followed a naturally path in that 85% of our anglers have fished with us many time before, some of you will be making trip number 12, others will return for trip number 10. What this means is that we all know each other pretty well by now and take the good with the not so good and savor those exceptional days.

Sue and I are looking forward to seeing you all again this coming season. If I could, I’d promise you all an upstream breeze, clear water and rising trout ever day. See you all soon.

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• Dallas Safari Show: 3-6 January 2013 this booth number will be assigned in August
• Safari Club International: 23-26 January 2013 visit our Booth 604

It would be great to see you and catch up.

Phew! Our February to May season  has seen a steady stream of hunters welcomed into our home and out onto our nearby hunting leases. Our trophy freezer is empty once again as the final shipment has been made to our tannery in Christchurch for shipment to your wall.  Catching up and building our 2013 season is now in place and we are taking on the winter months with enthusiasm for another busy Spring/Summer and Fall of Fly Fishing and Hunting…. bring it on!

Our multinational group of hunters consisted of Canadians (majority), Texans, Hong Kong, Australians, New Zealanders, Austrian and Spainards.  Memories from our 2012 Season consist of:

• Our Red Stags and Bull Tahr proved challenging this year.
• The shot of the season goes out to Weedie with a Chamois taken from a demanding position.
• James brought the wet weather with him and took a Bull Tahr in the these conditions with his bow.
• We have to commend James for his resilience in the pursuit of Chamois with the terrain and weather conditions.
• We will find your Bull Tahr Chas!
• White foot wear is in for Fallow Hunting thanks to Lee.
• All hair dressers are welcome in camp!
• Two Clients tried Marmite and dis liked it.
• Well done Susan for tackling the Chamois country!
• Remember Don, GoPro footage works well when it sits on your head right.
• Michael from Australia took his Bull Tahr with a bow – to easy?
• It was a pleasure hosting Michael & Steve from Illinois.
• Tour options in our South Island work!

Our hunting galleries in www.flyfishhunt.co.nz show the results of our trophy success and the success rate with Red Stag, Bull Tahr and Fallow Buck remain at 100%.

Its always difficult to single out any one advent as a highlight for the season, this season is, like many others,  full of special moments. Special for the hunter in that they have realized there dream to secure their trophies. But its also very important to the guides that as each hunter arrives a new challenge is delivered. Our mornings always start with “whats the plan” as you have to have a plan, if you don’t you can’t change anything and when your hunting you are always having to change something, often several things in very quick succession.

As a bow hunter I have to be bias and single out MY moments for the year. The first was Michael’s Bull Tahr on the very first day of a planned 5 day hunt. We spotted a bull made a quick plan and 4 hours later we were pinching ourselves with some disbelief as we stood over a beautiful Bull Tahr. The plan worked, but of equal importance was the preparation that Michael had done for the trip, excellent equipment and prefect execution of a 35m shot, maybe you had to be there but it was “oh so sweet”.

Lori, you win hands down in my book, your solo effort on that Fallow Buck was hunting at its very best. Cut a long story short Lori, Mike and I had been given the slip by a Fallow Buck earlier in the day and with the last hour of the day fast approaching we were pinned down on a hill side by 3 Fallow Bucks and they were not happy with what the wind was telling them, as can only happen when you are out there doing it, a 4th buck appeared and suddenly the wind was all in our favour and it was game on, and just to up the anti it appeared to be the very buck that had alluded us earlier. With little cover available I stayed put with Mike and we left Lori to close the final 50yds. Close it she did, my only disappointment was I had my face buried in a bush and never heard or saw the shot, but I sure enjoyed picking up the blood trail once I figured out exactly what had just gone down, namely a beautiful Fallow Buck. Nice.

I could go on and on with moments like that for the whole season. Michael’s stag hunt with the rifle, the couple of 450 inch stags our rifle hunters secured etc etc. You just have to be here to experience it all.

The first 11 trophies into our freezer this season were all to our archery hunters, it wasn’t always “classic” but the results speak for themselves. I will continue to encourage our bow hunters to get here early in the season and enjoy the opportunities available with animals that have not been hunted for many months.

Just to let you know that is not all glory moments we had our “not so good” moments, Chas we still hope to recover your Bull Tahr and return your arrow. James “the rain man” has more hard luck Chamois stories than most of us would care for.  The most challenging trophy is our Chamois and we can  only show you the animals the rest is up to you and lady luck. I think Weedie used up all our Chamois luck.

New Zealand terrain can be unforgiving and the fitter you are the more enjoyable the hunt opportunity.  We will ensure that the shower is hot, our meals are wholesome and your bed is comfortable. This will enable you to get back out there in near perfect form the next day!

Thanks to all our land owners, Richard at Glen Dean, Ken and Jane at Glen Lyon , Willie and Kay at Makarora River Ranch, without the access to these properties and the animal management that they all understand and have taken years to develop, none of what we do would be possible. To Duncan and Sam for guiding  this season, awesome job, as per usual. Pip & Sarah for being our Chefs. Phil & Mary for preparing our rooms. It all makes life move in a smoother way. Thanks Laetitia and Melanie for letting Mum and Dad do what they have to do throughout the hunting season, work.

Shipping and Taxidermy is a high light to the conclusion of any trophy hunting internationally or domestically.  The trophy is required to be on the wall.  David Jacobs of The Taxidermist – Queenstown and Ross Turner of Turner’s Tannery – Christchurch, have our Clients 2012 trophies and are in the process of shipment.  We are relieved to hear that your trophies have arrived safely to your address and so keep us posted on that result, with thanks.

We will leave you with Michael Luxford’s equipment list – happy hunting!:

I used a Hoyt Alpha Max 35 @ 70lbs 31” draw, Easton FMJ shafts with blazers and 125 grain Rage 2
blade. Total weight of the arrow is 530 grains. The Hoyt spits them out pretty well. This combo
delivers complete penetration on most game. Tahr are heavy boned for their size and well muscled,
a 450 grain arrow was recommended to me as a minimum.

http://flyfishhunt.co.nz/testimonials-for-fishing-hunting-services-wanaka-nz/

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Check out OUTDOOR CANADA

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Dallas Safari Club

Annual Hunters Convention – January 5-8, 2012

Dallas, Texas

Dallas Convention Center – Hall C-D-E-F

Telford Hunting Services Booth 2833

Safari Club International

Annual Hunters Convention – February 1-4, 2012

Las Vegas, Nevada

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Telford Hunting Services Booth 2929

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You would like to be able to organize an itinerary with Telford Services but would prefer someone who can speak German or Spanish and who understands the hunting culture of Europe and can inform you of how the New Zealand hunting scenario works.

Contact Email: Harald Bettin

Website: www.adventure-services.co.nz

Telephone: 64 6 280 2992

Mention you are referred by us for assistance.

……. Aber du bist nicht in der Lage, Englisch zu sprechen.

Sie möchten in der Lage sein, eine Route mit Telford Dienstleistungen organisieren, aber würde jemand sprechen Deutsch oder Spanisch kann und wer versteht die Jagd Kultur Europas und können Sie, wie die New Zealand Jagd Szenario funktioniert informieren möchten.

Kontakt Email: Harald Bettin

Website: www.adventure-services.co.nz

Telefon: 64 6 280 2992

Erwähnen Sie bei uns für Hilfe nach.

……. Pero no puede hablar Inglés.

Que le gustaría ser capaz de organizar un itinerario con los servicios de Telford, pero preferiría que alguien que hable alemán o español y que entiende la cultura de la caza de Europa y le informará de cómo funciona el escenario de Nueva Zelanda caza.

Correo electrónico de contacto: Harald Bettin

Sitio Web: www.adventure-services.co.nz

Teléfono: 64 6 280 2992

Mención que se hace referencia por nosotros para obtener ayuda.

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Laetitia celebrated her 13th birthday this month and it seems only yesterday we were bouncing her on our knee while eating dinner with our clients…. Melanie begins intermediate school and therefore is leaving the primary stage of her schooling.  We will be concentrating on careers in the next couple of years for these two Telford’s.

We trust our E Newsletters have reached you and if you are reading this and have not received our intermittent newsletters via the email, then please contact us and we will put you onto our mailing list.

The time to market our operation is important at this stage of the global economic situation. Telford Fishing & Hunting is definitely on the radar and our part of New Zealand has never been better for hunting and fly fishing. We are confident of a 100% success rate with our Deer and Bull Tahr. The Chamois is the challenge, this species is out there but the fitness and terrain dictates access and straight shooting for all hunters who pursue this Antelope family. Our trophy gallery features the latest animals hunted this season.

As for our fly fishing, we stalk our rainbow or brown trout and the country side visited during our ‘southern circuits’ make for a memorable fishing expedition. You can view our fishing gallery in our website.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from GT & Sue

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Media Statement

“It is business as usual for hunting in New Zealand” said Don Patterson President of the New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association (NZPHGA)

On February 22nd 2011 Christchurch City experienced an earth quake (6.3 magnitude) which has caused considerable damage to the Christchurch Central Business District, the Eastern and Port Hill Suburbs. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing in these areas.

“Safari operations in Canterbury province are all considerable distances away from Christchurch City and as with those in other parts of New Zealand are unaffected.” said Don Patterson. “It is business as usual at all New Zealand Hunting lodges, Safari operations and Game estates.”

Christchurch Airport, which is located outside of Christchurch city, is open for international and domestic flights and all major highways connecting with other parts of New Zealand are open. Passengers are advised to confirm check in times and flight details with their airlines as usual. The latest information is at www.christchurchairport.co.nz.

Visitors that had intended to stay in Christchurch City in the next few weeks are advised to contact their outfitter or agent to confirm arrangements or to get assistance with making alternative arrangements.

The NZPHGA members will continue to provide visiting hunters with the quality hunting experiences and kiwi hospitality New Zealand is famous for.

The New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association sends its sympathy and offers support to the people of Christchurch, New Zealand and overseas affected by this tragic event.

Collectively, the New Zealand tourism industry’s attention is now shifting to ensuring tourism remains strong and maintains its contribution to New Zealand’s economy. A strong economy will be vital to helping Christchurch get back on its feet.

Ends

Contact: Don Patterson, President New Zealand Professional Hunters Association

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Wanaka felt a shake but we are 5 hours drive south of Christchurch and that is where the quake damaged the most.

Many lives have been lost and up to 200 are still to be found or identified.

The city and its architecture heritage is badly damaged and the infrastructure will take years to rectify.

More so the effect of the after shocks and loss of family members to the Christchurch residents will remain terrifying and heart breaking.

Thanks to all those who have expressed concern.  We remain ever vigilant.

Sue, GT, Laetitia & Melanie

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