Testimonials

---

I joined the club is approximately 2004 after having moved to the Whanganui region.

I’ve not only got to know different hunting areas and hunt with some great people but I’ve also learnt new skills of building more self-confidence and self awareness when in the bush.

NZDA Whanganui Branch has brought a network of different people into my life.

Being involved has allowed me to make some great mates who I know will have my back.

Another great spin off is the free information that come from different skill sets.

I’ve found that this has been very benefit drawing on knowledge from Mechanics, fences, builders, engineers, Insurance and mortgage brokers the list goes on.

I’m the President now and are excited to see the future ahead, if you’re interested let’s have a chat.

Ian Churchouse / President

I got involved with the club back in the late seventies. The club was then a NZDA branch. Not long after it parted ways with NZDA  to go back to its roots as Whanganui and districts hunters and stalkers club.

Now with activities not just including hunting but family participation in camping, fishing and exploring on quad bikes.

The seventies and eighties were hard hunting on public land as deer were under a lot of commercial helicopter pressure. So for me,  the club provided information, knowledge, and encouragement from older members who had seen better days of deer numbers.

Many range shoots, club hunts and social evenings were run. Membership was high and the club was very active. 

The age of the internet came along and new Membership dropped off as information on how to and where to hunt was only a few mouse clicks away. 

What was lost by not being part of the club is the face to face contact and social interaction with like minded people. 

There is much to be gained as members have a broad skill base. You can tap into all their knowledge, not just hunting, through being at club meetings or camps in the bush. Its a fact the more you put into a club the more you will get out. 

Our club wants to grow and encourages the learning of younger or inexperienced folk wanting activities in the outdoors. In recent times members have taken young lads out who's parents had no interest in the wilderness, but the boys were keen to get started. The older ones are now excellent hunters and bushcraft men.

A Lad I've been taking out, although not old enough to go it alone yet has shot many goats with me and now a deer with another hunter.

Our club membership fees are very low, we have guest speakers at meetings to learn from and our friendly members always ready to help and encourage keen families, guys or girls wanting to get active in the hills.

Rob Gardner  / Club Patron