I joined the club membership in approximately 2004 after moving to the Whanganui region. Through my involvement with the NZDA Whanganui Branch, I’ve not only explored various hunting areas and connected with great people but also learned valuable hunting skills that have boosted my self-confidence and self-awareness while in the bush.
Being part of this club has introduced me to a diverse network of individuals. I have made some fantastic mates who I know will always have my back.
A great benefit of this experience is the free information shared among members with different skill sets. I've found it incredibly helpful to draw on knowledge from mechanics, fence builders, engineers, insurance professionals, and mortgage brokers—the list goes on.
As the current President of the NZDA Whanganui Branch, I am excited about the future ahead. If you're interested in joining our club, let’s have a chat.
Ian Churchouse / President
I became involved with the club back in the late seventies when it was a part of the NZDA Whanganui Branch. Shortly after, it separated from the NZDA to return to its roots as the Whanganui and Districts Hunters and Stalkers Club. Today, our club offers activities that go beyond hunting to include family participation in camping, fishing, and exploring on quad bikes.
During the seventies and eighties, hunting on public land was challenging due to heavy commercial helicopter pressure on deer populations. The club provided valuable information, knowledge, and encouragement from older members who had experienced more abundant deer numbers in the past.
We organized many range shoots, club hunts, and social evenings, resulting in high club membership and an active community. However, with the advent of the internet, new membership began to decline as easily accessible information on hunting skills became available online.
What many missed by not being part of the club was the face-to-face contact and social interaction with like-minded individuals. There is so much to gain from our members, who possess a diverse skill base. By attending club meetings or camps in the bush, members can tap into this wealth of knowledge, which extends beyond just hunting skills. It’s true that the more you invest in the club, the more you get in return.
Our club is focused on growth and actively encourages younger or less experienced individuals to engage in outdoor activities. Recently, members have taken young lads under their wing whose parents had little interest in the wilderness, but who were eager to learn. The experience has transformed these boys into excellent hunters and bushcraft enthusiasts.
One young lad I've taken out may not yet be old enough to hunt alone, but he has already successfully shot many goats with me and recently harvested a deer with another hunter.
Our club membership fees are very affordable, and we host guest speakers at our meetings for additional learning opportunities. Our friendly members are always ready to help and support enthusiastic families, whether they're guys or girls wanting to get active in the hills.
Rob Gardner / Club Patron
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