Newsletter July 2026

newsletterTaupoNZDANew Zealand Deerstalkers Association nzdataupo.org.nz JULY

Alan Bullick Breton Shaw Morris Yeoman Morris Yeoman Peter Miles Cam Gray Erik Clausen Saran Tepavac Allan Jackson Ian Carppe Kris Lyall Boyd McManus Webster Alker Jessica Halliday Peter MilesExecutive committee President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary General Committee Range Compliance Advisor/Arms/Junior Shooting Range Shooting Co Ordinator Range Shooting Media/Promotions Sika Foundation Rep HUNTS HUNTS co-ordinator HUNTS Youth Competitions Newsletter Editor - Social Media PatronThese are the people who have been voted in by club members to represent them, and to administer, control, and manage the affairs and business of the Branch.Club CommitteeOnline, you can find us on: Website: nzdataupo.org.nz Facebook: @nzdataupo.org.nz Instagram: @nzdataupoTo contact the NZDA Taupo Branch: Phone Alan Bullick on 0276006519 or send an email to: secretary@nzdataupo.org.nz NZDA Taupo branch address: 62 Mountain Roadpresident@nzdataupo.org.nz vicepresident@nzdataupo.org.nz Treasurer@nzdataupo.org.nz secretary@nzdataupo.org.nz ph: 021 728 495 ph: 027 476 2731 ph: 027 483 9960 ph: 027 608 6113 h: 021 0244 6332 ph: 021 1406475 ph: 027 4793546 ph: 027 307 1324 ph: 021 174 3503 editornzdataupo@outlook.com ph: 022 5301841Cover photo: Brad Ramsay 2026/27 Committee

July 2026President's Report It has been another busy and productive year for the NZDA Taupō Branch, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members, volunteers, committee, and supporters who continue to contribute their time and effort to the branch. As I write this report, we will be heading to attend the NZDA Annual Conference in Wellington this coming weekend. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow branches from around the country, discuss key issues affecting hunters and recreational shooters, and help shape the future direction of our organisation. We continue to focus on providing opportunities for members to develop their skills and enjoy the outdoors. In the coming months, we will be hosting a Members' Night at Hamills Taupō on the 30th of July featuring Lee from Inner Wild, who will be sharing knife sharpening skills and techniques. We are also currently in discussions with Hunting & Fishing Taupō regarding future member events and workshops in August/September. If you know someone that would make a great future guest speaker also feel free to let us know. HUNTS Programme We hosted the branch HUNTS course in late 2025. Attendance was lower than usual due to the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and medical issues affecting some participants before and during the course, unrelated to the programme itself. Despite this, it was a successful course for those who attended. A special thank you goes to Kris Lyall, Boyd McManus, Ian Carppe, and to John Gunn and Phil Watson from the Te Awamutu Branch for their assistance during the final hunt at Waitotara. Their support and commitment are greatly appreciated. We are pleased to advise that another HUNTS course is planned for October, you can see the details listed later in the Newsletter - be sure to contact Kris Lyall for more info if your interested.

4 Range & Grounds Improvements Our 40th Anniversary Prize Shoot is coming up this year and will be held on the last Saturday of October. The slight change in date is due to a clash with the Sika Show. In preparation for future events, we completed a major improvement to the shooting mound. Over time, the mound had gradually developed a forward slope, making shooting positions less comfortable. It has now been reshaped with a slight rearward slope, significantly improving comfort and stability for shooters. Projects such as this are made possible through the outstanding work of our groundsman, Rick, who resides in the range cottage and undertakes routine maintenance including mowing, weed control, and general upkeep of the property. His contribution to maintaining our facilities is greatly valued. Community Engagement During the year we hosted four regular groups at the range, including MPI Animal Welfare teams, two ladies' hunting groups, and a Rangitahi youth group from Tūrangi. These groups reflect our commitment to remaining accessible to the wider community and promoting safe, responsible firearms use and outdoor education. While many participants are not NZDA members, these interactions help foster positive relationships and introduce people to the values and opportunities our organisation provides. Junior Shooting Programme Junior shooting continues to thrive on Wednesday evenings during the school term. My sincere thanks go to Ian Hill, Peter Miles, Brian, Dave, and the dedicated parent helpers who volunteer their time each week. Attendance remains strong, with winter numbers typically ranging from 8–15 juniors per evening and reaching up to 20 on busier nights. The programme continues to develop young shooters within a strong culture of firearms safety, responsibility, and respect under the guidance of highly experienced tutors. Range Operations The future of the public range remains a regular topic of discussion at committee meetings. While the facilities continue to be well utilised, member participation in branch events remains lower than we would like. To provide more opportunities for members to sight in and practice, we have expanded our 200- metre sight-in sessions to every second Tuesday evening, in addition to the first Saturday of each month. It is important to note that we do not operate a walk-in 200-metre range outside of these organised sessions. President's Report (continued)

Branch Events Our Antler, Horn & Tusk and Photography Competition judging night was held on 11 June and continues to be a popular opportunity for members to showcase their hunting achievements and photography skills. The branch AGM was held on 7 July 2026, providing members with an opportunity to review the year and contribute to planning for the future. Looking Ahead As we move into the 2026/2027 year, one of our key priorities will be increasing member participation and engagement in branch events and activities. We also intend to continue investigating long-term options for a future range site to help future-proof the branch and ensure we can continue providing quality facilities for generations to come. Committee Acknowledgements I would like to extend my sincere thanks to this year's committee members: Morris Yeoman – Secretary & Treasurer Breton Shaw – Vice President & Membership Officer Ian Carppe – HUNTS & Projects Kris Lyall – HUNTS Boyd McManus – HUNTS & Youth Peter Miles – Armourer & Junior Shooting Cam Gray – Shooting Events Eric Clausen – Events Thank you all for your ongoing commitment and countless volunteer hours throughout the year. Branch Assets The Taupō Branch continues to maintain the following key assets: Taupō Range 1 Taupō Range 2 Taupō Range 3 62 Mountain Road Cottage and 4-hectare block Finally, I would like to thank all members, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who contribute to the success of the branch. Your involvement ensures that NZDA Taupō remains a strong and active branch dedicated to hunting, conservation, shooting sports, and the promotion of safe and responsible firearm use. Alan Bullick President NZDA Taupō Branch President's Report (continued)President's Report (continued)

Antler, Horn & Tusk Results & Photography Awards TROPHY RESULTS AHT Goat - Peter Spriggs- 91 1/4 inch. Trophies: Best Red DEER- Webster Alker- 269 1/8. Best Sika, Phil Maddox- 198 7/8. to go to Nationals. Runner Up Sika, Phil Maddox- 163 3/4. Best Other species, Webster Alker- Fallow- 217 1/2. PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS Game Animals- PhilMaddox. Birds- Brad Ramsay. Insects,Reptiles & Amphibians.- Brad Ramsay. Scenic- Kris Lyall. Flora- Kris Lyall. Human interest- Allan Jackson. Game /trail camera.- Brad Ramsay. Other Wildlife /Mammals- Roger Stokes. Junior- Aiden Ramsay. Anywhere Print- Brad Ramsay. NZDA - Taupo Branch

Patience PaysA THREE-DAY SIKA HUNT ALONG THE NAPIER-TAUPÖ ROAD Tough weather. Long miles. One last-light stag. Last light reward. A magnificent Sika stag taken after three days of hard work and unwavering patience. Some hunts come together quickly, and others make you earn every inch. This was definitely one of the latter. I had the pleasure of guiding Rob on a Trophy Sika hunt along the Napier–Taupō Road, with one goal in mind - to find a mature stag worth the effort. Right from the outset we agreed we weren’t chasing the first shootable animal that walked out. Ironically, within the first hour of the hunt we came across an old wonky-topped stag. He was a good deer that would have scored well, and plenty of hunters would have been happy to tag out there and then. After taking a good look through the binoculars, we decided to let him walk and trust that something even better was out there. We take care of the details. You take home the story. GUIDED HUNTING NZ EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND. THE RIGHT WAY. GUIDEDHUNTINGNZ.COM “ ” GUIDED HUNTS | NEW ZEALAND PREMIUM GUIDED HUNTS SIKA, RED, FALLOW, TAHR & MORE NAPIER-TAUPÖ ROAD & BEYOND

PATIENCE PAYS CONTINUED Over the next three days we put plenty of kilometres under our boots. The weather wasn't doing us any favours, with rain, wind and low cloud making conditions challenging, but Rob never wavered. We kept hunting hard, knowing that all it takes is one opportunity. That opportunity finally came on the last evening. With only minutes of legal light remaining, we spotted a mature stag step out into a grassy clearing. There was no time to waste. I quickly got the spotting scope on him, set Rob up behind the rifle, and talked him onto the stag. Everything had to come together in a matter of moments before the light disappeared. Rob stayed composed despite the pressure. He settled in, squeezed the trigger, and the shot found its mark perfectly. Walking across the clearing to the stag, it was immediately obvious we'd made the right decision to stay patient. Lying in front of us was an absolute ripper of a Jap Sika—a big, mature super even 8-pointer that any hunter would be proud to take. After three days of hard work, tough conditions and passing up a quality stag early in the hunt, it was an incredibly satisfying way to finish. Moments like these are what guided hunting is all about. It's not always the easiest path, but when patience, perseverance and good teamwork come together, the reward is something you'll remember for a lifetime. Congratulations again, Rob. It was a pleasure sharing the experience with you, and I couldn't have been happier to see you take home such a magnificent sika stag. — Guided Hunting NZ GUIDED HUNTS | NEW ZEALAND @GUIDEDHUNTING NZ info@guidedhuntingnz.com

Taupo NZDA HUNTS Course – 2026 Four focused weekends to sharpen your bushcraft, navigation, and hunting skills – learn with a supportive crew, then put it all together on the final hunt weekend. WHEN Early October through to Mid November – 4 weekends WHERE 2 weekends at the Taupo NZDA clubrooms/range and 2 weekends in the bush. SCHEDULE Oct 3, 4 – NZDA Taupo Clubrooms Oct 17, 18 – Bushcraft weekend, Pureora Forest Park Nov 14, 15 – NZDA Taupo Clubrooms and range Nov 20, 21, 22 – Weekend hunt, Waitotara Valley TOPICS Ethics, Ecology & Regulations Equipment & Food Travel & Navigation Game Animal Species in NZ Firearms Selection, Safety & Marksmanship Hunting Techniques Meat, Skins & Trophies River Safety When Things Go Wrong – Survival & Bushcraft CONTACT If you are interested, would like to know more, or wish to put your name down, call Kris Lyall on 027 307 1324 or email huntsinstructor@nzdataupo.org.nz. NZDA TAUPO BRANCH • Advocacy • Conservation • Education • Community

We would love to gather information and stories from those who know the area best. This could include details such as when huts were built and by whom, memorable experiences, historical insights, or anything else you feel would be of interest and worth preserving. If you have any information or stories you’d like to contribute, please send them through to: helz_water@yahoo.co.nz Thank you for helping us record and preserve the history of this special area. Kind regards, The Helisika Team The History of the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges Helisika, along with local writer Helen Waterworth, is working on a book that will capture the history of the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges and the areas we operate in. The book will focus on the huts and hunting areas many of you know well, including the history behind them, information on individual huts, and stories connected to hunting and the wider region.

Members Evening 30th July Knife Sharpening Lessons with Inner Wild 🔪 🔪 Join Lee from Inner Wild for a hands-on evening learning the art of knife sharpening. Whether you're a hunter, home cook, or outdoor enthusiast, you'll pick up practical skills to keep your blades performing at their best. Thursday 30 July · 6:00 PM Hamills Taupō – 109 Tongariro Street, Taupō During the session you'll learn: • Sharpening techniques and correct angles • Choosing the right sharpening tools • Maintaining a razor-sharp edge • Tips for getting the best performance from your knives Plus, you'll have the chance to browse and shop the extensive range of hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor gear available in-store at Hamills Taupō on the night. A great opportunity to learn from an expert, connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and sharpen your skills.

Q&A with Isabell founder of Wild Chix

WILD CHIX Q&A A conversation with the founder of Wild Chix NZ What was the catalyst moment that made you decide to start Wild Chix? I worked for the last 10 years in Marine, and in the last 7 of them I was selling boats - usually to the guys. They always spent the big bucks on their toys and I often didn't even meet the wife / partner. That made me wonder why they don't know or care or want to use the boats themselves, and make themselves dependent from their husbands. Wouldn't it be nice for Sarah to ring Sally to go for a sunday fish? Bing more independent in that space sparked it, and also giving women an intoduction into Hunting, if you weren't able to commit to a multi night hunts course or just wanted a little taster for what hunting actually is. Can you tell us a little about your personal journey - how did you first become interested in boating, hunting, and fishing? I am born and raised in Germany - so had NOTHING to do with hunting or fishing. Moved to New Zealand because of the love of the outdoors and embraced it from the day we moved here. My partner started to fish and I thought it was the most boring thing ever, until he started catching and suddenly I loved it as well appreciating to have the capability to catch my own dinner and make the time in the outdoors purposeful. We bought a boat and then we got the guns...and now we spend most weekends in the bush or on the water! Finally - what legacy do you want Wild Chix to leave for future generations of wahine in the outdoors? I want girls growing up to know that the outdoors belongs to them too. I want future wahine to see confidence not as something you're born with - but something you build, step by step, adventure by adventure. And I want Wild Chix to stand as a movement that changed lives, built courage, strengthened community, and helped women remember their own power. Two girls in the bush with a rifle or at a boat ramp backing a trailer shouldn't feel like an "attraction" - it should be normal. When kids see their mums handling the boat and taking them to the bush, that should be something which is fine - same as Dad cooks at home (and often even better and more passionate ;-)) Do you want me to shoot for the stars? Then let's go with - in five years, Wild Chix is a nationwide movement with hubs across New Zealand, a thriving digital community, accredited instructors, sponsored events, partnerships with key outdoor brands, and a full pathway from beginner to advanced skills. Long-term? A global sisterhood of women in the outdoors - confident, skilled, connected, and unstoppable. Where do you see Wild Chix in 5 years? What's your long-term vision? You don't have to be confident to start - you become confident by starting. You don't need experience. You don't need gear. You don't need to be "outdoorsy." You just need curiosity. We take care of the rest - with a safe, supportive, totally judgement-free environment. And if you want a confidence booster and a whole lot of new friends - Wild Chix is the place to go. For people who are hesitant to sign up (maybe they feel intimidated by 'the wild'), what do you say to encourage them to join?

WILD CHIX Q&A A conversation with the founder of Wild Chix NZ Are there new types of courses or adventures you're planning to add? (e.g., more wilderness, multi-day retreats, advanced skills) Yes! We're expanding into more regions and new experiences - a follow on hunting experience, multi-day boating adventures, advanced skills courses, specialist workshops (like butchery, target shooting), and more tailored experiences for women who want to go deeper in their skills. What have been some of the biggest challenges in running Wild Chix, especially in the early days? The early days were a mix of passion and chaos. A big thing is also the imposter syndrom right? Who am I to do this?? I had (and still am) learning sooo much - every day! I love my personal growth with it too, it is scary, exciting and fun! I am still running everything mostly everything myself - marketing, planning, logistics, teaching, admin - and learning on the go. The biggest challenge was trusting myself, and later, learning to trust others enough to step back and let the team lead. But every challenge shaped Wild Chix into what it is now: a movement, not just a business. What role do you hope Wild Chix will play in changing how women perceive and access outdoor recreation in Aotearoa? I want Wild Chix to redefine the outdoors for women. Traditionally, outdoor skills have been male- dominated - and many women never got the chance to learn. We're changing that. I want Wild Chix to make the outdoors feel normal, accessible, exciting, and welcoming for every woman - no matter her age, background, or experience. Do you have a favorite "wild moment" or memory from a Wild Chix event - something that embodies what Wild Chix is all about? It's not the wild - it is more the courage of those ladies showing up to learn something they often have never done, in a place they've never been to with a bunch of other ladies they don't know! That moment is huge! You can feel the nervousness in the air - and then they leave as mates, heads high up and have a "I can do this" attitude - this is what Wild Chix is about and what blows me away every single time! That change in the girls is huge! Finally - what legacy do you want Wild Chix to leave for future generations of wahine in the outdoors? I want girls growing up to know that the outdoors belongs to them too. I want future wahine to see confidence not as something you're born with - but something you build, step by step, adventure by adventure. And I want Wild Chix to stand as a movement that changed lives, built courage, strengthened community, and helped women remember their own power. Two girls in the bush with a rifle or at a boat ramp backing a trailer shouldn't feel like an "attraction" - it should be normal. When kids see their mums handling the boat and taking them to the bush, that should be something which is fine - same as Dad cooks at home (and often even better and more passionate ;-)) Check her out on instagram @wild_chix_nz or Facebook - Wild Chix NZ

16 What's on at the range in July/August Wednesday 22nd July Sunday 26 Julyth Wednesday 29th Julyth Saturday 1 Augustst Sunday 2 Augustnd Tuesday 7 Augustth Wednesday 8 Augustth Saturday 11 Augustth Tuesday 14 Augustth Wednesday 15 Augustth Tuesday 18 Augustth Wednesday 19 Augustth Sunday 23 Augustrd Tuesday 25 Augustth Wednesday 26 Augustth Sunday 30 Augustth Junior Shooting NZDA Taupo Silhouette Junior Shooting Running Target 200m sight in CF & RF 50/100mm 200m rifle Sight in Junior Shooting Wild Chix - Private Event 200m Rifle Sight In Junior Shooting 3rd Tuesday 200m Rifle Sight in Junior Shooting NZDA Taupo Silhuoette 200m Rifle Sight In Junior Shooting Working bee 6pm to 7pm 10am 6pm to 7pm 9am & 2.30pm 10am 2.30-5.00pm 6pm to 7pm All day 2.30 - 5.00pm 6pm - 7pm 2.30pm 6pm - 7pm 10am 2.30-5pm 6pm - 7pm Allday ................................................................................................................................................................... Junior Shooting is back! This starts on Wednesday 21 Of July at 6pmst 200 metre range open The first Sunday of the month is long range shooting day. Bring along your rifles to sight in, load test, or just practice shooting at 200 metres. Rimfire @ 50 metres. This is a standard match of 4 positions. Prone, sitting, kneeling and standing, with your rimfire rifle 20 shots in total. Running boar. 50 metre running boar with rimfire. 10 counting shots at the pig as it runs. Metalic Silhouettes - rimfire 40 targets at various ranges. 40, 60, 77 & 100 metres. Shot in the standing position. Please remember these basic Range Safety Rules, when you’re using the ranges. All persons entering our ranges, must sign the Range Register located at the gate. The safety warning flag at the gate, must be up or raise it. Hearing protection must be worn. Eye protection is advised. Firearms should have chamber flags. Chamber flags should be fitted to firearms that are not on the firing line. Stop shooting immediately if anyone goes forward of firing line. Safety on our Ranges

NZDA ensures rules, policy, regulations and codes of ethics necessary or desirable in the best interests of the sport or NZDA. NZDA is made up of a body of hunters, we are as strong as our members and their input. NZDA has many benefits: we have clubs, ranges, huts, conservation projects, members only discounts, insurance and countless other perks and deals.Why support NZDAYour subs and support matters NZDA ensures the traditions of recreational hunting and the rights of recreational hunters in New Zealand are protected, advanced and advocated for in the best interests. NZDA keeps watch, ensuring all matters pertaining to hunting in New Zealand are public knowledge and fair. NZDA holds our government to account. Why join? When you become an NZDA member, you also support COLFO (Council of Licensed Firearms Owners). You support the Heritage Trust that retains our hunting history in NZ, you support our National Office that advocates on your behalf. You also support your local club that voluntarily turns the lights on every month to promote, protect and engage with your community about hunting. How your subs make a real difference Download the NZDA App TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER. NATIONALLY WE ARE YOUR VOICE. LOCALLY WE ARE YOUR HUNTING CLUB. Have you downloaded the NZDA Membership & Discount App yet? It's available on Google Play and Apple Store. Just sign in using your membership number and enjoy all the benefits. 17