North Auckland NZDA Newsletter June 2025
- NZDA North Auckland
- Jun 18
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 20
President's Report
Words by Ivan Ramsey
Dear Members, I hope this message finds you all well and eagerly preparing for another exciting hunting season! As we dive into the heart of Winter, I want to share some uplifting news about our club's ongoing projects and activities that highlight the incredible camaraderie within our community.
Progress on the New Fifty-Meter Range
I am thrilled to report that work continues on our new fifty-meter shooting range! Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our club members, we’ve had several productive working bees, making significant progress on this much-anticipated addition. It’s wonderful to see so many of you coming together to contribute to our club's growth.
New Facilities for Our Members
More exciting news, we have installed two new toilets on the ranges this month! These facilities will enhance the comfort of our members while at the range
Special thanks to Zane @ Z-Group an Auckland award winning construction company who kindly donated these.
Busy Ranges and Upcoming Competitions
As usual, our range has been buzzing with activity! We’ve seen a steady flow of competitions and general practice sessions as everyone gears up for the roar. It’s a busy time of year, and I urge all members to take advantage of the opportunities to sharpen their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hunters.
You can find a full range schedule on our website.
Hunting Trips Await!
With the roar underway, many of you are planning exciting hunting trips to fantastic locations, including Stewart Island, the Kaweka Ranges, and the Kaimanawa Mountains. These adventures are a highlight of our hunting calendar, offering a chance to connect with nature and share unforgettable experiences with friends.
New Trainees Welcoming
Lastly, I am pleased to announce that our HUNTS courses continue to be very popular! The first course for the year has just been completed with twelve new trainees who were ready to join our ranks. This is a fantastic opportunity to pass on our knowledge and passion for hunting to the next generation, and I encourage all seasoned members to welcome and support our newcomers.
In closing, thank you for your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm that makes our club so special. Let’s continue to support each other as we prepare for an exhilarating hunting season ahead!
Be careful out there and enjoy the season.
Happy hunting!
Chiller & Processing Room
Our new chiller and processing room is almost complete and is going to be a great asset for members to utilize.
We will keep you posted as to when its finished and fully functional.
Workshops
Last month we organised a marksmanship workshop which was well attended.
It was hosted by Paul Carmine a Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medallist and recognised shooting coach, so he had a wealth of knowledge to share with those lucky enough to attend.
The workshop encompassed shooting from the bench, various shooting positions and coaching on techniques
Everyone from the basic novice to experienced shooters took away some new techniques to practise.
Measuring Day
North Auckland Branch has an impressive collection of trophies, many dating back from the early days of the club.
Every year these are competed for with all our big game animals having their respective trophies along with the highly competitive shooting trophies
Antler, horn and tusk measuring days are important and as they provide standardized way to evaluate and compare hunting trophies, fostering competition and preserving the sports heritage. These events involve scoring using Douglas Score, a system that allows the comparison between different species.
Every year our members bring their best heads into the club house for measuring and scoring.
Below are some photos taken on our recent measuring day, we had a good turnout with the customary BBQ afterwards
Many thanks to the members who brought their trophies into the Club House and to the dedicated branch Douglas Scorers
Results will be announced on our Prize Giving Night on Wednesday July 9th along with the winners of our shooting competitions.
For those of you who missed measuring day you can always enter next year the only criteria is that the animal must have been shot in the 12 months prior to measuring day.
NZDA Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS Course).
Our branch proudly trains new hunter and promotes hunting as a lifetime outdoor activity through the HUNTS Courses.
The course covers the knowledge and skills necessary to operate safely as a hunter in the outdoors, teaching the ethics of fair chase and principles of managing a sustainable game resource.
Twice a year our HUNTS instructors deliver the HUNTS syllabus under the guidance of a National Coordinator
The modules covered include:
Ethics,
food & equipment,
backcountry travel
Navigation
Firearms selection, safety & marksmanship
Big game animals
Hunting techniques
Meat, skins and trophies
Outdoor emergencies and survival techniques
The theory aspect generally consists of 3 evening sessions and practical training over 3 weekends which includes a full weekend completing an overnight camping/hunting trip
All 12 who completed the last course had an amazing experience and have come away learning the skills needed to ensure their future hunting trips are safe and rewarding.
Congratulations to our recently qualified HUNTS Instructors, Paul C, Keith S & Brett P who will join the experienced team of Mike Richardson & Steve Arthur who donate their time and skills to make this course what it is.
The next course is scheduled for October/November and is open to all our members, unfortunately spaces are limited to 12-14
Please register your interest in the next HUNTS Course by e-mailing lesley.mclaren@nads.org.nz or
We are also looking for experienced hunters to train as new HUNTS instructors, this is a very rewarding and invaluable to us, so we are able to continue growing the HUNTS Courses into the future.
Range Officers Course
We cannot operate our range without the Range Officers who are responsible for ensuring the range is open and operated in a safe manner and that all shooters follow the range safety rules and practices.
We currently have 25 Range Officers who are rostered on throughout the year.
They are valued members of our club and very much appreciated for the time they give to support us.
With the eagerly awaited opening of our new 50m Range we need new range officer.
We recently organised a Range Officers course which was held over a weekend last month. Congratulations to all six who passed
Welcome to the team:
Trevor A, Carl K, Hongfei (Peter) L, Peter R, Lindsay S and Robert (Bob) T.
If you are interested in attending the next Range Officer Course, please contact b3o2b7m5c@gmail.com
Archery
All North Auckland Deerstalkers members are welcome to use our Archery Course. The course is open for use on any day EXCEPT on Range Days.
There is some Range Etiquette and rules on our website which we encourage all members to read.
Advanced Archery https://www.advancedarchery.co.nz/ have supported us with a generous donation of a new Morrell target.
This is situated between the 100 & 200m range on the west bank.
If you are interested in using the archery course, we have an archery WhatsApp group NADS Archery, contact paul.carrington.2506@gmail.com and he will send you an invite to join.
Competition results
Anderton Shield - Aggregate scores silhouette shoots
Daniel Z
Simon K
Paul C
Debbie Harlow 200m 60 shot mens - one day 60 shot prone match
Johann S
Douglass/Everette Memorial Trophy - Total aggregate 22 rimfire 3/P
Daniel Z
Simon K
Jacob D
"F"Class Trophy 7 shot centrefire & R/F
Elliot C (junior)
Dougall C
Wayne O
Hot Shot Trophy - One day centrefire open sights
Jason W
Bob M
Bill M
Howlett Cup - One match in conjunction with nominated centrefire day
Bill M
Hongfei (Peter) L
LJ Harris Shield - One day 60 shot R/F
Dougal C
Gavin G
Paul C
The Military Medal - Aggregate of all bolt action service rifle events
Jason W
James C
Bill M
Range Aggregate Points Cup - Rules as Stewart Cup except open sights only
Bill M
Lindsay S
Stewart Cup - Aggregate of all centrefires shoots any sights
Bill M
Lindsay S
Hongfei (Peter) L
Buy & Sell
If you have any firearms of items relating to hunting that you wish to sell contact lesley.mclaren@nads.org.nz and we will post them in our next newsletter
Please include all details, your contact phone number or e-mail and a photo if possible.
Seller Geoff M ph. 022 505 3006
1 x Lee Enfield Mk111 .303 date of manufacture 1918
Fully Wooded no volley sights
Good bright and shiny 9/10 with Sling
$750
1x Lee Enfield MK111 .303 date of manufacture 1918
Fully wooded and has had a heavy barrel fitted
$759
Seller Barry ph. 022 609 3810
308 Hawa Short action with silencer and bipod + 1 in scope rings $950
Seller Gareth B ph. 0212883123 gtbennett@btopenworld.com
Ammunition. 7.62 x 39. 440 Rounds. $440.
200 x Barnaul 125 gr Soft Point Zinc Plated Steel Case.
180 x Tula 124 gr Hollow Point Lacquered Steel Case.
60 x Barnaul 123 gr Hollow Point Lacquered Steel Case.
Scope. Weaver Classic V24. 6-24 x 44. $350.
Made In Japan. Model 849411.
As New. Very Little use on 22LR Rifle
Reloading Scales. OHAUS. $80.
Model 505-00. 511 Grain Capacity.
1/10 Grain Accuracy. No parallax Errors.
Trigger. Ruger 10/22 Trigger Group. $50. Very Little use
Standard Ruger 10/22 Trigger.
Stock. Hogue Ruger 10/22. $60.
Hogue Black Stock. Kydex Adjustable Cheek Piece.
Suppressor. Stealth 7mm x 1/2x20 UNF. $250.
Model NZ41314. Very little use. Max 100 rounds through it.
Backpack. Berghaus Cyclops II Vulcan. $300.
80L + 10L + 10L Capacity.
2 Zip detachable 10L side pouches that ca be combined into a 20L day pack.
Internal Frame & rain cover.
This will last a lifetime. As New. Only used once.
Jacket. SAS M14 Smock. $250 as new
Australian Camo. Size XL
Rip-stop cotton outer material with a breathable and waterproof liner.
Olive Green Removable Inner Fleece Liner.
13 Pockets. Under Arm Zipped Ventilation. Removable Elbow Pads. .
Model Aeroplane Kit. Airfix Spitfire 1:24 Scale. $70.
Seller Bob M: ph 022 543 2295
Tikka T3 .223, laminated/stainless, 1:8 twist, 3 and 6-shot mags, Sako Optilok rings and a Weaver Grand Slam 6 - 20 target dot, $1,700.
Pedersoli 1873 Springfield Trapdoor 45-70 carbine. Buffington rear sight. Two additional (factory) rear sights included. $1,400.
Marlin 1894 Classic, 44 Mag, blued/walnut, as new, $1,800.
Swedish Mauser, M38, Carl Gustav. dial rear sight, VG condition, $950
Seller Kane T: ph 0221715049
Bayonets These have been inherited from his grandfather who recently passed away.
There is not much detail on them unfortunately, but Kane is looking for expressions of interest or information on these bayonets
Seller - Bob T – 02108367475
Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon – 6.5 CRD $1,400
Ceracote Camo, threaded, sling and one extra mag.
Barely used <50 rounds fired
New $2000
ISSC SPA APU 22LR $1,000
Threaded and with suppressor, fore-end grip / bipod. (Scope NOT included)
Barely used firearm <100 rounds
New $1400
Dickinson 12GA Pump Action $300
Barely Used
New these are $550
Up and coming Activities
Prize Giving is scheduled for our Club Night Wednesday 9th July, and we will celebrate with our very talented competition winners- Everyone is welcome to attend.
New 50m Range
Many thanks to all those who have already helped with the construction of our new 50m Range. We are still needing help to finish the project if you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Chief Range Officer Bob McMillan b3o2b7m5c@gmail.com
Workshops
Another Marksmanship workshop hosted by Paul Carmine will be posted later this year.
A Butchery Workshop hosted by Mike Richardson will be coming soon along with the Head Skinning workshop which we postponed earlier this year, hosted by David Mowbray.
Our Reloading Workshops are going well with a dedicated group of followers. Reloading ammunition can offer several advantages, primarily cost savings, enhance accuracy, and the ability to customize load. Now we have our own equipment these workshops will continue throughout the year.
Party Hunts
Two party hunts are planned for later this year.
Clemments Mill Rd in August
Wanganui River in September
Register your interest with Steve Arthur either by txt 0274300480 or e-mail steve@houseofcamille.co.nz
For those of you interested in Party Hunts we have a WhatsApp Group with over 80 members who share their experiences and connect with each other to co-ordinate private party hunts.
If you wish to be added to the Nads party hunt group, contact Steve Arther as above.
Women's Party Hunt Group
We are looking at putting together an all-women party hunt, sometime in the future and would love to get some feedback as to how many of you would be interested
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or keen to just take in the great outdoors this is your chance to get involved - contact Sonja Brown malmum@xtra.co.nz
This will be for members and partners/family of members.
Signage
Later this year when the 50m range is completed we will have several metres of wooden fence available to rent for signage - if you have a business this would be a great opportunity to support your club and get some advertising exposure - expressions of interest please e-mail lesley.mclaren@nads.org.nz
Annual General Meeting
Welcome back to our committee who were re-elected at our recent AGM, many thanks to those members who attended and assisted during the voting process.
Officers
Ivan Ramsey - President
Mike Richardson - Vice President/HUNTS Co-Ordinator
Gavin Green - Vice President /Chief Range Officer
Sonja Brown - Treasurer
Lesley McLaren - Secretary/New Members Officer
Commitee
Bob McMillan - Chief Range Officer
Steve Arther - Media and Marketing/HUNTS Instructor
Paul Carrington - Marketing/ Archery
Mike Simms - Armourer
Geoff Mentor - Maintenance Officer
Paul Carmine - HUNTS Instructor
Closing - words written by Lesley Mclaren Secretary and New Members Officer
If you have made it to the end of our second newsletter well done and thanks for taking the time to get there!
An enormous thanks to those members who have given their time and energy to assist in completing our two current major projects, the 50m metres & the chiller, we couldn't have got to the stages we are at without you.
We will look at completing both before the end of winter, weather permitting and we are eagerly awaiting the announcement that they are ready for use.
A big welcome to all our new members we have had an average of 12-13 new members each month since February, which is a great reflection that as a Club we are doing something right.
If anyone out there has some interesting stories and photos, please share them with me and we can use the content in our next newsletter.
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