NEW ZEALAND 
THE DEER OF NEW ZEALAND 
N EW ZEALAND deer are interesting to the stalker at home 
for many reasons. Their introduction into the islands is of 
such recent date that it is possible to trace every step 
in their development, and estimate in some degree the 
conditions which are favourable to the development of a 
stag’s antlers and the maintenance of a healthy stock. 
The three essentials which are requisite for the production of good 
heads are: (1) Healthy stock, (2) Adequate shelter, (3) Good and sufficient 
food supply. 
The first naturally depends on the existence of the two latter conditions, 
and it is the failure of these which leads to such lamentable results in many 
Highland forests. I shall have a good deal to say as to the condition of 
deer in New Zealand later on. It will be sufficient here to state that the chief 
cause of the degeneracy which undoubtedly exists in certain localities is 
entirely due to overstocking and inbreeding. There is abundance of good 
food and splendid shelter. The good stock is there, but it has been woefully 
neglected in the past. 
The divergence in type between the main herds is very marked. They 
are each descended from deer with well-defined characteristics which are 
maintained and intensified by their present environment. The three main 
herds are: 
The Wairarapa in the North Island. 
The Nelson and Otago herds in the South Island. 
There is also in this island another herd situated in the Rakaia Gorge, 
Canterbury. 
A brief account of the origin of these herds is necessary before the 
reader can understand the conditions which govern their existence. 
THE WAIRARAPA HERD. 
I cannot do better than quote what I wrote in “ Stalks Abroad ” about 
the Wairarapa deer: 
“ In 1862, by an arrangement with the late Prince Consort, who 
was the first man to make deer -stalking a fashionable sport, Mr John 
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