A Wild Chix Weekend Recap

Hannah came to the recent "Intro to Hunting Weekend" - all the way from Wellington to spend a few days with complete strangers to learn how to hunt. It was a pleasure having Hannah with us, and I am incredibly grateful for the time she took to write this amazing blog post! Thank you so much.

A new huntress is born

Journey to Sika Lodge: A New Adventurer's Tale

While scrolling my newsfeed in January, I stumbled upon a post in a tramping group. One thing led to another, and soon enough, I was driving to Sika Lodge at about three in the afternoon on a Friday. The rain poured down around me on my way to the Wild Chix introduction to hunting weekend. The weather was far from ideal, but the forecast promised improvement, and I remained hopeful.

Sika Lodge is easy to find, and you don't need a four-wheel drive. It's an outdoor lodge owned by an older couple situated in the foothills of the Kaimanawas. Nearby, the Wild Chix leaders had settled into a small cottage. We stayed in larger dormitory-style rooms, complete with an attached kitchen, flushing toilets, and warm showers.

Making Connections: Building a Community

After we settled ourselves into the cabins, we had an informal introduction. Cups of tea in hand, we allowed the conversation to flow naturally. This was followed by a group session to discuss the weekend's purpose and logistics. During our personal introductions, we shared our stories, why we chose to attend, and what we hoped to gain. This experience was inspiring and affirmed that I was there for the right reasons. We had a diverse mix of individuals present, differing in age and life experiences. I was neither the youngest nor the oldest, neither the most nor the least experienced. There was a wealth of knowledge to learn and share among us.

Our fantastic dinner on Friday night was included in the package and prepared with love by Katie, our Wild Chix chef. This catered option is new and wonderful, allowing us to share a delicious meal with everyone, including those who hadn’t opted for extra. The dinner was a delightful spread of fresh and preserved meats, fruits, cheeses, crackers, and dips made from native ingredients and wild venison. What a privilege to partake in this feast!

We had intended to go for an evening walk, but the pouring rain forced us to postpone. Fortunately, the rain cleared unexpectedly, letting us embark on a short walk. Many were tired from the long drive and meeting new people. However, I was glad we ventured out before settling down for a good night's rest. We were ready to wake bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at five the next morning.

Into the Wild: Embracing Nature and Learning Skills

A couple of essential coffees later and wearing multiple layers of clothing, two groups of women ventured into the bush for a couple of hours. With many amateur hunters in large groups, realistically spotting or shooting deer was unlikely. Yet, this trip was invaluable for learning to be quiet and truly present in nature.

Understanding the world around us, as a deer or another animal perceives it, is a skill that requires time to hone. With varying experience levels in our group, we could share our knowledge beyond the tips provided by our expert leaders. We learned how to look for tracks, identify deer droppings, recognize hoof prints, observe plants, and detect changes in the bush indicating large animals, along with many useful tips. I’ve always admired hunters' ability to track animals and understand their behaviors. It was inspirational to gain insight into seeing the world through their eyes.

Post walk, we enjoyed a family-style breakfast, again prepared by Katie as part of the catered option. Scrambled eggs, sausage hash, creamy mushrooms, sourdough with Mānuka butter, and a cold platter of cheese and fruit filled our stomachs and prepared us for a day of learning.

Learning all about Navigation

Gear Talk: Safety and Responsibility in the Outdoors

One discussion I looked forward to was about gear. Coming from a tramping background, I had some outdoor knowledge but not much about hunting. Each of us contributed to the conversation, including those with military connections, healthcare professions, hunting, and more. Safety in the outdoors was a major focus of this discussion.

We carefully examined clothing and gear required for hunting, discussing the risks involved. The conversation also included important nuances about women’s clothing versus men’s. We debated when it was appropriate to use men's gear, when women's gear was necessary, and how various companies often skimp on women's gear. The discussion was led expertly by Izzy and Nat, creating a relaxed atmosphere that allowed everyone to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Building on our knowledge, we moved to discuss navigation and weather. Nat introduced us to her paper map and compass. While we acknowledged the importance of understanding traditional maps, we focused largely on the NZ Topo50 app, a recent development invaluable for outdoor adventures. This app helps us interpret topo lines in a hunting context, including where to wait for deer, and understanding local winds, phases of the moon, and more.

Firearms and Practice: Gaining Confidence

After a delicious lunch box filled with rolls, fresh fruit, quinoa salad, and a cookie (again from Katie), we turned our focus to firearms. Having used firearms as a child and adult, I felt a bit naive in this area. Those who brought their own guns shared insights on different types of firearms, ammunition, and suitable game. Gun safety was a critical part of our discussion, covering how to handle and store firearms properly and what newcomers should know when obtaining their license.

Target practice naturally followed. Two stations set up in the paddock allowed us to practice on paper targets and a metal 'plinker.' I realized I wasn’t as proficient as I had thought! The environment was supportive, fostering no silly questions, judgment, or ego.

After target practice, we drove a bit deeper into the bush to follow a track instead of bush-bashing like before. About a kilometer in, we sat quietly next to a large tree, simply being present. We took in the beauty of the sunset and played with exciting new thermal binoculars. The Kaimanawa possums were surely happy to escape our .22 guns on this trip!

Dinner was yet another culinary delight. Katie prepared pizzas, teaching us the art of dough throwing, allowing us to choose toppings from a broad selection. A satisfied group of tired women headed off to bed that night, eager for the adventures that Sunday morning promised.

Learning to be patient, quiet and slow...

Sunday: A Morning of Exciting Developments

After another good night's sleep, we woke up at six the following morning. A slightly more relaxed coffee followed our chilly morning stalk after a clear night. The difference a night made was remarkable! The shorter morning walk was terrific after learning a lot, building our confidence. Recent rain brought beautiful changes to the forest, with fantastical fungi appearing everywhere.

Interestingly, I don't think anyone in the group would have opposed another early start, especially when greeted with fresh hot scones, croissants, baked eggs, sausages, bacon, and even bubbles!

After breakfast, we transitioned to our skinning and butchering session with fallow deer, which had been hanging in the cool shed. We learned vital considerations about hunting alone versus in a group, knowing when to carry the entire animal out versus only the parts that matter most.

I innocently attempted to swing the heavier deer onto my back as instructed, resulting in my fall - but I had a blast! Each of us had a chance to carry the deer, experiencing its weight and how it feels over a long distance. The deer were strung up for us to learn how to skin, break them down into manageable pieces, and eventually further into cuts ready for the kitchen. Many delicious recipes were discussed during this session, inspiring us all to utilize the meat divided among the group.

Reflecting on the Weekend: Building Future Connections

As the butchering session rushed toward the end due to folks needing to head home, we gathered briefly to discuss the weekend. We shared what we had learned, offered feedback, and talked about future visions for Wild Chix. The experience instilled many desires to swap contacts for future trips. After hugs and heartfelt exchanges, we returned to our daily lives with renewed inspiration.

The Wild Chix Introduction to Hunting was a worthwhile experience that I would recommend to most women, whether experienced or not. I am thankful to Izzy, Nat, and Katie for supporting this vital step in building women’s confidence in a typically male-dominated sport. The environment was kind and empowering, with no question deemed stupid or inappropriate. I am grateful to have been part of this journey and will return home feeling refreshed and eager to enjoy the outdoors.

Look out deer, as another hunter has joined the ranks of Kiwi women after ya!

A group of incredible women to spend the weekend with