Author(s): Graeme Marshall

Hunting

Graeme Marshall has always loved to write. This, his tenth book, is devoted to his passion for hunting. He wrote his first magazine article for fledgling Rod and Rifle in 1981 and has contributed to every issue bar one since then. Whilst most of his books have revolved around trout fishing this is his fourth hunting book, including the most recent, Aerial Hunter, The Dick Deaker Story. Now in his early 60's the author still hunts quite frequently and at the time of going to print was planning yet another minor expedition. Now based in the small South Canterbury town of Pleasant Point, near Timaru, he enjoys a range of outdoor pursuits. He writes and guides trout and salmon anglers. In New Zealand there is a strong link between hunting and the rural sector. When Graeme Marshall grew up our country had much closer links to the farming sector and more people lived in small rural service towns than is the case today. Consequently there was a strong culture of hunting with game available relatively close to centres of population. While the same situation still holds true in some regions, eg rural Southland, where hunting is perceived as a legitimate and wholesome pastime, the same cannot be said for most of the larger centres, especially, where the urban sprawl has swallowed up much farm land. However, while many young people grew up in families that enjoyed some form of hunting the author came from a non-hunting background. Whilst the family enjoyed a bit of fi shing from time to time Graeme had to learn by "the seat of the pants," something he did by seeking out companions who were keen on the shooting sports and by reading books and magazines. NZ Outdoor magazine whetted the appetite and books by Newton McConochie, Rex Forrester and others did the rest. By the time he was old enough to obtain a firearms licence and purchase a rifle there was no doubt that he would become a hunter. The passion was inspired by his life long friend, Malcolm and a number of others, all who have made a deep impression. Marshall does not claim to be amongst the ranks of the 'gun' hunters; far from it in fact. If there could be such a beast as an 'average' hunter then he insists that he would qualify for that title. A burning ambition to "have a look over the next ridge," means that he is still exploring new places and continuing to provide food for family and friends. This book contains just a few stories of an adventurous life.