Gun City Dunedin manager John Simpson adds an orange hat to a shop mannequin as deerstalkers prepare for the roar. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYDeerstalkers are being urged to be 100% sure of their targets when they head into the hills for the roar this year. The roar or rut — from mid-March to the end of April — is when stags are most vocal, calling to attract the attention of hinds. ‘‘Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? ‘‘Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 23, 2026 16:38 UTC