Book proposal: Help preserve the history of the NZ Deer Cullers Incorporated Society.

My rallying cry to you is: this will be a book for all New Zealanders. Particularly those interested in our outdoors and wilderness regions. The history of hunting in New Zealand, and our backcountry huts, many were established in the 1950s-60s as bases for the government shooters. The deer culling industry has left a legacy that can be enjoyed by hunters and trampers in our great outdoors.

In 2023, my first book Finding Frank: The Life of Frank Erceg – New Zealand Deer Hunter, Mountaineer, Photographer was published to critical acclaim, with the first print run of 2000 copies quickly selling out initiating a reprint. For that book I undertook extensive research into the history of deer in New Zealand. This included research on the New Zealand government deer cullers.

The NZDC Inc. was founded in 1966. The society represents a significant period in the history of deer hunting in New Zealand – the era of the iconic government deer culler 1930-1987 when the Department of Conservation took over deer management.

Of the few surviving earlier deer cullers, there are precious archives that warrant preserving and proper housing. My aim is to travel throughout New Zealand, undertake interviews and assess these collections. These treasured artefacts and materials will be permanently re-housed to the NZ Deer Stalkers Heritage Museum in Wellington. To be available to the public, and for other writers and historians to view.

I graciously ask you to support me in getting this book completed.