You guys are depressing me with all this fitness stuff. For an old guy I think I'm reasonably fit, going for long walks every day I can. However, I know most Kiwis will wear the legs off me whatever preparation I do. I don't suppose there are any oldtimers still guiding who might have slowed down?

The talk of big binoculars is not encouraging, either. I don't mind carrying a 10-pound rifle around Victoria or Africa but the thought of 10x40 binos dragging on my neck all day won't appeal unless modern harnesses perform some miracle I can't imagine. Could I make do with my 8x25s for general glassing and peer through one of the new riflescopes with enhanced power ranges for checking details - or use a little telesope as the Scots do? Obviously, 8x25 binos fall down in extremes of daylight but, as with sambar hunting, I suspect most people like to be off the hill before dark and into an orange hut.

On the other hand, do many guides use light tents etc and camp high up rather than come down in the evening? It has occurred to me to carry a light sleeping bag and an enclosed bivvy tent in the day pack in case I got caught out. It might not be comfortable but should be one up on wrapping in a space blanket.

Eagle27, since I'm hoping to be semi-resident in NZ, is it possible I could hunt without a guide at a pace that suits me? If so, what is land access like? Are blocks allocated the way they are on Stewart Island?

Sorry if my silly questions are hijacking your thread, magnum308.

- Paul