Gee Hommer don't get too carried away. We Kiwis view Aussie as the land of opportunity. Different perspective I suppose when we live in the different countries.

Anyway I liked Mogs post and he nailed it concerning weather. You just have to take every opportunity when it comes to getting in and out of those alps when after chamois and tahr. If it was roaded it would be by 4WD but other than shanks pony, the chopper is the only way to go and of course you get to appreciate the rugged beauty of the area on the way in (if the weather is kind on the day).

I thought ExcessExpress was referring to dual controls on a chopper rather than dual power plants.
The 500s operated by James are very stable machines and maintained to a high standard so I never had a problem flying with him.

I just don't know how you can eliminate helihunting other than pressure from hunting groups and organisations promoting trophies and records, without introducing the sort of red tape you feel strongly about in Aussie. Soon as you tighten up regulations to stop the cowboys it always seems to impact more on the ethical hunter. Keep the regs loose and to a minimum and let the good hunters do their thing and hope the lazy blowhards are recognised for what they are and are shunned by the hunters and organisations that believe in ethical behaviour.