b'HUNTINGWith the days now getting longer, lambs on the ground and daffodils popping up, it is a sure sign springtime is near.Its a great time to start O ver the winter in planning some spring hunting.Hawkes Bay, it has been pretty kind this year.In saying that we have just copped a recent snow fall closing a few main roads and blanketing the higher country farms. Lucky for farmers this didnt hang around for long and was followed by warmer 15-degree days. Spring is a perfect time to explore some new country in search of a nice meat animal. There is more and more focus on healthy living these days and wild, free-range organic game is as good as it gets. Most game is high protein but with a low-fat content. My family are fortunate to live on venison 3-4 nights a week. Sounds boring, but the options of what you canMatt will plan spring hunts for prepare are endless. Im proud of being apublic land as he has more time hunter and providing for my family.to explore new country.Kona is a young dog who needsTogether with work commitments and more time hunting in the bush toa new baby, time has been limited for my hone her natural skills. hunting lately. However, Ive had access to some great private land that Im very grateful for which has provided me with a quick morning or evening hunt through the winter. PUBLIC LANDMy focus for spring is to get back into public land hunting over my dog Kona. Kona is a twoyear old Hungarian Vizsla. She is shaping up nicely but needs to clock up a few more deer and plenty more bush hours before I sign off on her apprenticeship.Through the winter, deer will be doing as little as possible to conserve energy and fat. As soon as spring hits the deer will push out into the open clearings, creeks, rivers or tussock during early morning and last light searching for that fresh spring growth. 84FISHING IN GODZONE SEP/OCT 2021'