Red deer in New Zealand : As a dissertation to the Department of Horticulture, Landscape and Parks, Lincoln College, Canterbury, as part of the diploma in Parks and Recreation National Park Ranger Option

Abstract

My interest in this subject stems from one of intriguement as to what has happened and scepticism to what may happen to red deer in New Zealand. Having an association with the topic as an amateur hunter, and concern and an appreciation for the conservation of New Zealand's native lands, has resulted in a need to question the present appraisals and management philosophies. The document is essentially a historical review of events that have taken place over the years 1851 to 1980. As with all historical records, there are many different documented opinions on the same issues. Where this has occurred, I have used the facts which coincided and my own discression in reaching conclusions, and where this was not possible the data was omitted altogether. A number of facts could not be traced, and rather than surmise I have had to omit a number of minor details.