Hunter and outdoorsman Vern Wilson has released his third book, The Old Gunman: Sixty Years of Hunting New Zealand, capturing a lifetime spent in some of the country’s most remote and rugged wilderness areas.

The 84-year-old says this new work follows his earlier titles, From Hoon to Hunter (2013) and The Travelling Hunter (2015). But The Old Gunman, he says, is much more than a collection of stories.

It includes yarns about his adventures in the bush, “but it also contains discussions about native bush and wildlife, and historical information on New Zealand’s wilderness parks. It’s more like a reference book with stories in it.”

Wilson has hunted since 1959 and says what draws him back to the bush time and again is not just the thrill of the hunt, but the peace and solitude.

“It’s the remoteness, being away from everything. The peace and quiet mean the most to me,” he said.

He quotes Theodore Roosevelt to explain the feeling: “No one, but he who has partaken thereof, can understand the keen delight of hunting in lonely lands.”

Though he’s slowed down a little, Wilson still heads out into the bush when he can.

I still love the bush and the hills. I went out a couple of times last year.”

When others are hunting, he is often the camp cook.

Among his favourite destinations is South Westland.

“It’s the remoteness of the area .... a true wilderness experience. Apart from a few helicopters, you’re completely isolated. It’s just the mountains, the hills, the bush, the gullies, the rivers. And when you took a stag in that kind of country, it was a real challenge – the weather and terrain were always against you. But when I went in there, this one place, I felt at peace with the world.”

He believes the bush is a place of connection, not isolation.

“You’re never truly alone in the bush; the sound of trees, birds, creeks, the wind. You can be more alone in a crowd.”

Wilson has always hunted on foot and has strong views on ethics and conservation.

“I talk in the book about game management, and the importance of preserving flora, fauna, and habitat. If you want to manage animals, you must manage the habitat. The two go hand in hand. Overpopulation of deer can destroy the bush, and it has in many areas.”

And he believes the outdoors holds great value for young people.

“Hunting gives them something tangible to hang on to. Something to do.”

Wilson has worked in the firearms’ industry for over 50 years, running a gun shop in Hamilton before moving to Whakatāne in 2019. He also served as a Waipara District councillor for nine years and stood again in the most recent local election, though he wasn’t elected.

His hunting career has taken him far beyond New Zealand, to North America, Canada, Alaska, and Africa.

Writing, he said, was a way of “taking people along” on his journey, sharing what he has learned and experienced, and his writing style makes for easy reading.

Wilson said he was grateful to Mann Print for their kind and helpful service in getting the book printed.

Get a copy of his book from Paper Plus Whakatāne.

■ Giveaway
For a copy of Vern Wilson’s book, The Old Gunman, email [email protected] with “The Old Gunman” in the message field. The deadline is Monday noon, and the winner will be notified by email and can collect their copy at the Beacon reception.