The Roar… there’s nothing quite like it. That first call ringing through the bush, the adrenaline as you close in, and the moments that stick with you long after the hunt is over. Every Roar is different, and that’s what makes it so special.
Brendon, Stoney Creek’s Marketing Director, lives for this time of year. A keen Sika hunter who’s spent countless hours in the hills, he’s learned a thing or two along the way – sometimes the easy way, but mostly the hard way. In this blog, he shares some of his most memorable Roar hunts, his go-to gear, and a few lessons picked up from years of chasing stags in the thick stuff.
What are your most memorable moments from previous NZ Roar hunts?
Every Roar is memorable, new places, new hunting partners, and new experiences. These days, just getting out for a Roar hunt is something to celebrate, especially with four little handbrakes (I mean, kids!).
Two Roars stand out for me. The first was a few years back when I hunted the Wairarapa with my brother for Red Stags. It was one of those perfect days where the stags were in full swing, everything lined up, and I took a solid 12-pointer in the thick of the action. Sharing the experience with my brother and having his help carrying out the meat made it even better.
Another unforgettable Roar was my first hunt with my Vizsla pup, Falcon, chasing Sika in the Kaimanawas. It was his first time in the field after intensive training, and we bagged two 8-point Sika stags in one afternoon. Without him, we wouldn’t have found them. He’s been my best hunting mate ever since, and while he’s getting on now, I’m hoping to squeeze a few more Roars out of him yet.
What key lessons have you learned from your years of hunting during the Roar?
Hunting is a lifelong learning experience. Every trip teaches me something new. Some key lessons I’ve picked up:
- A deer with four legs will always outwit a human with two in a game of freeze and don’t move.
- Don’t dress for town weather, up high, it’s always colder, wetter, and windier than expected.
- Stay on top of food and water intake, fatigue messes with decision-making.
- When hunting Sika, wait longer than you think you should, they’re sneaky, and impatience has cost me plenty of chances.
- Check and double-check gear, leaving a bolt at home is a mistake you only make once.
- Expect the unexpected, stay sharp and in the zone.
What species or locations are your favourite to hunt during the Roar, and why?
I’ve always been drawn to hunting Sika. Being born and bred in Taupō, I love hunting in my home turf and the surrounding areas. While ticking off all of New Zealand’s big game species is on the bucket list, I’m more than happy sticking to my usual spots, pushing deeper into the next ridge or valley, and trying to outdo myself each year.
What are your favourite pieces of Stoney Creek gear for the Roar, and why?
Some of my must-have Stoney Creek gear includes:
- Nitz Pullover – Lightweight, stretch and breathable. Everything a big rig like me who sweats in a snowstorm!
- Hunt Guard Trousers – Durable enough to handle real world hunting environments. With plenty of stretch.
- Switch Pullover – A staple for changeable Roar conditions. Enough protection and warmth to stay protected and full sleeve/high collar for added concealment.
- IceDry Tee – A must have for someone who sweats as much as me. Works hard to wick away moisture, dries quickly and stays fresh throughout the hunt.
This season, I’m keen to try out the StealthShell and Guardian. I’m a big rig who sweats in a snowstorm, so breathability is a top priority. It’s hard to pick favourites when you rely on so many pieces for different situations, but Stoney Creek gear has never let me down.
What’s your personal checklist for preparing for the Roar?
Preparation is key, and my checklist always includes:
- A clear plan – Where I’m going, what I’m after, and my objectives.
- Pre-packing gear – Everything laid out the day before so I can double-check.
- Charged camera batteries – Whether for trail cams, phone, or camera gear, capturing content is part of the experience.
- Recording trip details – Tracking routes and marking waypoints for future reference.
- Emergency gear check – InReach, first aid kit, and telling my wife where I’ll be and when to expect me back.
What are your top three tips for a successful Roar hunt?
- Have a plan. Stay focused on goals and make smart decisions.
- Be patient. Get comfortable, stay still, and let the hunt come to you.
- Stay ahead of the weather. Put a jacket on before it rains, take one off before a climb, and regulate body temperature to stay efficient.
How do you adapt your tactics depending on terrain or weather conditions during the Roar?
Experience and information make all the difference when tackling the unexpected. My best advice? Ask questions. Tap into local knowledge, use weather reports, and learn from those with more experience. Most hunters are happy to share advice, you just have to ask.
What advice do you have for beginners joining their first Roar?
Safety comes first. No stag, no trophy, and no amount of venison are worth taking risks. I always recommend beginners go out with an experienced hunter first. Get used to seeing deer, understanding their behaviour, and having encounters before carrying a rifle. Know your limits, your area, your gear, and follow firearm safety rules. Hunting is a lifelong pursuit, there’s no need to rush the journey.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about the Roar you'd like to debunk?
I used to think a stag would stay in one area and that a fresh pad meant he was nearby. But after years of using trail cams, I’ve learned that in my hunting spots, stags are constantly on the move. Expect the unexpected and always be ready for action.
What are your goals for this year’s Roar?
This season, I have two main goals: a close encounter with a roaring Sika stag and an overnight hunting trip with my young daughter, who’s already obsessed with deer and hunting. If I can tick off those two, I’ll call it a successful Roar.
What do you enjoy most about hunting during the Roar?
For me, the highlight of the Roar is the sound. There’s nothing like the deep bellow of a Red stag or the eerie shrill of a Sika. A single call can change everything, one minute the hunt feels fruitless, the next, you’re back in the game. The Roar is a rollercoaster of emotions, and that’s what makes it so addictive.
How do you ensure safety during the Roar?
I always follow a few key safety rules:
- Have a plan and stick to it.
- Expect to encounter other hunters.
- Wear blaze gear.
- Follow firearms safety rules.
- Always identify my target properly.
- Carry an EPIRB and spare batteries.
- Keep a first aid kit in my pack.
- Bring extra food and gear - just in case.
See You in the Hills
The Roar is one of the best times of the year to be out in the hills, testing skills, making memories, and learning something new every season. Whether you’re after your first stag or looking to top last year’s effort, enjoy the experience, stay safe, and may your patience be rewarded!
See you out there!
Cheers, Brendon
