The Roar isn’t just about chasing stags, it’s about the thrill of the hunt, the early morning hikes, and the memories made along the way. It’s about those heart-pounding moments when a Red bellows back, the tactical game of patience and persistence, and the stories that get retold year after year. Every Roar is different, and that’s what makes it so addictive.
For Ella, Stoney Creek’s Brand Marketing Coordinator, hunting is second nature. As a third-generation hunter and the first woman in her family to carry on the tradition, she’s spent countless hours in the bush learning the craft. She loves the challenge of chasing Reds in the North Island, but she’s also got a soft spot for fallow deer (probably because she’s had two as pets). Her hunting crew wouldn’t be complete without Netty, who somehow always manages to be right in the middle of the action.
In this blog, Ella shares her most memorable Roar moments, the hard-earned lessons she’s picked up along the way, and her go-to Stoney Creek gear for tackling the season. If you’re gearing up for the Roar, there’s plenty to take away!
What are your most memorable moments from previous NZ Roar hunts?
My most memorable moments from my roar hunts in the past would be learning how to take an opportunity. The feeling of being ‘next up’ to shoot during a hunt is a crazy one. All the pressure and excitement of having your moment to finally shoot a stag! I’ve had my highs and lows but I must say I’m at my happiest when I’m walking through the bush and hear a red stag roar. Forever the stalk and chase will be the most thrilling for me. It’s a different kind of adrenaline! But not only me, seeing other people experience a red stag roar for the first time is pretty special. It might be cringe, but you see their eyes light up! As a 3rd generation hunter it’s just in the blood, I guess!
What key lessons have you learned from your years of hunting during the Roar?
Hunting is always a challenge. Who you go with, the conditions, the chase. But that’s why we do it. Fortunately I have grown up with my Dad stressing the importance of wearing purpose built gear. The NZ elements can change with the snap of a finger… having experienced this on my own solo hunts, I’m over ‘toughing’ it out! The difference good gear can make is impeccable… it just changes your whole perspective of a hunt. Comfortability, accessibility and reliability in the right clothing will heighten not only the hunt, but the experience.
What species or locations are your favourite to hunt during the Roar, and why?
I’m a North Island hunter through and through, love the opotiki area for hunting. The coast is pretty epic. I would love to get down south when I get the chance, to experience some of the alpine hunting NZ’s South Island has to offer. As for species, I prefer to hunt reds. Red hinds & stag. They are just such a magnificent animal, great to watch through the binos and give a good stalk. As we know, there is nothing better than a big scrubby north island red stag in the roar.
What are your favourite pieces of Stoney Creek gear for the Roar, and why?
My favourite pieces of Stoney Creek kit aka my ‘uniform’ for when planning an expedition are:
TCF Active Tights
SC Active Long Sleeve Crew TCF
TCF Patch Cap
Explorer Boots
Nitz Jacket
Accelerant Jacket
New gear i am SO EXCITED to try is the thermohunt…. I’m so pumped for a camo puffer jacket it’s unbelievable. It’s going to be my go-to for glassing on the hills. Catch me walking around the supermarket wearing it. You’re seriously gonna have to peel this jacket off me! The specs that it has are game changing for those long alpine expeditions. Not only that but the features are seriously something to look forward to…
What’s your personal checklist for preparing for the Roar?
As for a checklist. I will always get someone to go over my gear before I head out. Rather than relying on a mental check list I’ll always get my Dad to have a look over my gear layed out before I pack it all up! This way there is 0% chance of me getting caught out. But I always go by the classic ‘break it down’ technique - stalking, shooting, caping/butchering, camping, first aid. For example for shooting: Gun, optics, bullets, mag, bolt, bipod etc etc.
What are your top three tips for a successful Roar hunt?
My top tips are pretty simple.
- BREATHE! The adrenaline is unbelievable when you finally see the species of your dreams. Just breathe and focus, calm yourself down (as hard as it is) you may have one spilt chance, or you may have a couple minutes. But ensure you are focusing on your shot, identifying your target correctly, and following through with your shot. Ensuring you give yourself every chance to finish the job!
- THE SHOT. If it’s not safe don’t take it. Simple as that. The only thing worse than a wounded animal, is one you can’t retrieve. As hunters we are harvesting this animal, and we need to respect it. There will always be another opportunity to shoot a stag. As hard as it is to let one go, that’s why we hunt! The thrill of the chase. It Just makes hunting the next one even more exciting….
- THE MOMENT. Live in the moment. Whether it’s you, or a mate that’s shot an animal. Celebrate it! There is no better feeling than completing the hunt of a lifetime. High-fives, congrats, videos, photos. It’s all apart of the memories and stories we take home. You’ve hunted hard, and you’ve done what you came for. Whether it’s your 1st stag or your 100th stag. That’s a Pretty awesome accomplishment.
How do you adapt your tactics depending on terrain or weather conditions during the Roar?
Don’t mess with the weather, you’ll never win! Mother Nature is not one to take on. Plan ahead, check the weather, have a back up plan. Or bail and postpone. Don’t tough it out and regret it later.
What advice do you have for beginners joining their first Roar?
It’s not easy… you’ll make mistakes, shoot I make them now ALL the time. Learn from them and take them on board. That’s how you grow as a hunter. It’s all good and well being told what to do. But sometimes it comes down to trial and era. Spooking a deer, forgetting your sharpener, running out of bullets! We have all done it before. Everyone starts somewhere.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about the Roar you'd like to debunk?
I hear the Fiordland moose is more likely to come out during the roar ;) Nah, as for myths all I’d say is the stags don’t just sit on your doorstep and wait for you, they are better to hunt during the roar - however it’s not always as easy as people let on.
What are your goals for this year’s Roar?
My goal for this years roar is to take out some of my best friends and let them experience their first red stag roar. Other than that I’d LOVE to come across a nice red stag. 14 point is obviously the dream, but hey. I’ve got a few roars left in my lifetime to achieve that. Let’s get the newbies out and about first! #newgen
What do you enjoy most about hunting during the Roar?
As mentioned above in #1 nothing, and I mean NOTHING. Beats hearing the first redstag roar of the season. Apart from that, hunting with my dad is definitely something i enjoy the most. Being the third McConnell generation of hunters (and the first girl) I really take this time to learn the ways from him. Life gets so busy but when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, away from the world, with just us it’s hard not to be pretty stoked. We are just so lucky here in NZ to have the opportunity to hunt. After spending time talking to people from overseas, hunting in New Zealand is truly a bucket list experience for them. We don’t realise how lucky we are to have it on our back doorstep!
How do you ensure safety during the Roar?
Safety is always key. It’s been drilled into me ask as little girl. Gun safety. Walking behind the person with the gun. Identifying your target. It’s all basic skills that people should think about regularly as hunters. Along with that, no matter how well you know the area. Don’t be a hero, take first aid and a sat phone. It’s all good and well until something actually does go wrong. This industry is constantly under a microscope, so it’s important as hunters that we ensure we do the best we can to prevent any safety hazards when hunting.
The final note - to sum this up all I’ll say is this… ask questions, wear the right gear, enjoy the thrill of the hunt and respect the animal, the tradition of hunting and pass over knowledge to others. Personally I’m really passionate about encouraging other female hunters to get out there and give it a go! If you’re thinking of going for one of your first hunts during the roar. No matter who you are, where you are from, hunting is for everyone, and the hunting community will welcome you with open arms.
See you out there!
Cheers, Ella
