Christopher Hut St James

Trip Leader John Furlong

Grade Easy

Cost 15

Date 25 Nov 22 - 27 Nov 22

Who's coming?

2 people are attending Future Trip

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North Canterbury Deerstalkers Association will conduct this trip with all care within its control Wilderness Hunting can be a dangerous activity. Responsibility for normal safety and conduct remains the responsibility of the individuals. Do not extend beyond your capabilities.

LOCATION
NZTopo50 map sheet:  BT23
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates : E 1564113 , N5318041

TRIP SUMMARY

Christopher Hut, Ada River St James Conservation Area

Hunt description and level of experience required:

We will stay at the Christopher Hut which is a DOC serviced 14-bunk hut on the Ada River in the St James Conservation Area:

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/christopher-hut/

Fees: $15.00 (1 green Serviced Hut Ticket) per night.

 

There is also the option of the Christopher (Ada) Cullers Hut which is a basic 4-bunk hut approximately 1km up the river valley:

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/christopher-ada-cullers-hut/

You can also bring a tent if you prefer to be under the stars.

 

Travel to the area will be via Tophouse Road and the 4WD section of the St James Cycle Trail until the carpark opposite Glacier Gully on the Waiau Uwha River.  From the carpark, we will walk to the Christopher Hut via the Waiau Pass and St James Walkway Tracks.  The walk will take approximately 4 hours.  There is also the option of cycling to the huts if you are so inclined.

 

Target species are deer and chamois.

 

Sean Jameson (possum trapper, bushman and long-time Deerstalkers member) will be at the hut to provide us with his expert knowledge on possible deer locations and to pack meat out via horseback on Sunday if required.

 

There are three forms of hunting available on this trip:

1)       River flats.  The terrain will be mostly flat.  Requires a low level of personal fitness combined with a low level of hunting experience.  A typical hunt of this kind will take 2 hours and requires a low level of navigational skills.  Typical shooting distances will be 100-200m.

2)       Bush hunting.  The terrain will a combination of bush-covered river flats and steep hill terrain.  Requires a moderate level of fitness and moderate level of hunting experience.  A typical hunt of this kind will take 4 hours and requires a moderate level of navigational skills.  Typical shooting distances are likely to be 20-50m.

2)       Open tops.  The terrain will be moderate to steep alpine terrain.  Requires a moderate level of fitness and moderate level of hunting experience.  A typical hunt of this kind will take 10 hours and requires a moderate level of navigational skills. Typical shooting distances are likely to be 200m+.

Required Gear: Minimum recommendations for every Hunt is Personal Location Beacon (PLB), GPS, Map, Compass, and a suitable form of communication.
Note Whether Hut or Camping, Is Vehicle Access available close to site etc