The helicopter live capture game was a no holds barred raw industry. Milton Kiri became legendary in venison recovery in the late 70’s and 80’s.
Milton pulls no punches in his autobiography- it is what it is- some good, some bad, and some downright unbelievable. This book is not for the easily offended.
Over 14 years in the industry, working all over New Zealand, Milton shared his skill and expertise with his pilots. Milton recounts his true adventures, while his pilots and other shooters chip in with their own memories. There will never be a more complete collection of the drama that was venison recovery (live capture) in the Central North Island. It was not a time for political correctness.
This is a MUST READ for every hunter and outdoors person who only thinks they’re tough. For ordinary people, it will leave us shaking our heads wondering why these foolhardy young men chose to make their living this way. It was a profitable living but too many died.
There was no ghost writer. The slang, local idioms and depth of cultural understanding give this book a straight from the heart attitude. Milton Kiri includes his whakapapa and emotional ties to the land.
The lives of deer cullers (and the deaths) are well illustrated, with images gathered from all over the shooting fraternity. Many photos show the dangerous places the helicopter pilots placed themselves in. The authenticity of the stories is supported by the many extracts contributed by pilots and shooters themselves.
I have to recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the wild outdoors. Large print makes easy reading. Plenty of pictures to illustrate points assist. This is a book for a man who rarely reads.
Reviewer: Sonia Edwards
Self-Published, RRP $50.00