Monday, June 21, 2010

Helicopter Operations - Deer Recovery / Live Capture - New Zealand


Interesting video of Kiwi's using the MD500 for deer capture in New Zealand
The pilot in this video is Morgan Saxton who died in 2008 when his R22
went  down in Lake Wanaka. RIP M Saxton.

9 comments:

  1. Well, I don't know what to say or think about that. We handle our wild game a little differently than those Kiwi's. So 'live capture'? Deer in NZ run as a secondary enterprise alongside other livestock; there are 2,300 farms in NZ and deer provide + 50% of farming revenue. The farms increased in number by 50% between 1997 and 2007. In the early 2000s, deer were farmed in all parts of New Zealand, but were most plentiful in Canterbury, Southland and Otago. So live capture - hardly -straight to the butcher house. Lady OTH

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  2. Ultimately that's what the deer (venison) are for...to be eaten. It's like any resource, as long as you don't over harvest there will be plenty to go around. The two deer in the end didn't look exactly alive, but that's how they do it over there. It's been a tradition for a long time.

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  3. Deer were introduced into New Zealand in the 1800s and since there werent any natural predators their numbers exploded, they destroyed our native bush and the habitat of our native birds and wild life. So yea those kiwis had to do something, Deer farming in New Zealand would not have been possible with out the vision, innovation and skill of these pilots and shooters and when they were getting payed $2,000 to $3,500 a Hind - they'd wanna make sure it was alive. RIP M Saxton.
    M Young

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  4. I've always wondered about the RIP M Saxton and M Young. Were they famous helicopter pilots back in the day?

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  5. Morgan Saxton is the pilot in the video, he past away in 2008 when his r22 went down in lake wanaka, As for M young thats me putting my name down sorry about the confusion.
    M Young

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  6. Oh I see...I'm sorry for your loss. I enjoy watching the video, Morgan could sure handle the MD500. I'm sure he was a great helicopter pilot.

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  7. Hi jeff yea he shaw could handle a 500 I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times, his father (dave saxton) is the older pilot in the video and was one of the founders of deer recovery in nz, theres a awesome DVD called the last great adventure that is all about those days its well worth a watch. flying in alaska looks amazing and cant wait to make it over there one day, happy and safe flying jeff.

    Matt Young

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  8. Wonderful and inspiring blog. I really appreciate the emphasis your Hawaii post (from the instruction company that is) places on attitude. I grew up with a seriously poor self image, and your blog causes me to wonder if flying isn't in my future. I sure would love to look into it. Thanks.

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  9. Thanks Andy - The posting on attitude is very powerful and very true. You should look up a local helicopter school and go for an intro ride!! There's nothing better than flying like an eagle. It's like taking a magic carpet ride!

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