Its pretty hard at the moment trying to get back into this work mode, after enjoying all that fine weather, spending time relaxing, and doing a spot of fishing. Did a couple of trips out from Whakatane chasing the elusive yellow fin tuna, but only managed to pick up a dozen or so Albacore tuna. Still, they cooked up a treat on the Bar-B-Q and in the smoker.

I suspect many of you have spent some time in the bush chasing venison and trout, and look forward to hearing and reading stories about your success.

During this holiday period it is very easy to forget about the politics and on going issues associated with our sport, such as the 1080 drops, Environment Waikato strategies, etc etc, but now that the new year has started and the branch / committee begins its work for this year, these on-going issues will again receive the focus that they require.

I'm a bit gutted that we have missed out on a Wapiti block for this year, as I was looking forward to checking out the magnificent country and also giving my new raincoat a bit of a work out. Guess I'll have to spend time chasing the reds and my favourite deer, the cunning sika.

Hot Barrels and Tight Lines.

Regards, John