New Zealand, get those decoys ready

[Sam Newman]

Straight up. It didn't take the eel long to start grabbing it. We have huge eels we call Taniwha's. Some are bigger than me and over 100yrs old. The wild ducks often have missing legs from eel attacks. I was carefull to keep my toes moving. Eels teeth are set in rows pointing backwards so it doesn't take much to take the skin off a toe etc. They grab a hold and get into a spin like a Crocodile ripping their kill into bite sized pieces, or in this case, MY kill.

[RedEyed Duck]

I have no use for an eel or a gator for that matter. We just recently had gators introduced into one of our hunting areas, not real happy about that one! Good luck what those eels!

[Sam Newman]

Introducing Gators must have a major effect on ur environment. Can't think why anyone would want to do that. I'm greatfull we don't have them or snakes etc here. Our eels are very tastey so thats a good thing.

[4dawgma]

I was carefull to keep my toes moving. Eels teeth are set in rows pointing backwards so it doesn't take much to take the skin off a toe etc. They grab a hold and get into a spin like a Crocodile ripping their kill into bite sized pieces, or in this case, MY kill.

Time out! Lemme get this straight, you ain't even got shoes on???

[RedEyed Duck]

I was carefull to keep my toes moving. Eels teeth are set in rows pointing backwards so it doesn't take much to take the skin off a toe etc. They grab a hold and get into a spin like a Crocodile ripping their kill into bite sized pieces, or in this case, MY kill.

Time out! Lemme get this straight, you ain't even got shoes on???

I was thinking the same thing, guess its not so cold for their season!

[RedEyed Duck]

Introducing Gators must have a major effect on ur environment. Can't think why anyone would want to do that. I'm greatfull we don't have them or snakes etc here. Our eels are very tastey so thats a good thing.

Sam, major effect is an understatement. What I have heard (and its probably total BS) is that they were introduced to cut down on the beaver population, as the beavers are out of control. Again, this is probably total bs, as I haven't taken the time to talk to any of the COs about it. However, there is at least 1 gator out there as I have seen it. It has also been on the news sometime last year and recently with the flooding........ Keep all those toes man!

[Sam Newman]

I'm a bear foot hunter. Its much easier to walk quietly without shoes.

[ScottyLee]

I'm a bear foot hunter. Its much easier to walk quietly without shoes.

what kind of temp's are you guys facing over there?!

[LawDawg]

I'm a bear foot hunter. Its much easier to walk quietly without shoes.

saw your picture somewhere recently. I'll be honest. I'd lose respect for you if you wore shoes. You've got that earthy look down pat!

Stay away from the eels man. I saw a guy that smooth lost his thumb to a moray (it pulled it off at the bottom joint)

[donia]

hey sam, your avatar on the sausagemaking.org forum...is that what you are trapping as oppossum? looks like an overgrown fruit bat! i don't know which would be worse...getting bitten by what's in your avatar or an eel, YIKES!

[Sam Newman]

Yes, that's me on the www.sausagemaking.org site. I found it very helpful when I wanted to know how to make Possages. That's right, Possum Sossys. Using the intestine for the casing. Not to be confused with the Opossums you will be used to getting into your garbage and playing dead on the road. Our NZ Brushtail Possums are a cousin of your 1's, but they eat the best of our native forests including endangered native birds eggs and our furry preditors are very much alive. You don't want to be bit or scrached up by them. Nothing my Ruger .22 semi can't fix. My dogs love em too. You will never see a healthyer shinier dog if you feed em up on Possums. If my dogs don't eat it I eat the hearts and use the rest for high nitrogen firtalizer. I am into helping the environment, so killing Possums and other pests is a part of that mission. I hope everyone is ok with the Mississippi river's terrible flooding. Does that mean there are plenty of lost duckys to eat? I am working on helping some of the biggest wetlands in the North and enjoy saving injured birds and animals. That's why I use every part of the Possum. The only time I wear shoes, is when riding a motorcycle. our eels (Tunna) do taste good straight out of the smoker, so I might use me toes 4 bait.

[4dawgma]

Crikey!

[Sam Newman]

I hope you guys are all alright with all them twisters rolling through your areas?

[quackheadbp]

All good here Sam. Town up the road about 5 miles was destroyed last month due to a tornado though.

[Sam Newman]

Still a bit of hunting season left in New Zealand if anyone wants to join me. I recently spent 3 days on the water cruising down the Awanui river to the Rangaunu Harbour. Shooting ducks, Parries etc and caught a couple of fish too. There are hundreds of waterfowl this year. A hunters dream. I met 2 old boys out shooting on their 72nd and 87th birthdays. They had a little dinghy similar to mine and blatted out into the mangroves. I heard them shooting off a few rounds. Sounded like they were having heaps of fun like me. Great to see. There are loads of Canada Geese, Swans, a variety of Ducks, Parries and Pukekos etc. We only got enough to eat, but we could have had a field day. Anyone wanting an adventure with me, be in quick before the season ends. There is still time. I am happy to take you out to the best spots on a koha (donation) basis and you are welcome to stay at my place for free.