Red Deer

Introduced to New Zealand in 1851, red deer soon became controversial residents: sport for hunters, but despised by farmers and conservationists for the damage they caused. First targeted by government cullers in the 1930s, by the 60s they were shot by commercial operators for venison export. Directed by Bruce Morrison and Keith Hunter, this award-winning documentary catches up with the hunt in the 70s, when deer for farming – dramatically caught alive, from helicopters – was a multi-million dollar gold rush. Different versions of the film were made for overseas markets.

The relationship between catcher and pilot is based on complete mutual trust. In many of the situations they face together every day, a wrong move by either could spell disaster for both.

– From the narration

Key Cast & Crew

Keith Hunter

Writer, Co-Director

Bruce Morrison

Writer, Co-Director

Keith Ballantyne

Composer

Hammond Peek

Sound

Hamdani Milas

Camera

Philip Howe

Editor