Hunting Sika Deer in New Zealand with Cam Speedy

In this episode, Matty sits down with New Zealand ecologist and Sika Foundation member Cam Speedy for a deep dive into Sika deer, deer ecology, habitat management, and the role hunters play in conservation. Cam shares decades of experience working in wildlife management throughout New Zealand, including predator control, deer tracking studies, biodiversity work, and research around Sika deer populations in the Central North Island. The conversation explores how deer density directly impacts habitat quality, breeding success, antler growth, and overall herd health. Cam explains why healthy hunting systems rely on balanced harvests, particularly around female deer, and how hunters themselves often act as the primary predator within modern deer systems. There’s also a fascinating breakdown of Sika deer behaviour, including rut timing, scrape systems, home ranges, dispersal patterns, and why Sika have become such a sought-after species for bowhunters. This is a grounded conversation that blends science, practical hunting knowledge, and conservation into one of the most detailed discussions we’ve had on deer ecology and management. 🔍 What We Cover: Cam’s background in ecology and wildlife managementPredator control in New Zealand and the impact of stoats, rats, cats, and possumsWhy healthy habitat is the true foundation of sustainable huntingSika deer history in New Zealand and how they became establishedWhy Sika outcompete red deer in certain environmentsThe relationship between nutrition, breeding success, and antler growthWhy hunters should focus more on harvesting femalesHow overabundant deer populations damage habitat and herd qualityJaw studies, herd analysis, and measuring deer conditionGPS collar tracking and what it revealed about Sika movement patternsSika rut behaviour, scrapes, and vocalisationsHow to call Sika stags during the rutWhy Sika are such an exciting species for bowhuntersPublic land vs helicopter-access hunting in New ZealandThe role hunting organisations play in protecting hunting’s futureRetaining hunting’s social license through education and responsibility 👤 Find Our Guest: Cam Speedy Instagram: @SikaFoundation 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors