Poronui Hunting Guides

You'll come to love the Poronui Hunting family. Not just because our guides are on a first name basis with the best trophies, are very experienced and knowledgeable about hunting in New Zealand. And not just because of our relaxed and welcoming attitude. But because over the time you spend with us, and the stories we'll share, we'll become like family. Another reason to come back to Poronui Hunting.

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  Mark McGlashan

  Mark joined the team at Poronui as property manager but his great passions are hunting and fishing. It was an easy decision for him and his wife Julie to come to live on Poronui. Mark has revelled in the experience of working with deer and hunters on a daily basis and his dry sense of humour and unassuming nature have quickly made Mark a popular member of the guiding team.
  

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  Ben Hall

  Ben originally from a farming background in the King Country now lives on Poronui with his wife Claire and young daughter Olivia. Ben guides on Poronui all year round fishing in the summer and hunting in the autumn and winter. Ben was so determined to become a guide he spent a season as a guide in training at Poronui some 12 years ago. Ben knows every corner of Poronui and is constantly extending his range. He could be described as an explorer and delights in spending a night camped on the river bank or in the surrounding beech forest. He is also a fine shot - so challenge him to a round on the sporting clays range.  

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  Ian Lowe

  Ian is one of New Zealand’s most experienced hunting guides with over 18 years guiding and 30 years professional hunting experience. Ian has hunted all over New Zealand as well as extensively in the US, he has a clear understanding of what American hunters’ expectations are – and he delivers on them every time.
  
  Ian has guided on several world record animals throughout the years. Close to his heart however, is the opportunity to guide first time big game hunters. Ian’s knowledge and experience in all things hunting is invaluable for those of you who are unsure about whether or not you are up to a New Zealand hunt.
  
  After working on several large hunting estates Ian is now working independently as well as on Poronui. We are pleased to have him as a member of our guiding team.
  
  

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  Neil Philpott

  Neil understands hunting sika deer better than anyone. The author of "Sika Hunter" and creator of the videos "Sika Safari" and "Hunting New Zealand", Neil has hunted and guided on Poronui for years - helping clients achieve some magnificent trophies. Neil lives and breathes sika, and is just as motivated training newcomers to get their first deer as he is guiding experienced hunters to monster trophy stags.
  
  Neil also has probably the largest sika deer trophy collection in the Southern Hemisphere, if not globally, with over 60 trophy eight point sika stags. 

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  Steve Smith

  Steve Smith came to Poronui as GM for Westervelt in NZ after many years of dedicated service with NZ Fish & Game. Steve began at Fish & Game in 1984 with the Wellington and Taranaki regions before becoming regional manager for the Eastern region, based in Rotorua. Recognised for his outstanding work both regionally and at national level, Steve continues to work privately for the interests of anglers and hunters at Westervelt. Steve is a wildlife biologist, experienced hunter and angler and a keen advocate for long term land and resource management. He is married to Tracey and has three children. 

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  Dave Sharp

  Dave Sharp is an experienced deer hunting guide. He has been involved in the hunting scene all his life and is particularly interested in sika deer. He is usually seen with his Hungarian Vizsla, Gem, who has contributed to many wonderful hunts. Gem is now being retired and her young successor is another beautiful Vizsla, named "Belle"who was bred at Poronui.
  
  As well as occasional articles, Rod and Rifle magazine has published two series written by Dave, "How to train a Deer Dog", and "How to hunt Sika Deer".  Dave is also known for his poetry writing, and has a book published, called "Ballads for Blokes".