givealittle: book proposal - help me preserve the history of the NZ Deer Cullers Inc. Society

I graciously ask you to support me in getting this book completed.

Click the link to my givealittle homepage to make a donation, and read more about this exciting new writing project.

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-preserve-the-history-of-the-nz-deercullers

My rallying cry to you is: this will be a book for all New Zealanders. Particularly those interested in our outdoors and wilderness regions. The history of hunting in New Zealand, and our backcountry huts. Many of these huts were established throughout the country in the 1950s-60s as bases for government shooters. The deer culling industry has left a legacy that is enjoyed by many trampers in our great outdoors.

In 2023, my first book Finding Frank: The Life of Frank Erceg – New Zealand Deer Hunter, Mountaineer, Photographer was published to critical acclaim, with the first print run of 2000 copies quickly selling out initiating a reprint. For that book I undertook extensive research into the history of deer in New Zealand. This included research on the New Zealand government deer cullers.

The NZDC Inc. was founded in 1966. The society represents a significant period in the history of deer hunting in New Zealand – the era of the iconic government deer culler 1930-1987 when the Department of Conservation took over deer management.

Of the few surviving earlier deer cullers, some own precious archives that need preserving and proper housing. I aim to travel throughout New Zealand, to undertake interviews and assess these collections. Many of these treasured artefacts and materials will be permanently re-housed to the NZ Deer Stalkers Heritage Museum in Wellington. To be available to the public, and for other writers and historians to view.

Deer Cullers at the end of the 1955-56 season. Outside the Roadworkers Hut, Haast highway.

NZ Outdoor book review by Daryl Crimp

‘Finding Frank certainly rates as a “must read” and a book you won’t put down in a hurry.’ Daryl Crimp

NZ Herald Canvas 08/10/2023. Finding Frank: Niece’s heartfelt tribute to one of New Zealand’s true hunting legends, Frank Erceg.

This two-page feature was the first published article on Finding Frank. I was interviewed by Angela Barnett, sister of Shaun Barnett, a passionate supporter of the Frank Erceg Project. In 2013, I shared the stage with Shaun at Going West Books & Writers Festival. The ‘Going Bush’ panel also included Chris Maclean and Rob Brown. In conversation about some of the extraordinary but little-known characters, we talked of the people and places that have shaped New Zealand’s sense of who we are as a rigorous and resourceful people. Enjoy reading it as I reflect on aspects of the book, its process, and the journey writing it. Photos by Dave Osmers.

RNZ Interview with Leah Tebbutt. Finding Frank - A true hunting legend.

‘Louise Maich has been on a decades-long journey to uncover the story of her uncle Frank as one of New Zealand’s most prominent deer hunters of his era . . . Country Life I caught up with Louise to hear about Frank and consequently, the history of the deer culling industry in New Zealand which features in her book Finding Frank.’

To listen to the interview please click here

First aired on Country Life 1 December 2023

Frank Erceg. Godley Valley, Summit Ridge. 1961. Credit: Dave Osmers.

Messages from readers. . .

Peter Engel 20 August 2024

Hi Louise - I just want to thank you for the beautiful book about Frank, a marvellous record of the times and a tribute to this group of unique men. Have hunted all my life but am a poor excuse compared to these men. A sad book in many ways, but a book I have treasured reading. I am now passing it on to an old culler who I am sure will also love it.

Thanks very much.

John Berry 19 June 2024

I have just finished Finding Frank in 2 days! All I can say, after producing a few short stories about my own hunting experiences and knowing some small part of your work, is that it is epic and beautifully written. A great tribute to this colossus of hunting. I still remember the day I was at university when a friend told me of Frank’s death - he and I were supposed to visit him and hunt later that year. 
In awe of your research and skill.
Regards,
John

Roger Soulsby 26 January 2024

Hi Louise,

I’m presently in Wanaka for a few days participating in the annual Ruby Island swim event tomorrow. I brought Finding Frank down with me from Auckland. This afternoon I paid my respects to Frank at his grave. My very good mate, Ash Harding (ex Deer Hunter who knew Alan Farmer well) came with me. I left a couple of choc fish as they’re my go to fuel on long distance swims.

I know the farming area well where Frank grew up when I was based in Te Kuiti with farming clients around Taumarunui and Retaruke. 

The Erceg family have left a lasting legacy beyond measure. You captured a time and culture, let alone individual legends, that would never be otherwise remembered. What a wonderful & inspirational testimony you’ve written Louise. 

Sincerely 

Roger Soulsby

Simon Best 5 January 2024

Hi Louise,

I am reading your very interesting book, which brings back many memories! I was a NZFS deer culler for almost two years in 1961/62 and spent the last half based in Queenstown. Frank was already a legend then, and I saw him about the place. I hunted in the Mataura and Lochy watersheds, the Hopkins and Dobson, and a short stint up the Godley (Lilybank). 

I took a lot of 35mm slides and also had 18 of Frank’s, which he was selling.

I have a question regarding Frank’s death. I find it highly unlikely that someone as savvy and experienced as Frank, and also presumably John Cumming, would have walked into the blades. I think it more likely the chopper tilted and caught them as they were loading up. You have done more research than anyone on this, and I know what you have written. What is your opinion?

Cheers

Simon

Wally Whitehead 4 January 2024

I spent most of my school holidays from aged 9, 1959, until 1967 with Jock and Al. I met Frank at the Erceg farm; this was just before he was killed. He took Al and me down the Whanganui River in Jock’s jet boat. Two ducks flew out from the willows; he stood knee against the steering wheel, picked up a 222 rifle, and shot the ducks in flight. And at 35mph in a boat, amazing. At night, by the fire, he whittled a stag deer from a bit of native firewood; sadly, I’ve never seen it again. I’ve been to Wanaka Cemetery twice to see Frank. Once in 1966, then again in 2018. I will never forget him. He was a great man.

Lynn Rumble 1 January 2024

Thank you for Finding Frank. Our family’s association with the Erceg’s: Roz and Jock, Mary and Al, goes back 60 years, but so much did not know or forgotten Fantastic read.

Paul Farrow 07 October 2023

Hi Louise,

I bought and read the book today; it brought back memories and some new facts I didn’t know about.

In 1962, at the age of 11, I was put on a bus and sent to Makarora. (via Cromwell) for the Christmas holidays. I shared a room at the back of the shop with Dave Osmers’ father.

I was allowed to serve in the shop and remember selling Frank’s slides along with handbags made from slinky skins (unborn red deer). I think this was the first time I remember Frank as we drove from Makarora to the Gates of Haast one day on a photo shoot. I went shooting with Dave Osmers up the Wilkin Valley and remember sleeping in the bush one night. I also remember Mike Palmer and going up to see his hut. 

I spent Christmas at Makarora and recall going to a farm where all the locals met for a Christmas service. (Could have been Wattie Cameron’s place).

In 1978, I returned to New Zealand after an absence of 5 years. As I was unemployed, Dave Osmers gave me a job for six months (Back working in the store). 

George Erceg: I recall George coming into the shop a few times with his wife. She kept me updated regarding his health in his later years and the apparent effects of working with chemicals associated with treating timber.

Jock Erceg: I remember a family holiday to his farm in the North Island, and what I realise now is the Whanganui River. It’s my first memory of seeing fishing flies. Jock had a tackle box full of Hamills Killer and Woolly buggers. Despite dropping several hints, the mean bugger didn’t give me any. However, I did go down to the river and remember seeing a dead trout.

My fascination with fly fishing has continued to become a complete obsession since I retired.

Dave and Rhonda came to my wedding in 1983, and we have kept in touch. My wife and I called in to see Rhonda and stayed the night just before covid. We were cycling from Cape Reinga to Bluff and obviously went via the West Coast. I didn’t realise how steep the road is at the Gates of Haast. The trip brought back some memories from 60 years ago.

Dave also bought camera gear from me; however, he couldn’t make the transfer from film to digital, and I had to refund him. 

Gordon Roberts: I did a few hunting trips with Gordon in 1965. Like Frank, he was as fit as. I recall climbing Mt St Andrew to photograph Chamois for his book Game Animals of New Zealand. It was a memorable trip as Gordon got me to within 5 meters of the animals. We started climbing in the dark, and I didn’t get back to the hut till evening. I was so exhausted I vomited, and I could not believe Gordon had then walked out of the valley to the main road. (I think to see his new fiancée)

We also helped in a small way with his next book, High Country Four Seasons. Once again, I sold cameras to Gordon. I visited him when he was living near Hokitika. I also saw him shortly before he died and attended his funeral in Rangiora.

Frank Matthews: Obviously, a close family friend. We have kept in touch with Paula (Frank’s daughter). She looked after our children at the Rangi Ruru child centre. Vicky, my sister, gave a eulogy at Frank’s funeral.

Kevin Whitelaw: This was a surprise in the book. Kevin was a long-time customer, and I had completely forgotten about his association with Frank. We had talked about it on occasions.

Arthur Shand:  Many fond memories of hunting at Island Hills as a kid with Frank Matthews. Arthur’s daughter Dianne was a customer, and I last saw her just after the Christchurch earthquakes.

I was vaguely aware of Frank’s parents, but that chapter clarified what was not talked about.

Thanks for writing this book. It means a lot to me and is a permanent record of Dad’s earlier life and friendship with Frank. I’ve bought extra copies to leave for my grandchildren.

Louise, the book is an amazing effort.

Thanks once again

Paul Farrow

Finding Frank:The Life of Frank Erceg – New Zealand Deer Hunter, Mountaineer, Photographer

‘Frank was my uncle, he died when I was a pre-schooler, and my one lasting memory is scant and hazy. I grew up knowing very little about his life, he always appeared as a handsome adventurous uncle who died tragically, and of course someone I wished I had known. He was a part of my family history, someone that I was driven to uncover and write about.’ — Louise Maich

Frank Erceg is still remembered as one of New Zealand’s most prominent deer hunters of his era (1950-60s). He is frequently cited in books on the history of deer hunting in New Zealand, however, no book has been written specifically on Frank, his life and his achievements, until now. Author Louise Maich has spent over two decades piecing together her Uncle Frank’s previously untold story through family research, letters, compelling recollections and yarns from Frank’s contemporaries — the last of the great hunters of that era. Illustrated with rare images from his photographic archive, Finding Frank is a heartfelt tribute to one of New Zealand’s true hunting legends.

By 1965 at the age thirty, Frank Erceg had established an impressive reputation as a marksman, mountaineer and photographer, with his work widely published in newspapers and magazines of the day. That same year, Frank and his friend Johnny Cumming were killed in New Zealand’s first helicopter hunting accident, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit hunting community.

 Frank’s story began with the migration of the Erceg family from the former Yugoslavia to New Zealand. Growing up in the small settlement of Aukopae near Taumarunui, Frank was strongly influenced by three older brothers who taught him hunting, fishing and bushcraft skills. In his early twenties, Frank headed south, first enlisting as a government shooter before becoming an independent meat hunter. The magnificent Arawhata Valley in South Westland was his hunting ground, his base, a purpose-built log cabin on the edges of the Arawhata River.

Finding Frank is a story of hope, overcoming family trails and tragedy and of a family finding their way in a new country.