The Game Animal Council (GAC) is reminding hunters to be well prepared ahead of their autumn hunting trips by making sure they are ‘roar ready’.

Last year’s roar was interrupted by the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown and many people missed out on the year’s best hunting.

It’s no surprise then, Game Animal Council general manager Tim Gale said, that hunters are extremely excited about this year’s deer roar.

“The good news is with another 12 months to mature there will be some really high-quality stags out there and some great hunting to be had,” he said.

“However, the roar period also presents extra risk so we are reminding hunters to take the necessary precautions to have a safe and successful trip.”

The ‘roar’ season marks the time of year when stags are most vocal, calling to attract the attention of hinds, and they are less cautious than other times.

It runs every year from around the end of March through April.

The cancellation of last year’s hunting season due to Covid-19 means there will be high quality stags this year, GAC’s Tim Gale said. PHOTO: Supplied

“Preparation for a hunt is essential – make sure you give your gear a good check over before you go, know what to expect weather-wise by checking the long-range weather forecast, always carry hardcopy maps to supplement whatever electronic navigational aids you use and leave your intentions (including when you expect to return) with a reliable contact,” Tim says.

Identifying your target carefully and “beyond all doubt” is critical, Tim says, adding that every firearm should be treated as though it is loaded.

“I also strongly recommend wearing high-vis or blaze clothing.

“Orange blaze is extremely vivid to the human eye yet deer do not pick it up so wearing it should not hamper your hunting opportunities.” (Continue reading below)

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It is also essential to be mindful - especially over the Easter period - of other hunting parties and backcountry users, he said.

A hunting license is required in order to hunt in conservation areas, and DOC has lots of tips and information which can be found here.

The GAC website also has a detailed list of things to do ahead of the roar.