One of the most majestic, yet underrated, upland game birds to hunt in New Zealand is the overlooked peacock. This game bird has quite a broad distribution in the North Island, living in good numbers in Northland, Bay of Plenty, and the Manawatu. In these areas the peafowl is considered a pest, due to the direct grazing damage they cause to pastures and crops and the disturbance through foraging for insects. For the bird hunter and his dog they provide a great hunting experience, some would even say superior to that of pheasant, with the dogs being given many opportunities to find, point, flush, and retrieve.
The video posted above is footage put together by Jake Overton from one of his peacock hunts with his three cesky fousek (Georgia, Alma and Aran). The video clearly demonstrates the wonderful versatility of these dogs, with some interesting footage of the dogs finding, pointing, backing, and retrieving. It’s just great to see these dogs doing what they love. And to add, the peafowl is also very tasty, with the breast meat making great schnitzel – just don’t overcook it!
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