Winner: Ewan Bawden - NZDA Young Deer Stalkers of the Year

Inspiring the Next Generation of Hunters in New Zealand

Encouraging the next generation to get into hunting is something we’re super passionate about. So we were stoked to sponsor the NZDA Young Deerstalker of the Year Award again for 2025. 

How Ewan Bawden’s Hunting Journey Started at Just Seven Years Old

This year’s Award went to Ewan Bawden, a dedicated young hunter from the North Canterbury Branch. Ewan’s passion started early — heading out rabbit & possum shooting with his dad at 7. It didn’t take long for him to progress to game hunting, shooting his first 3 deer in Arthur’s Pass. 

“I used my air rifle at first and progressed to the 7mm 08 under strict instruction from my dad. He took me on hunts and I gained more experience every time we went out. Mum took me to the pistol club when I was 15 & I got my firearms License with my C cat endorsement a year later. My parents have supported me with all my shooting and I have them to thank for everything.” 

From Rookie to Role Model: Ewan’s Path to Becoming a HUNTS Instructor

Since joining NZDA at 12, Ewan has thrown himself into every opportunity to learn, grow, and give back to the hunting community. Now a qualified Range Officer, he helps run public and club range days and is training to become a HUNTS Instructor, already assisting on courses and mentoring new hunters. 

Guiding the Next Hunter: Ewan’s Unforgettable Tahr Hunt at Ben McLeod Station

“Meeting new people and being in the mountains” is what keeps Ewan hunting. “The scenery is always fantastic and the exercise is good. I love just being out in the wild. I would love to become a hunts instructor and carry on helping new people into hunting.” 

One of his hunting highlights came during the 2024 HUNTS Course: 

“I led a girl named Hannah up Ben McLeod Station. She used all her knowledge from the course to shoot her 1st big game animal, a nanny Tahr. She then used her newly acquired butchery skills to butcher the animal. This was a moment I will never forget being a part of her successful hunt. Even though I carried everything up and down the hill, seeing the smile on her face made it worth it.” 

We're Proud to Support NZ’s Young Hunters

We’re proud to support legends like Ewan who are helping shape the future of hunting in Aotearoa. Winning the award, Ewan says, was “unexpected but awesome” - and he’s already looking forward to putting his new gear to the test in the field. 

Ewan’s New Gear Kit

Atlas Jacket Spur Pants

Lima Boot Vertical Pack