They call him Sherwood. And the two year old stag has produced a record breaking 6.2 kilos of velvet. Farm manager Paul Wiblin of Oakridge Stud, on the 2,000 hectare Kaiuma Station, Marlborough Sounds is delighted with the resulting yield and looks forward to similar results as the stags begin to 'button-up' again this year.
Kaiuma Station runs 3,000 stock units together with 600 hectares of pines with some macrocarpa and blackwoods. Paul manages 700 hinds and 120 velvet and trophy stags, which the station has been breeding for the past 10 years of which Sherwood is a particular highlight.
"He's producing really well and could come up to a world record. He cut a world record this year, but it wasn't officially recorded as we cut it a week overdue, so it would have been 5.5 kilo if cut on time. He's a mighty good head," Paul said.
Previously a shearing contractor, Paul changed jobs for the easier lifestyle and for the family, but he quickly pointed out that it hasn't worked out like that, often doing longer hours now. He has found working with deer requires more patience and is much more enjoyable. "They are a more sentimental animal, more of a challenge and more intelligent. You have to have your wits about you particularly in the yards."
"It certainly makes it more exciting - if a sheep charges you push it out of the way. But a 400kg stag with a rack on, and closer to the roar, you have to move out in a hurry, over the fence."
