In Value of a Head , veteran bushman Connor McKenzie takes readers deep into the world of New Zealand’s professional hunters—where every decision is a matter of instinct, skill, and, sometimes, sheer luck.

From high-stakes venison hunts and the struggles of deer cullers to the friendships forged in remote huts, these stories capture the adventure, danger, and humour of a life lived on the edge of the wilderness. Based on true events, these tales paint a vivid picture of an era when the backcountry was both a hunter’s paradise and a battleground for survival.

If you love hunting, adventure, or the untamed spirit of the New Zealand bush, this book belongs on your shelf.