I live in New Zealand. (Southern Hemisphere.) Down here we have a couple of areas where we can hunt Whitetail. Unlike USA we can hunt them anytime of the year and take as many as we want, and all free of charge. Last week I did a 7 day hiking trip around Stewart Island, one of the Whitetail locations. I noted a lot of sign. (Footprints and Browse.) and over the 7 days saw 4 animals. All I got was a flash of a big white arse as the animal lit off into the thick cover. The forest is real thick down there. A lot of the animals feed on the beachs and mainly at night. Hunting pressure is quite heavy, but the population seems quite good.
What I'm looking for is advice on how to hunt these babies.
I spent a lot of time hunting other Deer species: Red, Wapiti, Sika, Fallow, Rusa, Samber and have shot over 400 deer to date.
Have yet to shoot a Whitetail.
Need to know:
What happens after the Whitetail bolts i.e. is he worth pursuing.
Tricks for bringing them in close. Any irrisistable attractants.
What is the time of day they are most active.
Best time of the year to hunt Bucks for antler. i.e. With some species hunting is better before the rutting season.
any other advice that will assit me in securing a nice big tropy buck.
PS: I hunt with rifle. (7mm08)

SOUTHERN MAN.
"GO HARD OR STAY HOME"