NZOH Jock Murdoch Tribute

NZOH Oct/Nov Issue
with my tribute to Jock Murdoch

Jock Murdoch 1925-2013

I've had a great month interviewing Southlanders for the article on Jock Murdoch. Jock was involved in the deer industry from the Internal Affairs days - early 1950s, when he started as a government culler, through to the very successful venison recovery and deer farming era in the 1970- 80s.

Its been a wonderful opportunity to talk to those that came after Frank. Late 1960s and the early 70s was a time of great adventure with the advent of helicopters and the export venison market hitting a high. 

I've always wanted to talk to people such as Jeff Carter and Dick Decker. I also corresponded with Sir Tim Wallis who employed Jock with his Fiordland operations.  Jock had a broad knowledge and understanding of deer and their habits, and he acted as a consultant and mentor to many in the industry, including Tim, who told me how Jock gave him the confidence to expand a very successful family company, one that still thrives today. 

One very interesting piece of information that came to light during my research was, that in 1980 while checking some possum lines deep in the Glen Echo Valley, Southland, Jock found the remains of a moa.  To this day its the only specimen of Anomalopteryx Didiformis (Bush Moa) found with skin and feather remains still attached. It's on permanent display at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, Invercargill. You can read more about Jock's Moa and the man himself in NZOH magazine out 1st October.

Jock was a pioneer in the industry and its fitting to remember him in this tribute. 

Jock Murdoch 1950s.