William Arthur (Bill) Black has become a well-known figure both in aviation circles and among the general population of New Zealand as a result of his search and rescue activities in the south. From a young age he developed a keen interest in aeroplanes and bought his first Tiger Moth while still a teenager. Only a couple of years later he was working as a commercial pilot for Te Anau-based company, Ritchie Air Services, when as well as scenic flights he was providing air-freight services for deer cullers and whitebaiters. In the mid-1960s his piloting skills were recognised by Sir Tim Wallis who offered Bill the chance to become a helicopter pilot in his fledgling venison recovery company. Bill remained loyal to the firm for the next thirty years during which time his search and rescue work earned him a nationwide reputation. This recording touches lightly on Bill's formative years in South Otago but focuses on his venison recovery and live deer capture work in and around Fiordland and the Te Anau Basin.