Martin Brenstrum was born in New Plymouth in 1946, grew up in Wellington, and then spent his working life in Hawkes Bay and the Taihape district, initially as a primary school teacher from 1969–1997, and then as a possum control contractor from 1997–2009.

Through the period 1972–1996 he hunted red and sika deer in the Ruahines, Kawekas, Kaimanawas and Ahimanawas, in part to supplement his income and latterly entirely for recreation. Photographing deer also became an interest and in time he involved his family in many of his hunting experiences.

He has played cricket to minor association representative level, senior rugby, caught possums for the bounty and later for their skins, hunted deer with a passion, fished, and written magazine stories and articles. This is his first book.

At 63 and based in Napier he co-manages his vertebrate pest control company, Central Districts Pest Control Limited, and still enjoys working in the field.