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I’ve hunted since in was 13 years old and it’s in my blood – more a passion than a past time. It’s about getting out in the wild – whether that’s shooting deer from a helicopter or stalking a wild pig on foot through dense forest.
New Zealand is a hunter’s paradise with Red Stag, Fall deer, Himalayan Tahr, Chamois, Whitetail Buck, wild pigs and feral goats running wild in the mountain and forest wilderness.
Red Stag
Red Stag are the main deer species that inhabit many areas of the South Island and a trophy any international hunters to New Zealand would be proud to claim. The 'Rut/Roar' starts late March and ends late April. Stags roar out challenges to other stags in the area making hunting a thrilling experience. Once you put a stalk on a Red Stag you can call them and when they Roar back, it makes the hackles rise on the back of my neck.
Fallow Deer
Found only in certain areas of New Zealand, Fallow deer graze on the top edge of the timberline and can be found out in the open grass terraces as much as in the dense scrub. The 'Rut" for fallow deer begins in April and extends to the end of May with hunting possible from February to September. Hunting Fallow Buck is very challenging due to their timid and wary nature.
Himalayan Bull Tahr
One of my favourite hunts has to be for Himalayan Bull Tahr, the 'King of the Mountains' who live amongst the highest peaks in the South Island of New Zealand - "The Southern Alps". They are one of the most sought after trophy animals of the world – and they’re right here on my doorstep.
Tahr hunting is amazing; on foot in the mountains, working hard, it’s a strenuous, lung bursting full-on hunt. And what a trophy; a big bull Tahr weighs up to 300lb. and has spectacular horns and mane.
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