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Quality Hunts |
Guided Free-Range Hunting New Zealand is famous for the quality of the free-range hunting, in particular bull tahr, chamois buck, sika, red, and fallow deer, wild ram, boar, bull and goat. Originally this country had no large mammals so all 12 big game species were introduced into the country. The flagship species are the bull tahr and the red stag. A good example of a gold medal bull tahr is shown here. |
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| Only The Best |
Our guides hunt all free-range species and have access to some magnificent, private land properties. These are exclusive herds which are accessed only by our guides. In many of these areas it is not uncommon to see in excess of 50 animals a day, and quality is excellent. Twelve inch bull tahr, 9 inch chamois buck, 12 point red stag, 16 point fallow buck, 8 point sika, and massive boar, ram, billy goat, and wild bull are regularly harvested. This client shows a representative example of a free-range red stag trophy. |
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| Localised Herds |
Tahr and chamois are found only in the South Island, and sika, sambar, and rusa deer only in the North Island. Some free-range herds have a noble past. The red deer herd in Otago are unique in the symmetry and lyre shape of the heads they produce, while Canterbury heads are heavy, and multi-tined. It is possible to secure trophy stags in the ten to fourteen point range. Fallow deer herd descend from stock which is renowned for long golden coloured heads with good palmation, while tahr and chamois are world class. |
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| Overlap |
Red stag and fallow buck herds often overlap each other’s range, and this is also true of South Island tahr and chamois herds. The aggressive tahr however have chased off many of the chamois in its range, and hunts now usually occur in different locations. Red stag, fallow buck, and bull tahr numbers are high in some private land areas, and on some hunting properties it is not unusual to see numerous trophies in the same day. The amazing bull tahr group photo on our home page was taken on one such area in 2009. This free range fallow buck is a good example of what may be harvested. |
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| High Populations |
The hunting technique used for free-range animals is “spot and stalk” where extensive glassing from vantage spots is used to locate animals and assess trophy quality. Fickle wind, bad weather, and livestock movements can interfere with the hunting. The animals are cunning, and elusive, and hiking fitness will make the experience more enjoyable. Tahr and chamois country involves uphill climbing, and while it can be steep,it is generally of an open, and safe nature. Deer are found in both bush, and open areas. |
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| Authentic Hunts |
Animal density and quality is very good. All free-range hunts are true adventure hunts. Trophy quality is best for free-range bull tahr, chamois buck, sika stag, and fallow buck, though red stag trophies are returning to their glory days. Boar, ram, goat, and bull have always been good. Food, transport, beverages, and accommodation are included in package prices. For the overseas hunter wanting an authentic New Zealand hunting trip in a pristine hunting environment then this country meets all criteria. Stags like this big red are taken every season. |
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| Photography |
There is also plenty of scope for wildlife photography when hunting free-range. A range of big game species is observed as you hunt for the big one. Such photos may later adorn your home. One popular way to present these trophies is as canvas-art. We recommend Canvart and a selection of profile writer Greg Morton's shots are on their gallery page if people want to purchase them. The address is www.canvart.co.nz/forsale.aspx. Look under logo Profile. this big red stag was photographed on our North Island property. |
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| Contact |
Greg: fairchase@paradise.net.nz index / gamebird hunting / big game hunting / fishing / australia / outfitter profile / about us / fair chase hunts / |
