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Ultimate Hunt

Hunt Bull Tahr

The elite big game trophy in New Zealand is the Himalayan tahr. Its status derives dually, from the impressive appearance of the bulls, and the difficulty required to secure one. It is only found in the South Island of this country, and then, only in limited locations. The herds live in the rugged Southern Alps range, some on the wet, steep faces of the West Coast, others on the drier shingle fans of the East Coast. You are best suited targeting the eastern herds, as there is less physical danger here.

Tahr country is alpine terrain, 3,000 to 7,600 feet above sea level. The winter months, June to August, can experience heavy snow, but this cold does provide the magnificent pelt and mane, bull tahr are famous for. The climb up to the best bulls is strenuous so spend spare time before your visit improving your general physical fitness. The greatest asset a fair chase hunter could invest in is fitness. If you aren’t walking up, then you must be coming down.

This point needs to be stressed, as hunters want to glass several bulls, before taking the big one.Trophy quality is excellent and the securing of a representative 12 inch bull highly likely. On our bull tahr properties such an animal is the norm and 13 inch monsters relatively common. In the season occurring now two absolute monsters in the 14 inch bracket have been taken.Another good time to visit is in late September/ early October when male bulls mob up and descend lower looking for fresh grass.

Unfortunately, many hunters lack the stamina, and take the first close one, usually small and immature. The best technique is to climb high, as tahr expect danger to approach from below. By staying on the lee side of the ridge, the hunter can appear above animals, and stalk down on the selected bull.  Helicopter access is legal.

Contact: fairchase@paradise.net.nz