Red Stags

Red deer were first introduced to New Zealand in 1851 from Europe. They have prospered in the predator-free environment. Not only are they found in the wild, they are also raised for venison and velvet much like cattle are farmed in the U.S. The red deer is a majestic animal with a rack like an elk' s and a slightly smaller body. The red stag is similar to the elk in its mating ritual. Each autumn (March and April in New Zealand), the stags gather a harem of hinds and fight any stag threatening his harem. It is during this period that they 'roar' (sounding much like a lion), just as an elk would bugle. This is a fun and exciting time to hunt them; however they can be hunted from March through August. Red deer are hunted through out New Zealand high country (open range) and are not easy to locate but are well worth the time looking for that special Trophy.

Fallow Bucks

The fallow deer were first introduced to New Zealand in 1864. Like the red deer they came from Europe. They flourish on both the North and South Islands and they are the second most numerous deer in New Zealand, following the red deer. The fallow deer are smaller than red deer with palmated horns, like those of a moose. They come in five basic colours: black, white, ginger, white and tan spotted and chocolate brown. The rut of the fallow deer runs from early April to late May. They are a very aggressive animal during this period, and bucks lose all fear during the rut and will battle until death. Occasionally a fallow buck will even take on a much larger red stag. Their mating sound is similar to a bullfrog croaking, and is generated from deep in the throat.

Chamois

Both sexes produce good horns. Bucks are best hunted in the months of April through the end of July. Summer hunting is available, that is November to March.
There are good numbers in all locations through out the South Island High Country and often you will need to climb above the bush line and hunt the steep creeks. This is a challenge that benefits this alpine animal. This is a wonderful animal in a breathtaking environment.

Himalayan Tahr

These alpine animals were released about the same time as the Chamois in the early 1900's, but unlike the Chamois have limited their range only a little north, southeast and west of Mt. Cook in the central Alps. They survive and find refuge in the high precipitous rocky bluffs but descend at feeding time to graze on the sub-alpine shrubs and tussock grasses. Timing and patience is an essential part of hunting these animals. The Bulls begin to move into the nanny groups at the end of May and will stay with these groups until the end of August, although they are successfully hunted all year round. Planning and a lot of time are required to obtain a Trophy bull. The terrain, climate and the Tahr's habitat all add up to huge challenges that are often daunting on first appraisal of a Trophy in more ways than one. These Bulls are the King of the High Country, the premium New Zealand trophy.

Wild Boar

The Wild Boar was brought into New Zealand in the 1700s and are spread throughout the country.

With a multitude of different colors the Wild Boar is in fact a very popular Game animal in New Zealand. Wild Boar's can weigh up-to 300 plus pounds; they are quick, have sharp Tusks and are known to be very dangerous when cornered.

The use of well-trained hunting dogs is the preferred method and more productive. This method is not for the faint hearted, as the dogs not only find but also hold the pigs until the hunter arrives, With Dogs holding, we use a very sharp long bayonet style knife.

These animals can also be secured with Bow's or rifles without the use of dogs.

Wild Boar hunting is a very popular past time in New Zealand and can be hunted all year round in any weather.