Deer
(Red Stags, Rusa, Samba, Whitetail, Fallow and Sika)
Chamois,
Tahr,
Wapiti,
Boar or Pigs,
Wallabies,
Spanish goats .
Waterfowl and upland game-bird hunting
RED DEER
Native to Europe, Red Deer were first introduced to New Zealand in 1851. Very soon Deer were wide spread throughout both the North and South Islands. They live in areas ranging fromdense forests to moors, from flood plains and lowlands to plateaus and the Alps.Of the 8 species of Deer in New Zealand the Red Deer is the most predominant.The Red Stag can grow to a height of 1.3m at the shoulder and can weigh up to 130kgs. The hind (female) is slightly smaller than the stag The stag herds the hinds together into harems ranging in numbers from 1 to 12. Hunting begins late February through to the end of August. March and April are the most exciting months as this is when the ‘rut’ is on.The stag with a full set of antlers is a most impressive sight and The ‘roar’ of a Stag is enough to excite even the most experienced hunter. The antlers are branched in a complex manner with 6 - 10 points (tines) on each branch.and can weigh up to 9kgs can measure over a metre in length.
CHAMOIS
Native of central and southern Europe, the Chamois is one of the most graceful game animals to be found in New Zealand. Introduced in 1907 they are now to be found throughout the mountain ranges of the South Island. Of the Antelope family the Chamois has exceptional eyesight and ability to run effortlessly in the roughest terrain. Both the Buck and Doe have horns but the Doe’s horns are normally thinner. The Chamois like the Tahr can be hunted year round but the most popular time is from April through to August when they are jet black in color. During the mating season (April-May) the buck becomes quite aggressive and intolerant of younger males and drives them off emitting a whistle sound as a warning.
TAHR
Himalayan Tahr origionated from Tibet/Indian mountains, these magnificent animals and are the closest relative to the wild goat and were Introduced to New Zealand’s Southern Alps in the early 1900's. Both sexes have horns, those of the Bull are longer and heavier than the nannies and are tiangular in cross-section. But it is not only the horns that make a fine trophy as the Bull has the thick mane that often exceeds a foot in length. Despite their size and relatively short legs the Bull is an extremely agile animal that can bound down through the steepest of bluffs with astounding speed. Normally solitary animals the Bulls move into the nanny groups at the onset of the rutting season in early May. This is the most exciting time to hunt the "king of the Mountains",as is to see a mature Bull in full rut, standing on a ridge with the wind blowing though his mane.This is often considered the ultimate hunting experience.
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