This also posted on NZ/AUs forum, but that does not get much traffic...

Can anyone here confirm the range of dates and the heat of the rut for Tahr in NZ?

I am planning an APril-May trip for 2004 and want to hit it just right. HOpe to catch the bulls on the easier ground with the nannies and mob.

I have read that the last week April and first week May are best. observations from those that have hunted or are local are needed.

Jamie

J, you will want a bull when his coat is in it's prime. I think most guys will tell you to hunt in June/July. I was in NZ in July 2001 for Tahr. We saw bulls every day. We went up & down that bloody big mountain (3) days in a row. On the 3rd day, we spotted a nice bull w/ a great coat about 2500ft above us & decided to work up to him. By the time we worked around & up, he had come down a 1000ft or so giving me an easy 100yd
+ shot. I passed a shot on a better bull the day before because we thought we might lose him off a cliff. I really didn't have the legs to go up that mountain a 4th day. A great hunt though. Now if I could just draw that Montana RM goat tag!

if you need more info drop me a line i will be more than happy to help you with thar/chamios in
N.Z
REGARDS DANIEL

Jamie, I think you are right about the rut - May is probably a good bet. As Fred wrote, the coat actually gets a tad better in winter (June/July). In particular towards the end of the winter, they get bleached by the sun. Weather may a problem in winter, although in NZ, it is hard to know what weather you'll get (in particular on the West Coast of the South Island).
- mike