I just read a report on New Zealand's political situation involving the manner in which they have moved from extreme socialism to much more of a capitalistic system. It seems that they have been examining what government programs actually accomplish.They make the agency state its goals and then measure whether they achieve them or not. They are holding them accountable.If they are not doing the job then their budget and personnel get slashed.Feel free to set me straight if need be. We are trying to do the same thing here in the US with something called the Results Act.

But I digress. The purpose of the post is to ask about New Zealand.I was intrigued by their progress and I got to thinking that maybe I'd like to visit some day. Now to the important part. What can you shoot or catch over there? What's the "gun climate" like. Friendly or hostile? Thanks, Russ

1894

Red deer, sika, Elk, Chamois, Thar, Pigs, possums,hares, rabbits, White tail, Fallow deer, to name a few - and that is just the South Island. There is fishing etc. as well. Over here they licence the shooter (rather than the individual gun as in Australia) and it is not that hard to get a tempory permit to hunt in this country.
Hope this helps - I'm in a hurry so must go but if you require more info don't hesitate to email me. What I don't know I will find out for you

Steve H

Russ, I am off in (2) weeks to hunt in NZ for Thar (5-days). So far the process seems releatively painless. You can pre-register for your weapons permit via fax. I'll let you know waht the trip was like when I return.

Steve H , thanks for the info.if you would care to elaborate when you have more time, that would be great.

Fredj338, I wish you well! Have a great trip and please update me(us) on your return.

By the way , I'll just have to show my ignorance, but what is a "thar"?

Thanks, Russ

[This message has been edited by Russ D (edited 06-07-2001).]

Hi Guys

First things first - A Thar (pronounced Tar in some places here) is more or less a mountain goat which I beleive was liberated here in NZ from Austria. All the game animals in New Zealand are introduced species and are classified as vermin by the powers that be. This makes it easier to get permits(free of charge) and shit to hunt them.

Whoops gotta go

to be continued

Steve H

Sorry Guys

I nearly got sprung on the bosses computer. As I don't know where to start and finish perhaps anyone interested in NZ hunting fishing etc. could post a question or two which I will be more than happy to answer if I am able

Thanks

Steve H

Hi Steve!

I�m goint to NZ this year for the benchrest word championships in Nelson. The match is held in late Oct.

How is the deerhunting this late in the winter? I suppose that the deers loose their antlers in early Oct. When do I have to go to be sure I�m not going after stags without antlers?

Gems and thar is a option later in the spring but as it looks now I will be going alone for the hunting. I have heard that it�s vise to be more that one hunter when klimbing mountins for gems and thar.

I�m planning some flyfishing as well, late winter don�t sound very good to me when looking for trout, or?

Best regards, Stefan.

Stefan

October is mid - late spring here. The deer will be in velvet. The fishing will be in full swing.

Steve H

Russ,

Just returned from my trip to NZ. What a great place to hunt! The weather was perfect (got lucky). We saw Tahr bulls every day. I finally took a good bull, just under 12", on the 3rd day.
The hunting is steep & footing can be a bit trecherous on the slopes, but this just adds to the hunt. A Tahr bull is about the same size as our RM goats, so .260 rem. & up seems fine. My shot was less than 130yds, but longer shots can be taken if you aren't willing to climb higher. You can also hunt/shoot from a helicopter, but that isn't really hunting. The chopper isn't a bad idea if the bulls are up really high. You can get a lift half way up & spend more time hunting than just climbing (I did do that on the 2nd day as my knee was killing me after the 1st days climb).
The people in NZ are quite nice. Bringing rifles into country is pretty straight forward. Fax the police @ your port of entry & the permit will be there waiting for your signiture & away you go. Great trip, I would recommend this & Chamois hunting to anyone who enjoys alpine hunting & doesn't mind a good workout @ the same time.