I am considering a redstag hunt in N.Z. I thought it would be a good option, as my wife is very interested in seeing N.Z.
I am looking for recommendations on who I should consider hunting with. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I guess who or how depends on where you intend being . We have lots of guides and deer in both Islands but without more details it is difficult to offer a usefull recomendation.

Some more specifics - like what time of the year , remembering we are six months opposed season wise , how much time , your level of fitness - all this would dictate the best suggested campaign plan . Get back to us and between the NZ contingent we should be able to steer you in the appropriate direction.

Muzza, I do not know enough about N.Z. to say where I would like to hunt.
I can tell you I would like to be there during the rut.
I would rate my physical condition as excellent.
I am interested in bow hunting.
It would be nice if there was some sort of sight seeing that my wife could do while I am hunting.
I thought 7 days would be a good hunt.
Excellent hunting is the most important criteria, but if some areas are equally good hunting, with one being more scenic, I would opt for the more scenic.
I would like nice accomadations since my wife will be with me.

Ok Doc

I would suggest April as a time of year - dependant on temperature for the roar to begin - probably the South Island as a venue - scenery and hunting is possibly better , depends on your personal preferance . Bowhunting I know zilch about .

Best you PM me and I will send you some details on hunting guides etc , bringing the missus is a complication if she isnt into roughing it in the bush....Kiwi chicks can do the skinning and carrying as well as the best of them but overseas ones....

cheers

Doc C,



I don't live in NZ and I am no expert, but do you realise the other species of game that are available there? From feral pig and goat through a few different types deer to tahr and chamoise (sp?) in many ways NZ really is a hunters paradise and if I were visiting I would try to fit in more than one species even if it was "only" an a filler day on the pigs or something...



Regards,



Pete

Hi,
I was speaking to a Kiwi who said the only really nice trophies left in NZ were either on private land or preserves due to unrestricted shooting by locals.
Would you recommend any of those fly-in services that drop you off in a cabin and return in a week?

I guess the word trophy is dependant on your perception . If you want the best red deer head of the year then maybe you will have to pay to hunt on private land - but if you want a fair chase hunt that results in a takeable animal with a representative head then that is acheivable on publicly owned land with free access to all .

The concept of unrestricted shooting by the locals doesnt seem to have made much of a dent in the deer population in the wild , so the potential for a trophy head is still there , you just have to work for it , no deer drives or woosie tree stand shooting here guys - you get to go find your animal in his own backyard .

Certainly the idea of coming to NZ and just hunting one species is a little unusual but we have the opportunity to hunt others , such as tahr and chamois , goats and pigs , and several deer species - and wallabies , which is about as much fun as you can have with your pants on at night .

So the thing that will dictate your hunting success is a) your budget b) your level of fitness and c) your dedication .Helicopter or fixed wing travel to a hut in a hunting area is fine - you can carry some of lifes luxuries - like proper food and a beer or two - lots of the locals do that . However deer are not stupid - there are just as many deer in the forest margins adjoining the farmland as there are in the bush proper . Most guys are hell bent on the four hour hike in to the hut and dont consider hunting the close country - me , I dont like hiking that much so I try and hunt the margins , that way I dont have so far to carry the meat to the vehicle.....

I hunted a nice 12 point red stag on private farmland in Central North Island in 1994.

I did use a guide arranged through a sponsorship with my local Australian deer hunting club - a 2x1 deal where we got to hunt 1x1 and the club got some $$$ out of it.

The guide was a top bloke and worth looking at. He now makes rifle actions and may still be in the outfitting business. Send me a PM if you want his details.

I also think it would be good to look at some other game while you are there. If you are fit, a Southern Hemisphere Chamois and Tahr would be great trophies. Maybe Sika or Sambar deer from North Island. Plus lots of other game.

I would steer clear of the deer "farm" shooters. Huge great red deer heads with 30 plus points. They are and look like they have been fed supplements for velvet production for 8 years and just released to be a "trophy". There is no way I would want one of these on my wall.

I hunted Tahr on private land in 2001. Except for the guide & I & the landowners, were the only people on 60,000 acres. It can be a very fare chase hunt in conditions like that. I hunted w/ John Berry w/ Hunt NZ Safaris. If you book w/ him, ask if you can hunt w/ Ron Spanton. Ron is quite a character @ 64-65 now. You'll have a ball.