I am presently considering heading off to NZ next year to try and scare a chamois and a thar. I am looking for a fair chase hunt, I don't care if the accommodation/facilities are basic and I am not desperate for record-book heads and am happy with good representative heads (but won't so "no" if a monster head presents itself!). In view of the problems with helicopter hunting (and I was previously chatting with an outfitter but lost interest when I realised that they used helicopters for their hunting) I am not sure who to talk to.

Any of our Kiwi friends have any suggestions on who to use? Perhaps one of the smaller operators whose hunting is ethical and needs a boost to compete with the less ethical operators?

I have also self-guided on Stewart Island for whitetail, and am also wondering if there are any options for this approach with chamois and thar?

My other thought is to return to Stewart Island, for another whitetail, and would appreciate any update on the situation there, too.

Thankyou in advance.
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Don't be put off by using helicopter for access as most Outfitters and resident hunters use them.

You could team up with members from here for Tahr hunt.

There are a couple of good choices on this forum for you to consider. Ethical freeranger, and highlander spring to mind.
Its`emminantly posssable for you to self guide for both speices, and if you decide to go that way, send me an email with your plans, and I will help you out as much as I can.
shankspony@xtra.co.nz

I would check out Leithen Valley Trophy Hunts
www.LeithenValley.co.nz. I hunted Red Stag, Arapawa Ram and wild goat with them this past August and they were great. I know they offer Chamois and Tahr but I haven't hunted those species with them.

someone may swap a hunt with you if you have something to offer, try http://www.fishnhunt.co.nz/forum/YaBB.cgi someone on there may help

I've always found Peter Chamberlain to be fair, honest and prepared to push hard. His pre season specials (still in summer coat) are good deals.
If you're after a fair chase fair deal check him out - www.nzwildhunt.com
He gets a bit manic about getting you up to good animals !!

I know theses guy's http://www.hawea-hunting.co.nz/guides.html are fair chase. In fact their strongly against the heli-slaughter type hunts. They seem pretty good to.

I hunted with Trackers NZ aka Tim Buma for Tahr. Great hunt. Started at ground level no heli!The way its meant to be done. Make sure you do a head mount!