I spent the last two weeks on New Zealand's South Island, with a week of touring and a week of hunting. I hunted with Fraser Safaris in Woodbury (just outside of Geraldine), run by Lindsay Fraser. I was guided by Trevor, a US-based guide that works in NZ for the fall and has for many years. He was great. I had planned the trip for two years, and, I wasn't disappointed. On the menu for me was Tahr, Arapawa and Chamois, and Stag for my partner.

Lindsay Fraser runs a first rate shop. Great guides, accommodations, and flexibility. Outstanding food, friendly atmosphere, and great game availability all contributed to a great experience. He's not the cheapest or the most expensive, but I think the value is great.

NZ, if you haven't been there, is beautiful country. High mountains, clear lakes and streams, and one bazillion sheep. Lots of good breweries and wineries and the friendliest people I've met (and I've traveled to many, many places!).

I used a Blaser R8 in 300 Weatherby, as I usually do. The combination is devastating on game.

Here's my first animal, a free-range Tahr. The camera was angled - the slope was so steep that if I let go of the animal he would have tumbled further. The hunt was tough walking but had all of the elements of a great hunt, including the outcome.



I just have a thing for curls, and really wanted an Arapawa ram. They were a little lower than the Tahr and some mud-crawling was called for and I had two nice rams to pick from in a small group among the thorns.



The Chamois, with a helicopter assist to the back country, was an intense hunt. Stepping off the skid onto uncertain ground and making good the stalk/shot was intense. I have to admit I missed the first one and had to find a second one. A second, unneeded shot nearly cut the poor animal in two. They really aren't heavy animals. The country was incredible and the pilot a true professional. It was the highlight of my hunt and something I'll always remember.



Lastly, and certainly not least, was the stalk of a very nice stag. This young lady's .30-06 R8 with 180 grain Accubond handloads resulted in a no chase scenario at a little over 200 yards, the farthest she has ever taken a game animal and the shot was perfect. I couldn't be more proud. It must be her teacher?



My lightweight KUIU gear was a godsend traversing around the mountainsides. I wish I had a stiffer boot than my Danner Pronghorns, but, I was fortunate not to develop any hot spots. I enjoyed this trip and hunt very much. I would love to go back and do it all again, and, someday I probably will.

Rodell,
Thankyou both for visiting our country and congratulations on successful hunting. Lovely trophies and that Tahr is a very mature bull. Tahr hunting is one of my favourites and with their manes they make fantastic shoulder mounts should you be considering taxidermy.
The young lady deserves to look pleased. What a magnificent stag ! Full marks to her teacher !
Yes, please return for some more hunting one day. I have spoken to several American hunters visiting here and most have just loved their New Zealand experience.

Looks like fun trip with great animals taken,300 Weatherby would do the job well

Man the rack on that stag!
Can't tell as his nose is in the dirt but, did he have wheels on his chin? IF not, it sure needed them!

Dandy collection of fine animals. Congrats to you both and your helpers. Hunts like this are not done alone.

George

Nice report mate. Looks like a great time was had

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Congratulations both of you! Great results. Bucket list hunt. Thanks for sharing.

Charlie

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