I am now accepting bookings for our New Zealand wilderness (free range private land hunts available on request) hunts for the 2010 season. This year we ended with 100% success and all were 100% free range. We will offer Wilderness and private land hunts again next season. Available are the following hunts:
Wilderness Hunting
*Based on current exchange rates
Bull Tahr 1x1 5 day $5700NZD ($3,878.52 USD)*
Bull Tahr 2x1 6 day $4900NZD ($3,222.27p/p USD)*

Chamois: same rate as Bull Tahr
Observers at $250NZD per day ($163.829 USD)*

Whitetail Deer or Elk P.O.A. (special request hunt)

Combo specials:
2x1 8-day wilderness Tahr & Chamois $6450 NZD per hunter. ($4,239.61 USD p/p)

1x1 7-day wilderness Tahr & Chamois $8500 NZD ($5,587.06 USD).

No trophy fees on wilderness hunts! 2nd animals can be taken for no extra $$$.
That's right, no trophy fees charged on our wilderness hunts. Your paying a flat fee and can take an extra Tahr and Chamois at no additional cost!

Details:
*Reasonable fitness is needed.
*All wilderness hunts include helicopter transport to and from our hunting areas. Helicopter time is included in listed prices. Helicopter is ONLY used to transport to and from hunting area, and not used to hunt, pursue or push game towards the hunter. You will hunt your trophies the old fashion way...on foot.
*Tented camp, pristine wilderness, adventure style hunting, high success rates.
*Wilderness hunts are run on the western side of the Southern Alps. It is a 3hr drive from our base to where we meet the helicopter near Fox Glacier.
*We aim to take a trophy bull Tahr with horns 12 inches in length. Trophies of 11-14 inches have been taken in previous seasons. You can expect to see between 30-80 Tahr on a wilderness hunt.
*We aim to take a Chamois with horns of 9 inches or better. 8.5 – 11 inch trophies have been taken in previous seasons. We generally see from 10-50 Chamois.

Fitness / terrain / hunting conditions: Tahr
To undertake a wilderness Tahr hunt you need to be of at least reasonable fitness. We can hunt different areas depending on fitness, but a hunter of poor fitness is limiting the areas available to hunt and the overall success of the hunt. Conditions are challenging and sometimes tough with steep terrain and an average rainfall of 180 inches.

Shooting distances
The average shot at a bull Tahr is around 200m/220yds; we will do our absolute best to get you in close enough to a shooting distance you are happy with.

Extra Animals
A big plus about wilderness hunting is that there are no trophy fees. For the hunter who is in good shape it is possible to take multiple trophy animals for no extra cost.

Best times to hunt
The rut is the best time to hunt, from early May until late July. Spring and early summer eg. October until February is also a good time with the bulls now mobbed together and lower down the mountain. The bulls begin to change to their summer coat around the start of November.


Fitness / terrain / hunting conditions: Chamois
Wilderness Chamois hunting is easier physically than wilderness Tahr hunting. Chamois tend to inhabit easier country than the Tahr. We use the helicopter to fly to a high camp at the same altitude that the Chamois roam. It is not uncommon to see chamois from our camp.

The terrain is open tussock mountaintops. The tussock slopes run down into the monkey scrub of the upper bush edge. Generally we have views of the Tasman Sea from our camp and in fine weather conditions are very pleasant, often we are camped on the edge of an alpine tarn (small lake). If bad weather is forecast we will opt to use a public land hut.

Best times to hunt
Chamois rut from early May until until mid July. This is the optimum time to hunt them as the bucks are up to all sorts of crazy antics and are not as wily as usual. At this time they have their jet-black winter skin.
Spring eg. October/November/December is a good time but their skins begin to change in November and they are not fully in summer coat until January.
Late summer is also a good time when the bucks can be found high in open tussock basins. This is when the Chamois is in full summer coat (orange with black dorsal strip).
Being horned animals like the Tahr, Chamois can be hunted all year round.

Food
While on the hunt our guides cook wholesome, filling meals. You can expect bacon and eggs for breakfast, porridge or cereal, light snacks during hunting hours and meat and vegetables for the evening meal. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, flavored juice and soft drinks as refreshments.

Included:
PH/Guide, overnight stay in town on arrival and departure night, ground transportation as required, helicopter to/from camp as required, meals/loging, (quality tented camp on wilderness hunts), Warm sleeping bags, *Comfortable hut/cabin accommodation for private land hunts, hot shower, hot open fire, running water, toilet, Soft cases/sleeves for rifle transport while hunting, field prep of trophies, use of rifle/ammo should you choose not to bring yours, Airport pick up and return. (Queenstown Airport South Island NZ, transport of trophies to taxidermist for export.

Not included:
Airfare/Charters, items of a personal nature, gratuities (at hunters discretion), taxidermy needs, exportation of trophies, special requirements not covered by hunt, compensation for hunting time lost due to bad weather conditions, travel/medical insurance.

FYI: I also book hunts for Red Stag, Whitetail, Sika and Fallow Deer with these fine folks. We hunt free range animals and not the fenced ranches. Contact me for more information on hunting any of these free range species. We also offer those with some extra time some great hunting for varmints: rabbit (no limit), Wallaby, Possum, Goat (limit 5 each).
These hunts go fast so if your considering 2010, let's talk.
Cheers,
David

That is an EXCELLENT deal for NZ!

Anyone who likes sheep/goat hunting should really consider this. It is as exciting as hunting sheep in North America, a fraction of the cost, and is in probably the most beautiful country of the world.

You certainly won't regret going! If someone from AR does take this hunt, you should also consider visiting other parts of the country, lots of places to see. I would be happy to make suggestions on places to visit.

Looks like a great deal. Unfortunately...or fortunately I am going to Africa next year but if you are still running a similar deal in 2011 I'd like to talk with you. Tahr is very high on the bucket list.

darkside, it's hard to know what will be charged that far in advance but I'll be glad to post a question to the Outfitter. They may have a good idea what they expect to charge and we can go from there. We have a number of options and species to hunt, even fishing for some of their giant trout, but the wilderness hunt would be hard to beat for anyone wanting to earn their trophies the hard way.
Good hunting,
David

How big do their 'giant' trout get or at least what size could an avg person expect?
And are they rainbows?

bluefin, we have Brown trout, Rainbow trout and Quinnet salmon. Average brown and rainbow is 3-4 pounds, 5-8 pounds is possible. The salmon are land locked and do not get big 2 pounds is a good one. There is always that true giant to be had, but realistically, 3-4 lbs is average. One of the big lakes is near our Red Stag area, so it's easy to do both. Duck season is the first of May but that doesn't last long.

darkside; Outfitter replied he estimates 2011 to increase $326.00 so use that as a guideline.
Good hunting,
David

David,

I'm very interested but am booked for my first African safaris next March. I'd be very interested for Febr/March of the following year. BTW, Can you direct me to where I can obtain info on how to transport my rifle there and back plus how to bring home my trophies to Canada?

Bobby B.

Hi Bobby, Just drop me an email and I'll get your questions answered ASAP. My PH is off to do some Buffalo in Australia but I might be able to catch him before he leaves home and get you a date penciled in.
Good hunting,
David

Do they have rifles for rent? If so do you have any info on them?

Thanks

Gamebird Season down here starts on first saturday in May and most areas for waterfowl run for 2 months.Upland game - pheasant , quail , chukor etc runs for at least that same two months , and often longer - area dependant.

Fishing starts in most areas in October and runs to end of April - with regional variations . Some places - Taupo and Rotorua have year-round seasons.

A licence is required for bird shooting and fishing , but there is no draw system in place so buying a licence is an easy process.

Hope that helps anyone thinking of a visit.

We loan rifles in .270 and .280 Rem., no charge. However, ammo is provided at a cost of $65 USD (approximately) for two boxes. If the second box is unused, you are only charged for the first box. We have 130 gr for the .270 and 140 gr for the .280 Rem. If you request specific loads, we will try and obtain that for you. The reason is to simplify gun/ammo importation. For those that want to bring their favorite rifle and hand loads, no problem to apply for an import permit, just takes a little longer at the airport.
Cheers,
David

David,

My son and his wife are living in NZ and they are expecting their first son (and my first grandson!)end of this year.
I am planning on going to NZ beginning of next year to visit them and doing some hunting while I am there. I have been dreaming of hunting chamois and tahr for quite some time and this offer of yours might just suit me right.
Could you please e-mail me all the relevant information (booking conditions, import of fire arms, clothing, etc…)?

BRegards
B.Martins

bmartins@netcabo.pt

B., congrats on your forthcoming grandson. I know this will be an exciting moment in your life. Email sent.
Cheers,
David

Bring firearms into New Zealand is no problem at all,$25NZD for vistors permit.

It is a good price and knowing the guy that runs this hunt very well it is most things that it says it is.
But it will not be every-bodies cup of tea!
Its tough country out there on these wilderness hunts, you better be in good shape and like spike camps.
Private land hunts that that this operator offer are also good and it may pay to weigh both hunts up against each other.
I've "hurt" to many hunters on wilderness hunts on private land let alone on public land wilderness hunts where there are a whole lot of "other' criteria to think about.
I'll start to sound like a poor sport if i carry on . Perhaps TP and Muzza can help me out a tad here, think they'll understand what i mean.

True, doing a fair chase, free range hunt isn't for those who are not in decent to good shape. It's tough but we won't try to push anybody that can't handle the climbing. Our private land hunts are easier on the body, and less strenuous. That's why we offer a choice. For most hunters, fair chase is the only way to hunt game.
LDK

That is a smoking deal. I hunted NZ in 2003. Did not use a helicopter at all, and glad not to have done so. However, when we were done (hunted tahr and chamois), Ms AZWriter and I chartered a helicopter to drop us off way the hell in the middle of this spectacular national park. Got dropped off on a high alpine lake. We watched the ice calve off the glaciers for about an hour. I had a rifle with me (you can hunt in the parks there - or you could in 2003). We hiked following the stream/river for 25 miles, then ran into a jet boat that was picking up some fishermen (I had a rod as well). We paid our 50 bucks or whatever it was and got brought back to civilization. What a hoot that was. We took showers at some campground, then hitched a ride back to the helicopter pilot's house. We had dinner on a picnic table in his backyard. I will always remember the lamb chops we ate, the NZ wine, all against a backdrop of stunning mountains.

Just yesterday I was looking at my tahr and chamois mount and thinking how much fun we had. After the backpacking trip we rented a car and drove all over the South Island. Ms AZwriter used to live in OZ and has friends in NZ on the North Island, so following our car camping trip we flew back to the North Island and spent a few days with her.

I went to NZ twice in the fall of 2003 for business. My second trip was just a two hour meeting in Auckland. Glad I made it a hunting holiday.

NZ is the most gun friendly country I have ever been to. Where else would someone give a guy hitching with a rifle a ride? Even the guys in the boat didn't care - just asked if the rifle was unloaded.

Anyone who doesn't name NZ as one of the most beautiful and spectacular places in the world can be forgiven, for he or she hasn't been there.

Cool AZ. Pics of your mounts?
David

I suppose I have some somewhere, but i have never posted pics.

AZ, you can host them on PhotoBucket, then capture the imagine come and drop them in your post. It's really easy.
GH,
David

I have some new pics if anyone is interested. Email me and I'll send them to you.
LDK

Not wanting to pee on anyones parade - but

If you are contemplating a free-range , wilderness type mountain hunt then you need to be FIT. Not just walk-round-the-block-carrying-an-umbrella fit but the sort of fit that makes track athletes look like pussies. Hill fit , fit to climb high in short time , fit to sidle across shifting shingle faces , fit to rock-hop your way up boulder-filled riverbeds and then climb a couple of thousand feet straight up a rocky ridge. And be able to accurately place your shot after all that....

You also need a tolerance to sleeping on hard , cold , rocky ground in sub-zero temperatures cos once the sun goes down so does the temperature.

You need real good footwear , that shifting rock on the scree slides will chew poor boots up and spit them out real fast .You need footwear that will give solid ankle support with good grip for slippery rocks and possible ice. Good layered clothing is a must too - the days of cotton t-shirts and denim jeans are gone in these hills , guys ...

Can you reliably shoot out to 400 metres at awkward angles from an unsatisfactory rest ? Practice , practice , practice... Of course you may have an easy 50 metre shot but who can say .

I hate to add this bit - but ..

If you are old , overweight , smoke 20 a day ,drink too much booze and cant see your feet when you are standing - this type of hunt will be a nightmare for you - and your guide.

If you arent all of the above it will be a great adventure in magnificent country that you will treasure for ever.

And remember - the animal is simply the reason for your being there , not the ultimate prize. That is the total experience.

muzza, you didn't "pee on anyone's parade," you just didn't read my post....all of it. Only the very fit will be accepted for the S. Alps hunt, and we always discuss this in detail with potential clients. We offer lower altitude, moderate terrain for those unable to climb well. I compare our Tahr hunt to hunting our Rocky Mountain Goats, and that keeps a lot of Hunters at home on the couch. One viewing of our video and any questions of what your facing is put to rest.
This is found in my original post:

quote:

Fitness / terrain / hunting conditions: Tahr
To undertake a wilderness Tahr hunt you need to be of at least reasonable fitness. We can hunt different areas depending on fitness, but a hunter of poor fitness is limiting the areas available to hunt and the overall success of the hunt. Conditions are challenging and sometimes tough with steep terrain and an average rainfall of 180 inches

I have done business with the Australian's for many years, and I find they and New Zealander's have a different perspective on what something is. To we American's, a small rock is the size of a golf ball or at best a tennis ball. To you guys, a small rock means something the size of a watermelon or basketball. So I take that into consideration when I explain the NZ meaning of the word "moderate or reasonable." Anyone thinking about our mountain Tahr/Chamois hunt should take your post literally. It's not for the weak, ill or elderly. We have lower elevations to accommodate those who can't take the mountains.
Cheers,
David

wow - consider myself corrected - 6 times

You're right - I didnt read your original post word for word , more took my lead from Highlanders later posting. ( note to self - read all original postings before opening mouth )

I do stand by my comments above tho - NZ's mountains are not for the frail , flabby , unfit visitor who has fuzzy notions about hunting a nice furry goat in the hills . Every year we have folk get lost and die in our mountains , the very unprepared and the highly experienced mountaineer-types alike . Our mountains are not for the faint-of-heart. Iirc we have at least two unrecovered climbers bodies somewhere in prime tahr country from the last 2 months or so.

Unless you want to chase a tahr to exhaustion from a chopper , then land , shoot and whisk it away to a nice backdrop for photos there simply is no way someone of less than above-average fitness can hunt a free-range tahr successfully in the winter/spring season. Summer/autumn you may due to the lower altitude of tahr at that time but you still have to climb , sidle , rock-hop etc.

I sure am pleased that you have a tough vetting system for hunters , in fairness to all parties.

Yup - our rocks range from golfballs to bigger-than -a-house , smooth , rough , sharp , shiny and all very abrasive on footwear , riflestocks and scopes.

I do hope that there is some usefull information in all that - it really isnt my wish to scare anyone away - just allow a more informed decision before someone commits to a trip that may be beyond their capacity .

cheers from NZ

muzza

muzza, don't know why my reply posted 6 times last night...lol. There was a glitch going on when I hit post, but I deleted the excess. No, your information is spot on, thus my comment to heed your advice. Our wilderness hunt is on foot and only for those who are up to the challenge. That's why we also offer lower elevation hunts for those who want to persue fair chase hunting at it's best; on foot in remote areas, but in less physical conditions. Mountain hunting is no joke, and should never be taken lightly. As you mentioned, NZ has some remarkable scenery and hunting, but let's not overlook the fabulous fishing and waterfowl hunting in some areas. I am looking forward to doing just that someday soon.
Good hunting,
David

David
Send me some photos please. I recently got back from my sheep hunt... wore my guide out in 3 days . This hunt sounds great and I'm still interested. Thanks

PM me your email addy and I'll send some pics.