RED STAG, the quality of NEW ZEALAND RED STAGS are known world wide, the original importations came from SCOTLAND and ENGLAND to provide hunting for the local sportsmen. They soon thrived in a virgin environment with no predators, the result was that they grew heads superior to those in their native homes and became magnificent trophies. Since that time the red deer have became the base of the NZ deer industry, with over 2 MILLION being farmed.

New Zealand now has the widest gene pool of Red Deer anywhere in the world and each year, with selective breeding, trophies of superior standard are being taken. Trophies often display the best characteristics of both English Park deer and the Eastern European wild deer of Hungary, Yugoslavia and Germany.

The largest trophies are taken on game ranches, which are set up to provide the hunter with the best possible hunting experience.

Red Stag are closely related to the North American Elk and will interbreed with Elk. Ranging in size between 200 and 300 kilos Red Stag require a good, medium size rifle and premium projectiles for consistent success. A trophy stag is a splendid and majestic animal, it usually carries 12 or more points, with some exceptional trophies having up to 30 points.

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THAR (TAHR), these are an extremely majestic animal and are hunted in the highest parts of the SOUTHERN ALPS. Thar are native to the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal and Tibet. Members of the goat family their ability to climb on rock and snow is legend.

Thar of all sizes and ages will wander over precipitous rock above great drop offs without any concern. When disturbed or frightened they make off, up or down cliffs without any perceivable footholds, usually to the great consternation and admiration of the hunter.

A bull Thar provides two trophies – the horns, which sweep back on the head and the magnificent winter coat with its lion like mane. A mature bull is a really imposing animal and a great trophy for the mountain hunter. A good flat shooting rifle is required to take these animals with any consistency – suitable calibres are 270, 7mm, 300 mag. A good scope is also essential.

This hunt can be combined with a CHAMOIS hunt, as the two are often found in the same area.

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CHAMOIS, a delightful mountain animal usually regarded as a cross between an antelope and a goat species they make attractive trophies. Chamois are found through out the South Island Mountains.

Both the male and female carry horns and both are regarded as trophies. In winter the coats are black which sets off the white facial markings, while not as spectacular as the bull Thar the coats are still very much part of the Chamois trophy.

Generally found on less server mountains than Thar, Chamois are never the less capable of traversing steep and difficult terrain at high speed. They have excellent hearing, eyesight and sense of smell.

Of all the mountain game they are the most joy to hunt, they originated in EUROPE where they are regarded in the same category as Ibex as a trophy. Suitable rifles for Chamois are similar to those for Thar

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SIKA STAG, these are a very exciting deer to hunt as they are very vocal during the rut. They are found in the central NORTH ISLAND of New Zealand.

Originating in Asia they share the particularly aggressive and tough nature that is characteristic of many Asian deer species. In many areas where Sika are now found they have replaced the original Red deer herds. Some cross breeding of Sika and Red deer is known to occur, the resulting hybrids usually carry larger antlers than pure Sika and often display some Red deer characteristics in the antler structure. Typically Sika have a 4x4 (8 point) antler form.

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FALLOW BUCK, a small European deer, with palmate antlers, these are available both FREE & WILD or in a Game Ranch. Populations of Fallow are found through out New Zealand, and many herds display distinct local character.

Fallow are distinctive in that they have a variation of colour phases – Black, White and Red, usually with white or cream spots. The amount of spotting can vary and some individuals can take on a “dappled’ appearance.

Winter coats are generally less distinctive than the summer coat, often only remnants of the spots remain in the winter coat.

Fallow are a different genus to Red and Sika deer so interbreeding does not occur.

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ELK (WAPITI), New Zealand’s original animals were a gift from President Roosevelt and were released into the southwestern part of the South Island of NZ. This is an area of extremely high rainfall, thick forest and very steep mountains. The herd multiplied and produced some outstanding trophies. Unfortunately however, various factors including the intrusion of Red deer caused a decline in the number and quality of the trophies available. Most heads taken by overseas hunters are now taken on private game preserves.

As for the Red Deer, New Zealand is now the home of some of the very best genetics available anywhere in the world. Trophies comparable with the best available in North America are available.

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WHITETAIL, no doubt you are familiar with these deer, the ones in New Zealand are not as large as in North America, but they have not lost any of their cunning! They are found in small isolated herds, one on Stewart Island, off the Southern coast of the South Island. The other is located at the head of Lake Wakatipu, close to Queenstown. White tail are one of the most difficult trophies to secure in the South Pacific.

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FERAL RAM, these sheep vary widely in colour depending on the herd from which they come. They are descendants of sheep either intentionally released or from animals which have escaped from farming operations in the past. Most have lived in the wild for several generations. Colours vary from black thru brown to white, all carry large curling horns.

Feral ram along with the Feral Goat, were quite possibly the first “sporting” animal to come to New Zealand, being released by Captain Cook on his first voyage here.

The rams provide a unique trophy and are ideal as an extra fill in species.

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FERAL GOAT, these goats are similar to other feral populations found in most parts of the world (ie. Catalina Island). They vary widely in colour and horn shape. Herds are found throughout New Zealand and Australia.

In most cases Goats have a similar history to the Feral Rams, either being released intentionally early in our history or escaping from previous farming operations. Goats are great survivors and herds tend to multiply quickly usually with a devastating effect on the environment.

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click on images to enlarge

New Zealand - Red Stag

New Zealand - Thar (Tahr)

New Zealand - Chamois

New Zealand - Fallow Buck

New Zealand - Feral Ram

New Zealand - Boar

New Zealand - Thar (Tahr)

SAMBAR STAG, New Zealand and Australia are now the only two places in the world where these large and elusive deer can be hunted free range.

They are one of the most difficult and sort after trophies in the South Pacific. Due to hunting pressure and relatively small herd numbers Sambar are in most places semi- nocturnal.

Almost the size of an Elk they present a challenge for the serious trophy hunter. A large and powerful calibre is recommended for consistent results on Sambar, shots are often fleeting and bullet placement is usually not a matter on nicety. Many experienced Sambar hunters use a 338 or even larger to ensure they get the trophy of a life time when the chance is presented.

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BUFFALO, the Asian water buffalo of the Northern Territory of Australia is a huge bovine weighing approx 2000lbs. They possess large, sweeping horns and make an impressive trophy.

Buffalo were originally imported into the Northern Territory of Australia as domestic stock. The farming venture failed and the Buffalo were liberated, to multiply and wander over much of the “Territory”.

While the areas that Buffalo now inhabit are much reduced from their hey-day, the “Territory” is such a huge place that free range hunting in wilderness areas is still a very viable proposition.

Water Buffalo, as their name suggests, like and need water to survive, as such hunting is usually centred on areas that provide water for their daily requirements.

The area is tropical and best hunting period is during the dry (winter) part of the year (May – September). This is when the buffalo are concentrated on the remaining water holes and creeks.

Hunting is out of tent camps or lodges in remote areas. Most of the hunting can be accomplished with a 4-wheel drive and only limited walking is required.

We recommend .375 H&H as a minimum calibre for these bulls.

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BANTENG, smaller than Buffalo, they are however more aggressive.

The Banteng has a similar history to the Buffalo. Released after the attempts to farm them failed, they multiplied, but never spread to the same degree as the Buffalo. They are found free range on the Coburg Peninsular and in large private estate areas.

Stealthy stalking on foot is required to obtain this outstanding and beautiful trophy, which any hunter will prize. This is a highly recommended hunt. The climate and season is similar to Buffalo, and these hunts can be combined. A .375 H&H is the suggested minimum. Sambar and Boar hunting, as well as Barramundi fishing are available on these hunts.

Hunting is again out of tent camps, or lodges. An air charter from Darwin is required to hunt Banteng on Coburg Peninsular, while the estates can be accessed by road.

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AXIS (Chital) – one of the most beautiful deer in the world Axis are available free range in Northern Queensland or on various game ranches in most parts of Australia.

Calibres as for Red Deer are suitable and hunts for Axis can usually be combined with most other species.

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HOG DEER – a small Asian deer, which is almost impossible to hunt in its native lands. Hog Deer are the quarry of a few dedicated trophy hunters.

Free range hunts for hog deer are available on a limited number of licences in Victoria, Australia. This is one of the few chances dedicated trophy hunters have of taking this species in a free-range situation. “Hoggies” are also available in limited numbers on some Australian game ranches.

Australian hunting conditions in the Northern Territory are similar to Africa. Cotton hunting clothes are OK, as the weather is tropical, bring gear that will protect you from the sun. As the climate is tropical and the hunting is usually carried out during the coolest, driest months - May to September.

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RUSA STAG – two sub species of Rusa are recognised in the South Pacific. Rusa are native to Indonesia but are virtually unobtainable there due to restrictions on hunting and firearms.

The Giant Javan Rusa, is by far the largest in both body and antler size. Javan Rusa are found free range in small herds, one in the North Island of New Zealand, another in New South Wales (Australia) and finally in New Caledonia.

New Caledonia provides the best hunting opportunities, with huge numbers of deer and the largest trophies. We base most of our Rusa hunts in New Caledonia and the results are excellent, with Rusa of the highest quality being taken.

Hunting conditions are pleasant and not physically demanding, I can recommend this hunt as one of the great deer hunts available n the world. The area is semi tropical and being a French colony it offers a change of culture. The season in New Caledonia extends from mid JULY to end AUGUST, this is the rut period.

These deer are extremely vocal and aggressive towards one another, it is not uncommon to see Stags that have been severely wounded in fights over the females. Like most other Asian deer, Rusa are tough to kill and we recommend a 7mm or .300 as the weapon of choice.

The smaller sub species of Rusa is known as the “Moluccan”. Free range Moluccan are now almost a thing of the past – a few exist on remote islands off the North and North Eastern coasts of Australia. Generally Moluccan are now taken under game ranch conditions.

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BOAR – feral boar are found extensively through out the South Pacific. Both islands of New Zealand have populations as well as extensive populations in Australia.

Generally we suggest that anyone targeting boar, as a particular species, concentrate their efforts in the Northern Territory of Australia and combine the hunt with either Buffalo or Banteng.

The Boars are feral descendants of domestic type stock. Whilst the predominant colour is black, other colour variants are seen. Boars display many of the characteristics associated with the true European wild boars and can provide a real challenge. Almost any calibre suitable for deer is OK.

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SMALL GAME & BIRDS – A variety of small game and birds exists through out the South Pacific. In New Zealand European hare and rabbits are common, there are also a small population of Wallaby (small kangaroo).

Various waterfowl are also found in New Zealand – Mallard and Teal duck, Canada goose, Black swan are all present additionally several indigenous waterfowl such as Paradise duck and Pukeko can be hunted.

Upland birds are also present – pheasant, quail, turkey are all found in limited numbers.

Australia also offers small game – rabbit, fox plus a wide range of waterfowl. Limitations on the hunting of native wildlife exist and so hunters need to be sure that the species they are hunting are a legal target.

New Caledonia has limited numbers of small game – pheasant and quail are present in small numbers. Turkeys however are found in extremely large numbers. Groups of 20 or so are common and can often be seen feeding alongside the main roads!

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John Berry - Hunting Consultant Ltd
P.O. Box 12, Methven, New Zealand
Telephone: +64 3 302 9682
Facsimile: +64 3 302 9683
Email: john@johnberryhunting.com

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