New Zealand

The elite big game trophy in New Zealand is the Himalayan Thar. It is the fair chase hunter’s Mt Everest. Its status derives twofold. In the first place, the bulls are magnificent, maned masters of the craggy peaks, while secondly, only the elite of national and international hunters ever use to secure one. Unlike deer species, where fair chase trophies have antlers vastly inferior to enclosure animals, the wild Thar population still provides the vast majority of big trophies taken in New Zealand. They are only found in the South Island of this country, and then, only in limited locations. The government has allowed a controlled population to exist, but there are strict regulations, and whenever reports suggest the population is getting too large, or spreading too far south, or north, then extermination helicopters are called in. That is the extent of the management plan.
The surviving herds live in the rugged Southern Alps range, some on the wet, steep faces of the West Coast, others on the drier shingle fan country of the East Coast. Overseas hunters are best suited targeting the eastern herds, as there is less physical danger from environment, terrain and climate. The drawback though, is hunter competition, and finding a location with adequate trophy potential, and reasonable prices. Most guiding outfits offer Thar hunts, but the reality is, they have to approach farmers to acquire animals. They pay a trophy fee to the private runholder, add their own trophy addition to that, add guiding costs, then the total bill is passed on to the client. Fair enough, but this can make a trophy bull Thar a pricey addition to the trophy room if you go with the wrong outfitter.

The chamois is a large, goat-like animal that was introduced to New Zealand from the European Alps. As a mountain dweller, the chamois is excellently adapted to living in rugged, rocky terrain. Its climbing abilities are only surpassed by the Alpine Ibex. A fully grown chamois reaches a height of about 75 cm (2.5 feet) and weighs about 50 kg (110 lbs). Both males and females have short horns which are slightly curled backwards.

In summer, the chamois' fur has a rich brown color which turns to a light grey in winter. Distinct characteristics are a white face with pronounced black stripes below the eyes, a white backside and a black dorsal strip. Chamois can reach an age of up to 20 years.

Female chamois and their kids live in herds; grown-up males tend to live solitary for most of the year. During rut season males seek out female herds and engage in fierce fights with each other.

The main source of transport is via helicopter. A lot of hunting time can be saved by flying hunters to the tops, it's also safer then traversing the steep faces to get up to where Thar and Chamois range. (around 5000 feet) All pricing includes the use of helicopters.
The Weather
The main season starts at the end of May which is usually the start of the cold season, the weather at this time can be changeable, one day it may be warm and clear, the next may bring a blizzard. When flying into the mountains they take full winter kit and at least 5 days of food, it’s not uncommon that choppers are prevented from flying for a few days due to adverse conditions.
However by keeping in contact with local weather stations they have not to date in 14 years ever been caught out by the weather. When planning a hunt they always allow a few extra days for changeable weather. By basing their HQ in Queenstown (World adventure capital) means our clients are never stuck for anything to do.

Travel
A Passport is required to enter New Zealand and an automatic 3 months visitor’s permit is issued by New Zealand Customs on your arrival. Also, you will have to provide a letter from your local Sheriff's office stating you are not an individual who has been guilty of a criminal offense. Airfare from JFK typically runs from $1200-1500 and for that reason you may want to consider a Red Stag while you are there or Red Deer and Fallow hunt also. When booking your trip to New Zealand, you'll need to book return Airfares to and from Queenstown. This is where they will meet you and escort you to your motel. They can take care of motel bookings over there for you, just let us know your preferences. It's wise to allow for 7 or more days in New Zealand, this gives flexibility with weather conditions and also allows you to shop or try out some of the amazing activities available in Queenstown. (Great trout fishing!)

Pricing
The pricing includes the following:
Airport Pickup/drop-off from Queenstown
All field meals/Field Accommodation
Licenses/permits
Trophy Prep
Helicopter
Internal transport
Guides
1 Thar or 1 chamois
1st night of Motel accommodation
Costs
1 pers US3800.00
2 pers US4900.00
4 pers US7800.00
Add US1000.00 pp to secure both animals, i.e. Thar and Chamois together.

What To Bring

Rifle Hunting Gear: License/Firearms Papers
Rifle
Ammunition
Ammunition belt
Knife
Binoculars and or Spotting scope
Backpack
Daypack
Sleeping Bag
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Warm Hat
Warm jacket
Gloves
Gun cleaning kit
Water bottle
Compass or GPS

Bow Hunting Gear:
Bow
Arrows
Broad heads
Field tips
Allen wrenches
Extra arrow rest
Bow string wax
Camouflage clothing
Face paint
Scent neutralizer
Bow release
Bow saw

Accommodation.
Mountain hunting is a risky business. Safety is their number one concern.
If there is 2-3 days of predicted fine weather you will fly into the mountains on your second day, they have a base camp that they are able to set up, offering comfort and protection from the elements.

They use hut and tent facilities, no running hot water but plenty of good food and camp fire yarns. However, if the forecast is predicting foul weather in the mountains they will then choose the 'fly-in' path, hunt for the day and fly back to your Motel accommodation. In the event of 2-3 days of foul weather, you are responsible for costs associated with motel accommodation. In the event of bad weather they are able to offer interim activities.

They include wild whitetail hunting, Turkey Hunting, Fantastic Rainbow and European Brown Trout fishing, river and lake, scenic trips and other activities.

If you choose to fill in time either with Deer hunting or Trout fishing there will be no charge for guiding. Their aim is to secure you either a Thar or Chamois or both. By allowing time for weather etc, it gives you a better opportunity of securing a good representative of either species as well as trying out other activities at this location. We guarantee that you'll have a great time. We recommend planning 10 days in country.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

The greatest asset a fair chase hunter could invest in is fitness. If you aren't walking up, then you must be coming down. This point needs to be stressed, as hunters who want the biggest trophy need to glass several bulls, before taking a big one. Unfortunately, many hunters lack the stamina, and take the first close one, usually small and immature. The best technique is to climb high, as Thar expect danger to approach from below. Many hunters, who travel up the valley, see animals, but those animals have also seen them. A whistle of alarm signals the end of the hunt for the day on those animals. By staying on the lee side of the ridge, the hunter can appear above the animals, and stalk down on the selected bull. This is why this outfitter opts to use the helicopter, it makes the hunt more accessible to everyone.

ACCOMMODATIONs

These take many forms. the most serious hunters stay on the hill, in a small hut or tents, while those with non-hunting partners may stay in a nearby town or in farmstay homes. It depends on how serious you are. Usually the farms location is nestled in good Fallow Deer country, trout fishing lakes and rivers, small game hunting for hares and rabbits, and skiing opportunities during winter. To shoot a trophy Thar is still the pinnacle of alpine fair chase achievement.