Trophy Hunting Game

Trophies

Trophy Hunt and Fish New Zealand provide Big Game hunting programmes and packages for the following hunts. Hunting programmes are designed to suit the client’s wishes. Fitness is a very important factor when hunting Chamois and Thar, however the trophies are achievable for all ages by using a helicopter.

Red Stag (Cervus Elaphus)

This species is widely spread throughout Europe. The first liberation to New Zealand was in 1851, liberations continued from then on. Acclimatisation society controlled until 1915-1920, and in 1930 protection was removed from the Deer.

Shortly after the New Zealand government began control operations under the Internal affairs Dept. Red Deer have spread throughout both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Intensive trophy and Game Management has been the focus for Game Trophy hunting estates for a number of years. New Zealand has, for a number of years now, been the most popular destination for world class Red Deer Trophies.

Bronze Medal Stags score up to290 SCI, then Silver up to 345 SCI, then Gold Medal up to Record book top ten, 420 + SCI , then possibly a new world Record NO 1.

Wapiti / Elk (cervus Canadensis)

The Elk of North America is the largest round horn Deer in the world. 

It was first introduced into New Zealand around 1900 in Fiordland in the South Island.  Wapiti are closely related to the Red Deer and readily interbreed.

The Rocky Mountain Wapiti are the largest of the North American subspecies and was the strain that was liberated in New Zealand at George Sound in Fiordland. 

Bronze medal less than 320 SCI, Silver up to367 SCI, Gold up to 450 + - they are readily available.

Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon)

The Sika Deer were liberated into the central North Island around 1880, on the edge of the Kaimanawa Range, close to Lake Taupo.

These animals are extremely attractive and very cunning, a great challenge for the hunter. 

Over the years they have spread to a home range of around 150 sq km.

An 8 point Sika trophy scoring 135 SCI makes a most impressive trophy. Any time after mid-March is a favourable time to hunt trophy Sika Stags.

Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

The Fallow Deer was first liberated in New Zealand in 1864, from Richmond Park, England.

Numerous liberations have taken place since. Fallow Deer are found in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Fallow Deer can be found in various colours from black to light brown with white spots - white is also common. A favourable time to hunt a trophy Fallow Stag is any time from April on until September.

Another very attractive trophy.

Bronze, Silver, Gold Medal Stags Available

Sambar Deer (Cervus Unicolor)

A native of India the Sambar Deer was first liberated in New Zealand in 1875 in the Central North Island. Known to be one of the most elusive of the Deer Species, the Stags weigh up to 200kg.  

Sambar Deer, in most areas, live in scrubby habitat around private farms or in exotic forests. Sambar Deer are primarily browsers and feed mainly on coarse vegetation, grass, and herbs.

They are diurnal animals who live in herds of 5-6 members. Trophy Sambar Stags can be hunted at any time of year. 

Representative trophies are more the norm.

Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)

A native in the mountains of central Europe, the Chamois was first introduced to New Zealand in the South Island near Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) around 1908. Chamois have now spread nearly the full length of the South Island of New Zealand.

The Chamois is graceful, agile animal that lives in the alpine environment. Chamois with a winter coat, and sporting horns of nine inches in length or better, make a beautiful  trophy.

Thar Himalayan Mountain Goat (Hemitragus jemlahicus)

Released in the South Island of New Zealand near Mount Cook around 1908, Thar can be found nearly throughout the entire length of the Southern Alps, where they live high in the alpine environment. 

Bull Thar can weigh up to 140kg.

Their habitat can be extremely challenging. Experienced guides are essential, and a helicopter in most cases is the norm to take this trophy.

A mounted Thar with winter coat, long mane and with horns over 12 inches in length make an attractive trophy for any hunter.

Wild Pig

Shortly after discovering New Zealand in 1769 Captain James Cook liberated pigs here.

Wild pigs in many areas have been a destructive pest, digging up farmer’s paddocks and eating new born lambs, etc.

The Boar pig is a real challenge to hunt with dogs, and often sport trophy tusks. 

Wild Pig hunting has become a very popular sport in New Zealand. Pigs can be found in various parts of New Zealand. Some of their habitat can be a challenge to the hunter.  Pork is on the menu!

South Pacific Goat (Capra hircus)

Captain James Cook once again liberated these animals, in both North and South Islands of New Zealand.

In many areas of New Zealand high goat numbers have had a damaging impact on the native forest.

Trophy Billy Goat horns start from 28 inches from tip to tip and often have an attractive curl.

Wild goats often have an attractive head skin with a mane. They come in a variety of colours.

Wild sheep Arapawa Ram

These animals are otherwise known as Pitt Island sheep. It is an animal that is a great survivor in poor conditions.

They are often chocolate in colour and sport tight curled horns, which make an attractive trophy.

Rusa Stag (Cervus Timoriensis)

A native of South East Asia which was first liberated in New Zealand in the Central North Island around 1906.  Rusa Deer are only in smaller numbers and their main habitat is in the central North Island. Representative trophies are more the norm.

For more information on all hunting, fishing and game programmes and packages offered by Trophy Hunt and Fish New Zealand Limited Contact Us.