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Game Animals
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Red Stag (Cervus elaphus)To hunt a roaring stag at close range is one of the world’s most unforgettable hunting experiences. The red stag trophies taken at Mt Cook in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand are becoming renowned worldwide for their outstanding quality. When you enter into the rolling country of Mt Cook and hear the deep roar come out of a gully or patch of scrub you will be overwhelmed with excitement and your heart will be racing. These are impressive animals that are aggressive and confrontational,
the Red Stag will react to your call or roar, and be drawn out
of hiding to open ground. Now you will be able to see his typically
heavy multi pointed antlers that form a crown of points at the
antler tops. Typical Animals Taken based upon the American SCI system. Will vary from year to year, to qualify for a Silver Medal is normally between 300 and 340. |
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Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)Tahr are arguably one of the most
impressive game animals in the world and is the highlight of a hunter’s
trip to New Zealand. Himalayan Tahr were transported to New Zealand
in 1904, and released right here at Mount Cook 5km from our hunting
estate. They have thrived in this habitat that is very similar to
their native home in the Himalayan mountains. People come from all over New Zealand and the rest of the globe to the Mt Cook Region to get some of the best Trophy Bulls available in the world. Our hunting methods vary depending on the level of fitness of individual hunters, personal preference and time frames. We can use helicopters to get up into the high alpine hunting country or do on foot walk up hunts. The Tahr rut period is May/June but they can be hunted all year round; however their coats are at their magnificent best from May to September. |
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Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)The Alpine Chamois arrived in New Zealand in 1907 and the first surviving releases were made, again in the Mount Cook region. It is one of New Zealand’s most graceful game animals but are extremely fast, being able to cover any terrain with great agility and velocity. The horns of the Chamois found in New Zealand are as large as any found elsewhere in the world. Trophy horns start at round 8 inches long but can be as long as 11 inches. The winter skins are a spectacular black colour, with white facial features. In summer they are an impressive fawn tan that blends into surrounding tussock country. When hunting Chamois you always have to remember that they have exceptional eyesight that has even been compared to six power binoculars, so planning a perfect stalk is always essential. Chamois inhabit country similar to Tahr but normally a little lower in winter and they grace the tussock country and bush edge in summer of the Mt Cook and other regions. Our hunts are either on foot from huts, or by helicopter access to the remote locations. Chamois can be hunted all year round; however their skins are at their best from April to August (winter coats) and December to February (summer coat). Their rut period is May/June. |
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ElkWapiti is the American Indian name for ‘Elk’. They were introduced to New Zealand from North America in 1906. The sight of a proud bull showing off his rack on the skyline with snow covered mountains in the background is an absolute amazing and almost guaranteed sight at Mt Cook Trophy Hunting. Elk are the largest of the Deer species present here in New Zealand. Here at Mt Cook we pride ourselves in having some of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere and right at the top of the world spectrum. They have hibridised with the Red Deer population but with heavy culling and good management strategies along with the introduction of new genetics our Elk trophies score from 320sci right up to the high 400's, with a 474sci all ready been taken in 2009. Many records are known to have come from this area. The Elk begin to bugle in early March and will continue to be keep the peaks alive through to May. They can be hunted from late February through to the end of August. |
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Fallow Deer (Dama dama)These graceful and dainty slender deer are smart and fast, making for challenging hunting. Fallow bucks with there palmated antlers and attractive markings make a handsome and almost picturesque addition to any trophy collection. Fallow are very variable in colour, with four main variants, brown, grey with white spots, chocolate and white. Fallow Deer rut a little later than Red Deer, and become very vocal in April to May, but interestingly the fallow buck will sound out opposing hunters with a series of croaks and barks unlike a red deer’s’ roar. They can be hunted from late February until end of August. |
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Arapawa Ram (Ovis aires)Arapawa Sheep were introduced to New Zealand by early explorers. Over time the sheep developed traits that have made them a hardy and wild animal in the high country. The Rams carry impressive large curled horns that are thick, full and will sometimes reach double curl. Most are dark black/brown in colour and tend to have a distinctive white blaze on their forehead. These sheep are known to have very good eyesight, and a frustrating ability to elude hunters. The thick wool and relatively small body size can prove to be deceptive when trying to make that crucial shot. The Arapawa trophies make attractive shoulder mounts or European skull mounts. These can be hunted all year round and go great as an affordable extra for you or a travelling companion or a first time hunter. |
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