Red Stag Hunts – Hunting Monarchs of Middle Earth
Ok, I don’t know if you are into Lord of the Rings, but watching those movies truly makes you appreciate how much time and effort God put into making New Zealand. It is truly a special place. If you are like me and seek adventure and experiences that will sear memories into your mind, then keep reading as Red Stag Hunts in New Zealand offer a special experience. For those of us who have a deep love for truly wild, rugged and remote places, New Zealand has a little something for all of us.
I hear from people all the time, “If I win the lotto” or “someday” I will do _____ hunt! Well, with a little planning you will be surprised to learn, that dream Red Stag hunts in New Zealand aren’t nearly as expensive as you might think. The Outfitters I work with have amazing management Red Stag hunts for 340-370 class Red Stags starting at $7,300, or you can step up to hunt giant 400”+ Red Stags for $11,300, or I have free range Red Stag hunts starting at $6750, plus you can hunt Tahr, Chamois, Fallow Deer, Arapawa Ram and Alpine Goat on these hunts. I can also arrange for fly fishing and varmint hunting as well. So you can really get a lot of bang for your buck on a New Zealand hunt, as you can also combine in some touring/vacation time with your wife, significant other or friends after your hunt.
I am lucky to work with a couple of exceptional Outfitters who are very, very good at what they do. These guys are known for their exceptional Red Stag hunts and producing trophy estate and free range stags, big bull Tahr and beautiful Chamois. Best of all these guys will give you an epic New Zealand adventure and an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life. When you compare the price of their hunts, with the level of food, lodging and professionalism, you will see that you are getting a great value for the money especially when compared to most of the Western U.S. and Canada Hunts that would be comparable.
Plus you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing scenery you can find anywhere on this planet. But, don’t kid yourself into thinking that New Zealand will be easy. New Zealand Red Stag hunts are still very much hunting and you and your equipment need to be ready. You will want to train for a Red Stag hunt like you would an elk hunt and you want to prepare for Tahr like you would a mountain goat.
For a trip like this you will want to make sure you invest in solid gear and clothing. I have personally tested, use and recommend Kuiu for your layering system, Kennetrek Boots/Lathrop and Sons/Lowa/Scarpas – as your feet can make or break your hunt, Swarovski Bino’s and Spotting Scopes, Stone Glacier Packs. For you bowhunters I use and recommend Black Gold Bow sights, Bowtech bows, Black Eagle Arrows, AAE Fletching and Radical Archery Designs Broadheads. If you need help with your gear, bow, rifle, or optics shoot me an email and I will be glad to help. Shad@sashunts.com
Hunting Method:
Red Stag Hunts generally run from February – August, but the prime time to do a Red Stag hunt is in March and April during the Roar. Hunting Stags is very similar to hunting elk, when they are in the Roar your guide can actually call and/or rake them in. The rest of the time you are either Spot and Stalking them or ambushing them where they are wanting to feed or water.
If you are wanting to hunt Tahr, the best time to hunt them is June, July, August as they will have their heavy winter coats at this time and those awesome chaps. Tahr hunts are either done by hiking or flying in with helicopters. My one Outfitter has an amazing area where the Tahr actually come down off the mountains to feed on the cattle ranch. This is unique as it opens the door to Tahr hunting for those of you whose bodies may not be able to handle the steep, rocky and rugged terrain they typically call home. Tahr hunts are primarily spot and stalk.
If you are interested in seeing what New Zealand has to offer for you, make sure to give me a call at 509-679-0225 or email shad@sashunts.com . I can put together hosted hunts on these trips as well, if you would like me to come along and help out.
To see other hunts we offer click here