All species can be hunted with rifle, bow, crossbow and muzzleloader. Hunting terrain varies from very gentle farm land were sheep and cattle graze, to rolling hills, to very steep mountains. Good ankle support hunting boots are essential.

A very good level of fitness is also required to ensure a much better chance of getting that trophy of a life time. Good optics are probably the second most important thing hunters need to bring with them. The most productive way to hunt in New Zealand is spot and stalk and long periods of time are spent glassing the hunting areas for the best trophy animals available. All Rivers South Safari guides carry spotting scopes and laser range finders.

Our fair chase estate hunts are conducted on Mt Walker Station which is 10sq miles. The terrain ranges from timbered forests to open snow grass and very steep mountains. Rivers South Safaris offers fair chase estate hunting for Red Stag, Elk/Wapiti, Fallow Buck, Bull Tahr, Chamois, Arapawa Ram and Feral Goat. All of these animals can be hunted with rifle, bow and muzzleloader.

The quality and numbers of fair chase estate trophy animals is far superior especially for Red Stag and Fallow Buck. We are able to achieve this through our strict breeding and management programme and that is why our fair chase estate hunting percentages for rifle and muzzleloaders runs at 100%. When bow hunting on Red Stag, Elk/Wapiti, Fallow Buck, Arapawa Ram and Feral Goat we run 100% during the rutting season. With Tahr and Chamois we are at 100%. The size of the Red Stags on the fair chase estates will range from 360 – 500 plus SCI and upwards. We can hunt whatever size Stag is required by clients. Spot and Stalk is the most productive way to hunt in the fair chase estates.

Red Stags can be hunted from mid February till the end of July with the best time is during the roar which occurs mid March through April (our fall). This may be extended week to week as the weather gets colder and frosty. Fallow Bucks can also be hunted from March through to early September. Their rut is usually mid April – mid May. Himalayan Tahr can be hunted all year round with the most popular time being during the rut which is May – June. Chamois may also be hunted all year round with their rut being mid May – mid June.

Please ensure that you bring good quality footwear with good ankle support and a very warm jacket as our seasons are opposite to the USA.

FIREARMS
We have firearms available for clients to hire. If you want to bring a firearm to New Zealand (NZ) or use a firearm unsupervised during your visit, you must obtain a visitor firearms licence. You can use a firearm under the direct supervision of a New Zealand firearms licence holder without a visitor firearms licence.

To ensure your licence application is processed in time for your arrival to New Zealand, we recommend you apply a minimum of four months before your visit. This includes any permits to import firearms/parts and/or ammunition. All information can be obtained here.

Do not attempt to enter New Zealand with a firearm without a licence as your firearms will be refused entry. (Hand guns and military style automatic weapons are prohibited in New Zealand. Do not attempt to bring these firearms with you.)

VISAS
Due to recent government changes a visitors VISA is now required to enter New Zealand along with a current passport.

To apply online please click this link.

If you have any queries please contact your travel agent.