The huge antlers of the red stag swiveled like radar screens just 10 yards away. Despite its point-blank bow range, the animal was totally screened by the Leatherwood and wire-netting scrubs that blanketed the area. I had sneaked close to this animal thanks to a howling wind that swirled in the bottom of the ravine and, no doubt, alerted the wary stag. Eventually, the red stag melted into the bush, but I spotted another bedded directly upwind of my location. I sneaked within five yards of this bedded animal, came to full draw, and tried to inch around the bush for an open shot. Unfortunately, the stag burst away on the far side of the tangle. The South Island of New Zealand is covered with dense, brushy tangles that are like bush body armor, and getting an animal to stand in the open is a hunter’s greatest challenge.
Father, Son Hunt
Phil attended a hunting auction and bought a hunting package in New Zealand that allowed him to add other hunters to his party. His dad, Robert, in the background, was quickly all in, and Phil brought his wife as well. The main object of the hunt was a red stag, but they could also pursue Chamois, sheep, American elk, and other big game animals. Phil took this stag, which measured over 400 inches, and his dad nailed a monster that topped 440.
Hunting in March is early fall in New Zealand; the weather is mild, and the hunting is great. Shown here is a family picture and two mouflon sheep taken on the high cliffs above the ocean. New Zealand is known as “little Switzerland,” and the Southern Alps give a hunter all of the mountain adventure they can handle.
Multiple Animals
Make it a Family Affair
Flying from the USA to New Zealand is a long flight, and you will cross the International Date Line, losing a day on the way over but getting it back upon the return. Most hunters spend a day or two resting after the long flight, and this is a perfect time to include your family. New Zealand has wonderful tourism and shopping opportunities, and hunting accommodations are very comfortable.
High Country Without Climbing
Phil took this chamois after a helicopter ride to the top of the mountain. Copter flights are frequently used to get into the high country for Himalayan tar and chamois. You still have to spot and stalk the animals, yet you can reach breathtaking heights without taking risky climbs. Phil used a Mathews V3x bow, an Oracle 2 sight, and Grizzly Stik 650-grain arrows built with Samurai 200 Single-Bevel Broadheads. His dad uses a Ravin R500 crossbow and a Montec fixed-blade with 100-grain broadheads. Here’s a quick video that shows what hunting can be like in New Zealand.
