Are you someone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt? If so, New Zealand may be the perfect destination for your next hunting trip. The country offers a variety of game species to hunt, including red deer, tahr, chamois, fallow deer, sika deer, feral goats, and wild pigs – however, before planning your trip and heading out into the great outdoors, it’s important to know what you can hunt; and we’ve got you covered.

Rusa deer

Rusa deer are native to New Zealand and are prized for their hunting skills. The best time to hunt them is during the spring and summer months when they are most active. Hunting them requires a permit from the Department of Conservation, and there are strict regulations in place to ensure that the deer population is kept healthy. Hunting NZ deer can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and it is a great way to connect with nature.

Feral goats

While they’re not native to New Zealand and were introduced by European settlers for meat and milk production, feral goats can be found all over the country, particularly in mountainous regions. They are considered a pest and an environmental threat, as they damage native plants and ecosystems. Hunting feral goats is a great way to control their population and help preserve the natural landscape.

Tahr and chamois

These two species of mountain goat can be found in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. Tahr are known for their thick, dark fur and impressive horns, while chamois have a light brown coat and smaller horns. Hunting tahr and chamois requires a permit and can be physically demanding, as it often takes place at high altitudes in rugged terrain. It is a highly coveted hunt for experienced hunters.

Fallow deer

These majestic creatures were introduced to New Zealand in the late 1800s and have become well-established throughout the country. They are known for their large antlers and range in colour from dark brown to a pale cream colour. Fallow deer hunting takes place during the winter and early spring months, when the males can be easily identified by their prominent antlers.

Sika deer

Sika deer were also introduced to New Zealand from Japan in the late 1800s and can now be found on both North and South Islands. They are smaller than red deer and have distinctive white spots on their dark brown coats. Sika deer hunting is popular and can be a challenging hunt, as they are known for their cunning nature.

Wild pigs

Feral wild pigs, also known as wild boar, were introduced to New Zealand by early European settlers and can now be found all over the country. They are a highly sought after game species for hunters, with male pigs having large tusks and females often weighing up to 100 kgs or more. Hunting them requires patience and perseverance, as they can be elusive and quick on their feet.

Elk

Another species that was introduced to New Zealand by European settlers is elk, also known as wapiti. They can be found in the South Island and are a popular hunt for their large antlers and tasty meat. 

However, hunting elk requires special permits from the Department of Conservation and specific seasons for hunting.

Find out more about the best game species before your next hunting adventure

Before heading out on your next hunting trip in New Zealand, make sure you have all the necessary permits and understand the regulations and seasons for each game species. Hunting can be an exciting way to connect with nature and sustainably control populations of non-native species, but it’s important to always do so responsibly.

Here at Adventure Hunting, we help you plan your hunting adventures to ensure you make the most of them. If you’re looking for expert advice on what to hunt, how to hunt it, and other hunting essentials, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

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