Contact Us
PO BOX 72
Methven, New Zealand
PHONE: +64 21 644 507
FAX: +64 3 308 2665
EMAIL: mail@backcountry.co.nz

Click here to download the information on New Zealand Hunting trips, hunting equipment, hunting guides, hunting species, big game hunting, deer stalking and many other interesting facts about hunts in NZ. Wapiti (Cervus elaphus nelsonii) Found in the Fiordland National Park. These are large animals, growing very large antlers. Length has exceeded 55 inches in historic herds, but interbreeding with red deer has reduced the pure wapiti genetics. Hence antler length and spread often dont exceed 45 inches. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation have been working with Department of Conservation to actively control and protect this historic herd for hunting, through management of the population. This involves culling of red deer through aerial recovery, and also culling of hybrid red/wapiti in selection for pure wapiti type animals. Slowly genetics are becoming more pure wapiti, and antler length/points/span is increasing once again to trophy status. Whitetail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) These deer are found in the lower South Island, but predominantly on Stewart Island. They are challenging and elusive to hunt. They are much smaller in size compared to the American counterparts and do not produce trophy heads as large. Often the environment itself is an attraction to hunters, where many native birds are present, including kiwi roaming the forest during the day. Pigs They are widespread throughout New Zealand and commonly are hunted using dogs. Pigs range in size and in the wild can exceed 250 pounds.They are sought after by hunters as they have a unique free range taste. They can cause a large amount of damage to the environment through rooting up of native plants. Tahr Himalayan Tahr, also known as "thar", is a species related to the goat that was introduced into New Zealand in the 19th century. The Department of Conservation control numbers to below 10,000. Found in only two places in the world, the Himalayas and New Zealand. They are sought after by hunters for their meat, horns and skin. During winter bull tahrs develop a heavy mane and coat that is attractive as skin or rugs. Currently, there issues between New Zealand hunters and commercial operators over heli-hunting. Most hunters in New Zealand attempt to gain a trophy through climbing into the area where the tahr roam, upwards of 2000m. Heli hunting has been an issue as tourists are now flying up to where these trophy animals are, shooting them which appears to devalue the respected status as a prized trophy in New Zealand. © Backcountry NZ guided hunting outfitters

Click here to download the New Zealand guide to fly fishing trips avaialable © Backcountry NZ fishing guides in Methven

Big game hunting is approached in many different ways. A popular way to hunt is by using a tree stand. A hunter will set up a tree stand and wait for the prey to approach. The same technique is also used on the ground, but because animals tend to be more aware of things on the ground, stealth is more important. Another common approach is stalking. While stalking, a hunter will approach his or her prey using stealth, with the intention to get into range with their particular weapon and ensure a clean hit. Driving is another method. The shooter or shooters take position stealthily, using the natural landscape of the area to choose a spot that will help ensure a wide view. Then the drivers move toward the shooter in a line, making a lot of noise with the intention of forcing the animal to run toward the hunter, giving him a chance to kill the animal. This technique only works well when there is cover, and if there is a natural feature to help corral the game. Helicopter hunting is sometimes done with large, swift animals because they may be too wary to approach otherwise especially in wide open terrain. It is not done for sport, but by game management officers. Ivory poachers will shoot from their vehicles as well.

Hunting in New Zealand, New Zealand hunting gun laws, New Zealand hunting permits, New Zealand hunting books, New Zealand hunting magazines, New Zealand hunting guides, New Zealand guided hunting, New Zealand hunting outfitters, New Zealand hunting articles, New Zealand helicopters, New Zealand helicopter hunting, New Zealand trophy red deer hunting, chamois, Himalayan thar, fallow deer, whitetail deer, sika deer, elk, wapiti, sambar deer, rusa, wild goats and wild pigs and boar in New Zealand. New Zealand hunting clothing, New Zealand woolen hunting clothing,Hunting is a recreational pursuit and a tourist activity in New Zealand with numerous books and magazines published on the topic.Introduced species Prior to human settlement New Zealand had no land based mammals other than bat species. European settlers introduced a wide range of animals including some specifically for game hunting. Acclimatisation societies Acclimatisation societies were active for a period of 60 years from the 1860s in having introduced animals established in New Zealand. The majority were introduced for food or sport. Government sanctioned deer culling By the 1950s red deer were recognised as an animal pest which damaged the natural environment and the government began employing hunters to cull the deer population to prevent this damage. Networks of tracks with bridges and huts were set up to gain easy access into the backcountry. These tracks and huts, now maintained by the Department of Conservation, are popular for tramping. Commercial hunting operations Foreign tourists come to New Zealand for hunting as part of guided tours or as independent hunters. Types of hunting Chamois Chamois is a goat-antelope native to Europe. Alpine chamois arrived in New Zealand in 1907 as a gift from the Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph I. The first surviving releases were made in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region and these animals gradually spread over much of the South Island. They are often referred to colloquially as "chamy" (pronounced "shamy"). In New Zealand, hunting of chamois is unrestricted and even encouraged by the Department of Conservation to limit the animal's impact on New Zealand's native alpine flora. Deer Fallow Deer (Dama dama) A smaller species of deer in New Zealand. Various genotypes exist with differing colour phases: (i) Common, (ii) Melanistic, (iii) Menil and (iv) White. They are often found in bush closer to pasture/farmland, as prefer grazing on grasses. Major herds are found in the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Red deer (Cervus elaphus scoticus) The red deer in New Zealand produce very large antlers and are regarded as amongst the best in the world by hunters. Along with the other introduced deer species they are however regarded as a pest by the department of conservation and have at times been heavily culled using professional hunters. Additionally many hunters and outdoors enthusiasts class deer in NZ as a resource, for both food, hobbies, and an economic (tourist attraction). Ongoing issues over their pest status continue to be debated between parties.  

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In fly fishing, fish are caught by using artificial flies that are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. The fly line (today, almost always coated with plastic) is heavy enough to send the fly to the target. This is one of the main differences between fly fishing and spin or bait fishing; in fly fishing it is the weight of the line that carries the hook through the air, whereas in spin and bait fishing it is the weight of the lure or sinker that gives you casting distance. Artificial flies are of several types, some imitating an insect (either flying or swimming), others a bait fish or crustacean, others attractors are known to attract fish although they look like nothing in nature. Flies can be made either to float or sink, and range in size from a few millimeters to 30�cm long; most are between 1 and 5�cm. Artificial flies are made by fastening hair, fur, feathers, or other materials, both natural and synthetic, onto a hook. The first flies were tied with natural materials, but synthetic materials are now very popular and prevalent. The flies are tied in sizes, colors and patterns to match local terrestrial and aquatic insects, baitfish, or other prey attractive to the target fish species. Dry fly fishing is done with line and flies that float, joined by a leader, usually made of fine polyamide monofilament line. The tapered leader is 3 to 5 meters long, thus nearly invisible where the fly is knotted, and the angler can replace the last meter of nylon as required. Unlike sinking fly (nymph) fishing, the "take" on dry flies is visible, explosive and exciting. While trout typically consume about 90% of their diet from below-water sources, the 10% of surface-level consumption by trout is more than enough to keep most anglers busy. Additionally, beginning fly anglers generally prefer dry fly fishing because of the relative ease of detecting a strike and the instant gratification of seeing a trout strike their fly. Nymph fishing may be more productive, but dry fly anglers soon become addicted to the surface strike. Dry fly fishing on small, clear-water streams can be especially productive if the angler stays as low to the ground and as far from the bank as possible, moving upstream with stealth. Trout tend to face upstream and most of their food is carried to them on the current. For this reason, the fish's attention is normally focused into the current; most anglers move and fish "into the current", fishing from a position downstream of the fish's suspected lie. Trout tend to strike their food at current "edges", where faster- and slower-moving waters mix. Obstructions to the stream flow, such as large rocks or nearby pools, provide a "low energy" environment where fish sit and wait for food without expending much energy. Casting upstream to the "edge" of the slower water, the angler can see the fly land and drift slowly back downstream. The challenge in stream fishing is placing the fly with deadly accuracy, within inches of a protective rock for instance, not long range casting. Done properly, the fly seems to be just floating along in the current with a "perfect drift" as if not connected to the fly line. The angler must remain vigilant for the "take" in order to be ready to raise the rod tip and set the hook.


 

 

 

 

Backcountry New Zealand Trophy Experiences

Are you interested in a trophy hunt experience that is 100% purely dedicated to you and your spouse or hunting companion?  We cater for one hunting party at a time to ensure this service promise whilst catering for a limited number of sought after experiences each year. Our hunts utilise one of New Zealand’s leading premier Game Estate's and the first to be accredited under the Game Estates accreditation process. The property boasts also being one of the largest estates, if not the largest and offers thousands of acres of prime hunting land, within an even larger and completely private property. It offers solitude, seclusion and prime stalking terrain for those seeking exclusive use during their stay. With superb trophies ranging from representative to record class, the property is ideally suited to hunting with its attractive and challenging terrain. Situated in the Canterbury High Country just one hour from Christchurch international airport, stalking game with Backcountry New Zealand can be achieved very quickly after first stepping foot in New Zealand.

Species on our hunting properties include, Red Stag, Fallow Bucks, Chamois, Wild Goat, Feral Sheep, and Wild Boar. Through successful management of game species the estate has been able to consistently produce record book trophies. Backcountry New Zealand believes that your experience at with us will provide a mix of quality species, superb terrain, friendly personalities and excellent facilities...  This style of hunt is suited to hunters who have limited time or who want a guaranteed trophy animal, it is an exceptional experience. 

The hunting grounds havea varied game habitat comprised of tussock-clad hill country interspersed with native beech forest and the inimitable matagouri shrub. The native grasslands, forest-filled valleys and clear mountain streams provide the ideal habitat for populations of New Zealand’s wild animals.

New Zealand – Paradise for the hunter seeking a great adventure and superior trophy.New Zealand has a proud recreational hunting tradition that originates from the establishment of the first wild game animal populations shortly after the European settlers arrived.A combination of a temperate climate, no natural predators, plentiful food and minimal competition has allowed many game species to thrive in New Zealand’s natural environment.These species, combined with exceptional terrain, a safe environment and a welcoming attitude means New Zealand has been seen as a hunter’s paradise for generations. The NZAGE seeks to preserve this status through sound governance for both visitors and  future generations of New Zealanders.Recreational hunting in New Zealand takes place in a number of environments, in accordance with a range of definitions. It is important to understand what each of these mean when deciding which hunting outfit to hunt with.Free Range‘Free-Range’ means the animal is born and raised in the wild from a wild population and is hunted in a wild area of public or private land with no barriers to roam, natural or man-made, to prevent evasion of a potential hunter. Feral, liberated or selectively-bred animals do not qualify as free-range game. Free-range hunts fall outside the scope of the NZAGE.Game Estate‘Game Estate’ is the term given to an enclosed area of land with natural or man-made barriers (generally accepted as specicies-specific fencing), that serves the purpose of keeping game animals within and prevent other animals from entering it’s boundaries. To qualify as a game estate, properties must meet minimum criteria relating to area, cover and terrain. Accredited NZAGE Member properties have met these criteria.Fair Chase‘Fair Chase’ is the term given to a hunt that takes place on public or private land, either free-range or game estate, where the hunted species has a reasonable and realistic chance of evading the hunter. A Fair Chase hunt depends on a number of factors including cover, area, terrain, the species sought, animal domesticity and  hunter ability. NZAGE properties must provide fair chase hunts in order to maintain accreditation.The NZAGE supports definitions of Fair Chase from internationally reputable hunting organisations:Safari Club International (SCI) ‘Fair chase is defined as pursuit of a free roaming animal or enclosed roaming animal possessed of the natural behavioural inclination to escape from the hunter and be fully free to do so.’Boone & Crockett Club ‘Fair chase is the ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit and taking of free ranging wild game animals in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper or unfair advantage over such animals.’Feral RangeFeral Range refers to the geographical area as determined by the Department of Conservation in which a given game animal species is free to roam in a wild capacity. Outside the boundaries of the feral range, measures may be taken to eradicate the species to prevent further spread into new habitats. Game Estates may exist within a feral range, however at present, a game estate may not hold a species outside its feral range. All hunting of animals, whether in a game estate or free-range, must be conducted within that species’ feral range.   

careful stalks are required when hunting Red Stags in New Zealand.  Your Backcountry NZ guide will assist and ensure your hunt is a successful and enjoyable experience. © Backcountry NZ hunting guides

Rising to over three thousand feet in altitude with a fifteen-hundred foot vertical rise, the hunting area is well serviced with four-wheel drive tracks. While this provides good mobility for hunting, most hunting is accomplished on foot and thus a reasonable standard of fitness is required. The property also provides an exclusive hunting cabin set deep in the heart of the estate, perfect for an overnight escape from reality or a quick cup of tea during your day. The Cabin can very much compliment the experience of our hunting lodges, for those that love to get back to nature and away from power and phones.  For those that wish to experience 100% luxury accommodation as part of their hunt, our hunting lodges offer some of the best that New Zealand has to offer.

If you wish to make an enquiry on hunt pricing and package options then please Click Here

Grasmere Lodge is one on New Zealands' finest accommodation experiences and this outstanding facility compliments Backcountry New Zealand hunting and fishing packages to perfection. © Grasmere Lodge

Hunting Cabin on High Peak Estate for trophy red stag hunting © Backcountry NZ hunting guides  

Commitment to quality Game Estates:

Since the properties entry into the New Zealand hunting industry in the late 1980s, the Guild family of High Peak Station have been committed to upholding best practice in all aspects of the industry. As a founding member of the New Zealand Association of Game Estates (NZAGE), principal James Guild became the founding president in 1997 and has held this position since.

The NZAGE was set up in 1997 by the owners of New Zealand’s private hunting properties to represent their interests to government, other associated organizations and in the absence of government regulation, to set and maintain standards for the managed hunting industry. The Association has established Industry Agreed Standards (IAS) and each member property is audited to these standards by an independent authority. The IAS is constantly updated and member properties are re-audited regularly.

The NZAGE is New Zealand estate hunting’s industry standard and forms a vital part of Backcountry New Zealand's assurance to their clients.

This trophy Red Deer Stag was successfully hunted by a 2007 client, and scored a very high SCI 480 1/8. Backcountry New Zealand Hunts can meet your expectations of securing quality trophy animals as part of your New Zealand hunting experience.   © ©Backcountry New Zealand Hunting

Backcountry NZ guides offer quality hunting experiences on High Peak Game Estate for New Zealand Red Stag and other big game species. © Backcountry NZ - J Aspe

© Backcountry NZ hunting guides

© Backcountry NZ hunting Guides