DiY New Zealand Chamois and Tahr

[realunlucky]

Who has been to New Zealand and done a DIY hunt for Chamois or Tahr? I'm currently in the planning process of making this happen for me.

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[wintersoldia]

have never been but can’t wait been hearing so much about this… and definitely also making plans !!

 

[CBar]

Equally curious - the South Island has insanely cool country that reminds me a lot of Montana and Wyoming. Depending on the time of year you're there you should absolutely pack a flyrod

 

[bascott1]

Ive been looking into it as well, seems like the biggest hiccup is getting the firearm permit and a sponsor in the country. Heard police stations are really good contacts with that.

 

[abbrown]

I've lived there and hunted both quite a bit DIY, would be happy to try and answer questions. I also have some good buddies who would be great local guides if you were interested in that route. PM works.

 

[Mojave]

A friend of mine is there right now. He has taken 3 tahr, 2 stags, 3 goats, a wildboar and some other stuff. He is having a ball. The keas in his camp are fat as butterballs.

 

[MTcasualhunter]

A friend of mine is there right now. He has taken 3 tahr, 2 stags, 3 goats, a wildboar and some other stuff. He is having a ball. The keas in his camp are fat as butterballs.

Mojave, how did your friend's hunt turn out? Was he there DIY?

 

[Mojave]

He had a good time, camped by himself or over a month. I don't remember the grad tally, but it was over 14 animals.

The last two times he went he killed 3 chamois on each trip. This time he saw none.

 

[Cactus kid]

@realunlucky , I Just got back from a guided foot hunted chamois hunt, but some of the lessons I learned will benefit the DIY guy:

Firearms Permit- Start this process early. You will be required to take an online firearms class. They may require to see the flights you booked and how long you will be in the country. They are not quick on this process: mine took over 6 months. They are very polite though. If you are taking a folding chassis to hunt with, bring that rifle in a full sized rifle case fully extended to avoid potential problems overzelous police officer. They are legal though as long as the overall length of the firearm is over 32" (if i remember correct) when folded.

Gear: Make sure everything you take is spotless: not even a speck of dirt on your boots, tent, sleeping bag, ect. You will be inspected on entry and will be subject to a fine if they deem them contaminated. I typically wear my boots on the plane on hunts like this, but this time I packed them on my carry on.

Food: I pack my own meals for backpack style hunts and these were inspected. All the freeze dried food with chicken in them were confiscated.

Hunting and Fishing New Zeland is a popular store found in many of the big towns like Christchurch that has a lot of gear. Easy to pick up gas canisters for your jet boil, the microspikes you forgot to pack, and replace all the freeze dried meals confiscated at customs. Pick up a pair of rugby shorts here to fit in with the locals. Stoney Creek brand if you are a tahr hunter, Canterbury (CCC) brand if you are hunting chamois.

Do not head into the field without at least a 12 pack of Speights Golden Ale.

 

[abbrown]

Very spot on assessment all around.

 

[199p]

@realunlucky , I Just got back from a guided foot hunted chamois hunt, but some of the lessons I learned will benefit the DIY guy:

Firearms Permit- Start this process early. You will be required to take an online firearms class. They may require to see the flights you booked and how long you will be in the country. They are not quick on this process: mine took over 6 months. They are very polite though. If you are taking a folding chassis to hunt with, bring that rifle in a full sized rifle case fully extended to avoid potential problems overzelous police officer. They are legal though as long as the overall length of the firearm is over 32" (if i remember correct) when folded.

Gear: Make sure everything you take is spotless: not even a speck of dirt on your boots, tent, sleeping bag, ect. You will be inspected on entry and will be subject to a fine if they deem them contaminated. I typically wear my boots on the plane on hunts like this, but this time I packed them on my carry on.

Food: I pack my own meals for backpack style hunts and these were inspected. All the freeze dried food with chicken in them were confiscated.

Hunting and Fishing New Zeland is a popular store found in many of the big towns like Christchurch that has a lot of gear. Easy to pick up gas canisters for your jet boil, the microspikes you forgot to pack, and replace all the freeze dried meals confiscated at customs. Pick up a pair of rugby shorts here to fit in with the locals. Stoney Creek brand if you are a tahr hunter, Canterbury (CCC) brand if you are hunting chamois.

Do not head into the field without at least a 12 pack of Speights Golden Ale.

Haha Shorts for everything, Dunno about stoney creek tho most nz hunting brands are only good for the city hunters, Canterbury and under armour for the win.

 

[ozyclint]

Just got back from a 2 week solo hunt in Westland with my recurve.

 

[ShootStraght]

He had a good time, camped by himself or over a month. I don't remember the grad tally, but it was over 14 animals.

The last two times he went he killed 3 chamois on each trip. This time he saw none.

How does he get his firearms over does he have a kiwi friend who lets him use his firearm permit number? Or is it easy to say you’ll have your firearms with you the whole time
And will be hunting the whole time?

 

[kevlar88]

@Cactus kid is spot on with all the important stuff. As far as the firearms permit goes, they want you to come hunt and they will do every thing they can to help you get approved. Apply early and stay in touch with the approval office along the way, they will tell you if any changes need to be made. Every single person I met over there was extremely kind, helpful and generous. It's an incredible country with great culture. I was there this past April for Tahr and came back with a nice stag as a consolation prize.
I saw plenty of Tahr but they were unreachable where I was at. I put myself into several stupid and dangerous situations that could have been catastrophic trying to get to them. Stay smart and safe in the steep stuff.

 

[Mojave]

How does he get his firearms over does he have a kiwi friend who lets him use his firearm permit number? Or is it easy to say you’ll have your firearms with you the whole time
And will be hunting the whole time?

Yeah, I don’t know the answer to that

 

[Spoonbill]

How does he get his firearms over does he have a kiwi friend who lets him use his firearm permit number? Or is it easy to say you’ll have your firearms with you the whole time
And will be hunting the whole time?

You can check New Zealand’s govt website, its pretty easy to understand on what you need to bring in a firearm

 

[Antares]

https://www.firearmssafetyauthority...land/you-apply-visitors-firearms-licence#info

 

[CNEdeer307]

Worked and lived on a large station in the Otago region, and have got my share of hunting in over there. Plenty great information above, feel free to PM if you still wondering about NZ opportunities, I'll do my best to help out where I can.

 

[Restless]

I've lived there and hunted both quite a bit DIY, would be happy to try and answer questions. I also have some good buddies who would be great local guides if you were interested in that route. PM works.

Good day! I just stumbled on this thread doing some research for a trip next spring and I’d love to chat with someone who has had boots on the ground.
If you’ve got some time would you be able to PM me? I’d love to chat about a few thoughts
Thanks!
Paul

 

[KingGus]

In regards to chassis on a rifle. Pistol grips are illegal in NZ.

I'm a Kiwi living in Alaska. I have also taken rifles home from the USA and I know the process reasonably well. I'd be keen to help anyone going, send me a PM.