I've dredged through many of the posts here already but figured I'd best ask anyway.
When my other half asked what I wanted for our honeymoon, I told him I wanted to hunt stag in NZ. Unfortunately we had to put it aside after our marriage so that we could sort out buying a home first which has put a large hole in our coffers as does the continued rising cost in every day life.
That being said, he told me he would like to try and make our trip happen in 2026, In March.
He expressed that he didn't think we would both be able to afford hunting as he was estimating for a bronze to low silver stag -360 ish sci, would cost us 10K for one. I don't want to be the only one hunting. While I'm flattered he is willing to sacrifice his chance at a stag so I can hunt, I really want to try and get us both one to bring home. I don't know when we will ever be able to really afford another trip like this honestly.
I've found a handful of outfitters that offer a two stag package in around the 10k range - give or take a little bit.
I made contact with NZ Horn and Antler Safari, as they seem to have the best deal - I'm a taxidermist and am willing to do the skinning, and prep to dry the hides myself no problem-
However my husband is a little paranoid because all the payments he's asking for are bank transfers. Which means we would have no way of getting money back if we got screwed.
- I know for a lot of hunters doing these sorts of trips 10k is pocket change and God do I wish that were the case for us. We are trying to factor in that it wont just be hunting while we are there, we also intend to do plenty of fishing and driving about - three weeks worth --
That being said, I've read two positive posts here about them, but was wondering if anyone else has hunted with them since those were posted. Or if you have suggestions for outfitters who might be able to accommodate the tighter budget for a pair of decent red stag. Or simply the reassurance that bank transfers are the way most of these things are handled. HAH
I apologize for my ignorance, this will be my first guided hunt. I have grown up hunting low fence self guided in NM and Texas and have never had to pay more than the cost of the tag.
When my other half asked what I wanted for our honeymoon, I told him I wanted to hunt stag in NZ. Unfortunately we had to put it aside after our marriage so that we could sort out buying a home first which has put a large hole in our coffers as does the continued rising cost in every day life.
That being said, he told me he would like to try and make our trip happen in 2026, In March.
He expressed that he didn't think we would both be able to afford hunting as he was estimating for a bronze to low silver stag -360 ish sci, would cost us 10K for one. I don't want to be the only one hunting. While I'm flattered he is willing to sacrifice his chance at a stag so I can hunt, I really want to try and get us both one to bring home. I don't know when we will ever be able to really afford another trip like this honestly.
I've found a handful of outfitters that offer a two stag package in around the 10k range - give or take a little bit.
I made contact with NZ Horn and Antler Safari, as they seem to have the best deal - I'm a taxidermist and am willing to do the skinning, and prep to dry the hides myself no problem-
However my husband is a little paranoid because all the payments he's asking for are bank transfers. Which means we would have no way of getting money back if we got screwed.
- I know for a lot of hunters doing these sorts of trips 10k is pocket change and God do I wish that were the case for us. We are trying to factor in that it wont just be hunting while we are there, we also intend to do plenty of fishing and driving about - three weeks worth --
That being said, I've read two positive posts here about them, but was wondering if anyone else has hunted with them since those were posted. Or if you have suggestions for outfitters who might be able to accommodate the tighter budget for a pair of decent red stag. Or simply the reassurance that bank transfers are the way most of these things are handled. HAH
I apologize for my ignorance, this will be my first guided hunt. I have grown up hunting low fence self guided in NM and Texas and have never had to pay more than the cost of the tag.
