Click the link here to request rates and information about a Chamois hunt with Venator.

The waterfowl season in New Zealand runs from May through June.

The elk bugle is late March through late April, overlapping the red stag roar.

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Same species, just different terminology based on where you are from.

Yes, the pronounced larynx is characteristic.

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No, prime areas are within reach without overnight moves.

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Typically mid-April to mid-May.

Introduced in 1909, courtesy of president Theodore Roosevelt.

Yes, November through January aligns with summer holidays and prime dry-fly fishing.

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Light brown with white spots, chocolate, white, and occasional black.

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Hunting is solid February through August. Pre-roar (early season) is great for thicker cover; the roar peaks late March through late April; May onward pairs well with winter-coat tahr/chamois.

Yes, red deer have a pair of ivory teeth, similar to elk ivories.

Venator has produced multiple world-record red stags in New Zealand, holding the #1 rank across four separate disciplines according to Safari Club International (SCI) scoring:

• #1 Muzzleloader (and #1 SCI Red Stag Overall): 1,164 2/8" SCI Score
• #1 Bow (and #2 SCI Red Stag Overall): 1,069" SCI Score
• #1 Crossbow (and #3 SCI Red Stag Overall): 1,033 5/8" SCI Score
• #1 Rifle (and #4 SCI Red Stag Overall): 963 2/8" SCI Score

Yes, Possum numbers are modest, wallabies are about 2.5–3 hours from the lodge.

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Paradise ducks, black swans, mallards, grey and shoveler ducks, and Canada geese.

Often, subject to your country’s import rules, taxidermy in New Zealand may be required.

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Yes, classic New Zealand species; great for extending a hunt or for youth/first-time hunters.

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Yes, May through August offers dark winter coats.

Yes, spectacular scenery and an exciting alpine hunt.

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Our experienced guides field-judge carefully. You can upgrade in the field if you choose to take a larger class than booked.

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A deep bellowing roar during the rut, often likened to a lion.

Safari Club International book of records:

Wapiti typical category lists a 472 2/8” bull as world record, which was hunted here with us.

Wapiti non-typical category lists a 591 5/8” bull as world record.

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Rocky Mountain Elk is the largest big-game species in New Zealand. Mature bulls often range 300–500+ sci.

Both sexes have black horns, males tend to be heavier with a more pronounced hook.

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Yes, expect flavorful dishes from the lodge chef.

No, success is strong across the entire season.

Originally introduced from Europe.

Yes, we highly recommend efficient access to high alpine areas. Foot hunts are very physical.

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Yes, an affordable, fun big-game add-on.

The main season runs from late February through August, featuring the peak roar from late March to late April. 

Venator offers premier red stag hunts on exclusive private preserves in Wānaka, New Zealand, and Southeast Oklahoma.

Our luxury hunting experiences start from USD $18,000 for a 4-day, 500 SCI red stag hunt and USD $30,500 for a 6-day, 500 SCI red stag and multi-species hunt. We specialise in tailoring each hunt to suit the individual needs and tastes of our hunters, so these red stag hunting packages are simply a starting point for shaping your ideal experience. Talk to one of our experienced hunting consultants and begin building your customised itinerary.

Yes, New Zealand is home to elk, which are locally referred to as Wapiti. Venator offers world class New Zealand trophy elk hunting in the South Island of New Zealand. 

Elk hunting in New Zealand runs from late February through early May, aligning perfectly with the peak roar of our Red Stags and Fallow deer. Incorporating a world-class nz elk into your custom hunting itinerary delivers an unrivaled multi-species safari in the heart of the South Island.

The best time to hunt fallow deer in New Zealand is typically from mid-April to mid-May.

Yes. Fallow deer meat is widely considered some of the best-tasting and most tender venison available, often earning the title of the "King of Venison".

The premier destination for fallow deer hunting in New Zealand is the Central Otago and Lake Wānaka / Hāwea Basin. This region supports high-density wild fallow herds framed by iconic high-country tussock and native bush. Venator offers guided hunts across exclusive private land in this territory, specialising in red stag and trophy fallow  buck stalks during the mid-April to May rut.

The prime rutting period for Himalayan Tahr is May-July, when their impressive winter coats are at their longest. Our guided expeditions coincide with this exclusive window, offering unparalleled opportunities for world-class trophy hunting.

Yes, this is a common add-on, best planned at the start to work around weather windows.

Yes, specialty hunts available by arrangement.

Often helicopter-assisted access to remote countries. Foot hunts are possible but very demanding.

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Yes, close to prime alpine terrain with no long transfers needed.

May through August for prime winter coats.

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Yes, ewes make great additions to dioramas.