Last year, we had the honor of hosting Dan Cabela during his expedition into the heart of New Zealand wilderness. Dan, the son to Dick and Mary Cabela, who founded the world famous Cabela’s Outfitters, shares his father’s passion of the wild. With his family foundation actively supporting numerous initiatives, Dan now focuses on the role sustainability can play in modern conservation.
During his stay with us, Dan embarked on a quest to unravel the complexities of hunting in New Zealand and its impact on conservation efforts, a subject that is close to our hearts.
We invite you to follow Dan’s adventures, and engage in thought-provoking discussions as he embarks on and the hunt of a lifetime.
As the weather finally granted us a reprieve, we seized the moment to ascend into the rugged mountains. Our quest began with the pursuit of a magnificent bull tahr. With the snow-capped peaks as our backdrop, we spotted a majestic specimen from our vantage point and embarked on a well-planned stalk. Dan's marksmanship was impeccable, securing a stunning bull tahr with a beautiful cape.
The following day, our sights were set on a trophy red stag. Navigating the vast private hunting blocks, we persevered and were rewarded with a successful hunt, marking Dan’s initiation into the revered tradition of New Zealand hunting with a Venator class red stag.
To crown Dan’s adventure, we guided him in hunting elk, chamois, and fallow deer. Each challenge was met with determination, and the exhilaration of the hunt left us with indelible memories, cherished for a lifetime.
New Zealand is home to some truly unique species and is regarded as one of the top international hunting destinations in the world. The introduction of non-native species over a century ago created a diverse hunting environment, but it has also sparked controversy.
In 1993, the New Zealand government implemented a large-scale Himalayan Tahr control plan with the aim of reducing the population, despite having only 15 operations active at the time. To this day, the control plan remains a divisive issue due to concerns about insufficient scientific evidence and monitoring.
Himalayan Tahr hunting generates over $12 million annually from tourism, strengthening the economy and benefiting local communities. Companies like Venator process wild game meat, creating numerous jobs and producing lean, flavorful cuts.
The hunting industry plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife habitats. Although these species are not native to New Zealand, their future in the wild relies on responsible management. With the right plan in place, sustainable conservation is achievable.
Our commitment to conservation integrates responsible hunting practices with initiatives to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress on our conservation journey.
If you share our passion for adventure and the pursuit of greatness, don’t miss out on the opportunity to hunt in New Zealand.
Get in touch with our team and book the trip of a lifetime.
Keep reading our journal entries.
Brian Bailey hunted with Venator New Zealand to pursue world record Red Stags, aiming to break 1000 SCI. Over four methods of harvest – rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzle loader – three new record stags were taken. Venator combines ethical hunting, unparalleled experiences, and sustainable practices for unforgettable adventures.
For over three decades, the Fraser family and Venator have defined record Red Stag hunting in New Zealand. From the historic 1991 pursuit guided by Duncan’s uncle to the 2023 Kings Slam, hunters have achieved world-class trophies using rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzleloader. Our legacy of record-setting hunts reflects skill, heritage, and the pursuit of unforgettable adventures in some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Mark Peterson, founder of the Outdoor Guardian Fund and WTA, joined Venator in pursuit of the New Zealand Game Bird Grand Slam. Guided by our expert team, he completed the rare challenge across diverse landscapes and species, from pheasant to paradise shelduck. His experience reflects Venator’s passion for world-class hunting, conservation, and the pursuit of excellence in every adventure.