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.
The Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) stands as one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine game animals. Renowned for their thick, flaxen manes, agile nature, and affinity for sheer vertical rock faces, hunting a Bull Tahr in the Southern Alps offers one of the most physically demanding, rewarding pursuits in the Southern Hemisphere. Navigating rugged high-country bluffs, executing precision shots across deep ravines, and enduring the crisp alpine elements leave a lasting impression on every sportsman.
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Last year, we had the pleasure of partnering with Johann Fanzoj to create a custom Classic M98 built around the legendary Mauser 98 action. The bespoke rifle is a reflection of shared values and hunting excellence. Made from premium materials with meticulous attention to detail, the Classic M98 is more than a rifle, it is an heirloom, offering hunters a lasting connection to heritage and a timeless expression of luxury.
The European chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) stands as one of New Zealand’s most elusive and thrilling alpine game animals. Renowned for their incredible speed, sharp senses, and remarkable agility across steep, precipitous rock faces, these remarkable creatures offer a true test of stamina and marksmanship.