In the world of hunting, the pursuit of records and legends often drives enthusiasts to seek out new and exciting challenges. Venator New Zealand takes pride in our commitment to providing extraordinary hunting experiences for our clients. In 2020, renowned hunter. Brian Bailey booked a hunt with us, with the goal of hunting a new world record red stag over 1000 SCI.
Venator has always been dedicated to offering the most exceptional hunting experiences, and our pursuit of world record red stags is a testament to that commitment. We understand the allure of chasing records, and for many hunters, setting their sights on the biggest and most majestic stags is a dream come true. This drive to achieve something extraordinary has made Venator a top choice for hunters worldwide.
Brian Bailey is synonymous within the hunting community. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of taking record-breaking trophies, Brian's decision to book a hunt with Venator New Zealand underscores our reputation as a premier hunting destination.
In December 2020, the discussions with Brian began about embarking on a hunting journey with Venator New Zealand, with the singular goal of hunting a new world record red stag. During the 2020/21 growing season, our attention was drawn to a particular stag, one that we believed had the potential to surpass 900 SCI. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the opening of New Zealand's borders after the strict COVID-19 lockdowns, we found ourselves in a waiting game, hoping that this exceptional stag would once again grow antlers of similar size.
As the 2021/22 growing season approached, it seemed that the New Zealand government would maintain stringent border restrictions, which meant that we would not be able to host any hunters for the 2022 season. But as the months passed, New Zealand gradually eased these restrictions, and some international hunters began arriving in the latter part of the New Zealand hunting season, spanning May, June, and July.
With Brian, we devised a plan to begin our hunt right at the start of the season in February 2023. The antler growth witnessed in the 2022/23 season was nothing short of phenomenal. The stags thrived, benefiting from the respite of no hunting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the question that loomed was, what would be the largest stag on our properties, with several contenders vying for the title?
This marked the beginning of an exciting conversation with Brian, a quest we aptly coined "the king's slam." The objective was clear: we aimed to hunt four new SCI world records, each taken through a different method of harvest – rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzleloader.
Today, we are thrilled to share the official results with you. We firmly believe that three of the stags have earned their place in history as the first-ever animals to break the 1000 SCI mark, solidifying their position in the SCI record book.
At Venator, we prioritize ethical hunting practices and sustainable wildlife management. Our continued pursuit of world record red stags is in line with these principles. By setting high standards and ensuring that each hunt is conducted responsibly, we contribute to the preservation of these majestic animals and their habitat.
Venator New Zealand believes in offering experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Our commitment to hunting the biggest red stags allows us to provide our clients with unforgettable adventures and create lasting memories.
Our relentless pursuit of world record red stags sets a benchmark for excellence in the hunting industry. We aim to inspire other hunters to push their limits and join us in the quest for these extraordinary creatures.
Brian Bailey's choice to book a hunt with Venator New Zealand resulted in four new world record red stags, and our commitment to hunting the biggest red stags in the world remains unwavering. Through ethical hunting practices, unparalleled experiences, and a dedication to raising the bar in the hunting industry, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of hunting.
If you share our passion for adventure and the pursuit of greatness, don’t miss out on the opportunity to hunt red stag in New Zealand and join us as we continue to make our mark in the record books.
Secure your spot. Get in touch at info@venator.co to explore available dates.
Keep reading our journal entries.
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.
The hunting of deer for sport and trophy heads motivated early settlers from the UK to import red deer to New Zealand in the 1850s. Red deer thrived, spreading across the country and becoming the most prized species for hunters. Today, New Zealand produces some of the finest trophy red deer, with numerous Safari Club International (SCI) world records.