Tahr Hunting in New Zealand

Bull Tahr Hunting

Himalayan Tahr Hunting

Tahr hunting is what Jim Gibson & New Zealand Safaris has built its reputation on.

Himalayan tahr are among the world’s most coveted alpine game animals. With the flowing mane of a lion and the sure-footed confidence of a grizzly, they are perfectly adapted to life in the mountains. Originally introduced from the Himalayas, tahr have flourished in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, where they now provide some of the finest alpine hunting opportunities anywhere in the world. They are also our specialty.

Our bull tahr hunts take place on wild, free-range, low-fence and no-fence private wilderness properties, all located within an hour of the lodge. Every hunt is conducted in the traditional New Zealand style — on foot using spot-and-stalk methods. NZS practices game management on all of these properties in partnership with the landowners, targeting mature old bull tahr.

These exclusive hunting areas are leased long-term by New Zealand Safaris and lie in the heart of the region where the first tahr were released. Today, this country supports some of the highest tahr population densities in New Zealand’s central South Island, offering consistently traditional mountain hunting.

We have access to 3 expansive wilderness properties ranging from 15,000 to 47,000 acres. Most are just a 20–30 minute drive from the lodge, with every hunting area within 45 minutes. For those seeking a more immersive experience, comfortable backcountry cabins are available, allowing you to stay on the hunting grounds.

Excellent mountain roads make these hunts suitable for hunters of a wide range of ages and fitness levels. We begin each day by glassing from the vehicle, out of river valleys or walking onto ridges glassing with binoculars and spotting scope to locate mature bulls before planning a carefully executed stalk on foot. The spectacular alpine landscapes — glaciers, rugged peaks, high basins, and braided river valleys — also provide an unforgettable experience for non-hunting companions, who can enjoy the scenery while watching wildlife in its natural environment.

Judging a Bull Tahr

Like sheep hunting throughout the world, successful tahr hunting begins behind the binoculars. A significant part of the hunt is spent glassing from long distances to locate mature bulls and assess their age, horn quality, and trophy potential. Early in the season, bulls often remain at lower elevations where they seek shade while growing their impressive winter manes.

Watching a mature bull emerge from the mountainside is one of hunting’s great spectacles. Dominant bulls carry themselves with unmistakable confidence, rolling their shoulders and displaying their massive frames as they move across the steep terrain. On a typical hunt, it is common to see between 30 and 150 tahr in a day, including 5 to 15+ mature trophy bulls during the rut.

Once the right bull is selected, we carefully plan the stalk, with shots typically ranging from 200 to 400 yards, depending on terrain and the hunter’s ability. Mature bulls average around 270 pounds and represent one of the most rewarding trophies in alpine hunting, taken in some of the most spectacular mountain country on earth.

Helicopter-Accessed Tahr Hunts

For hunters with limited time or those who prefer to avoid extended mountain climbs, we also offer helicopter-accessed tahr hunts. Working with experienced local helicopter operators, we access remote alpine terrain within our Government concession, separate from our private foot-hunting properties.

These hunts are typically completed in a single day, with approximately one to two hours of flight time per animal. Helicopter access allows hunters to reach remote country that would otherwise require days of hiking, providing an efficient and exciting way to experience New Zealand’s world-renowned tahr hunting.

Best Time to Hunt

The tahr season runs from February through the end of November, with the rut occurring from late May through the end of July. During the rut, mature bulls carry their fullest winter manes and are more active and visible, making this the premier time to hunt. However, exceptional trophy bulls are taken throughout the season, and each period offers its own unique hunting experience.