Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) are found throughout the high country of the South Island and in some lowland forests, from the Marlborough Sounds in the north to Fiordland in the south.
They are renowned for their ability to occupy a range of mountain habitats, and will spread into lower altitude forest areas especially on the West Coast.
Description
Size: Males Bucks are 650-900 mm (shoulder height) and weigh 55-100 lb. Females are smaller at 600-800 mm shoulder height and weighing 41-55 lbs.
Colour: Their summer coat varies from grey-brown, tan to honey-gold tone. Their much darker winter coat is dark brown/almost black.
On their face they have a dark brown or black band that goes from the nose, around the eyes to base of horns. Their cheeks and throat are white or pale fawn.
Horns: Both male and females have horns which are black and slender. They arise straight up before curving backwards to form sharp hooks at the ends. Male horns are usually stouter and their hooks more strongly developed than females.
Social behaviour: Mostly feeding during the day, during summer time they feed for 3-4 hours from dawn and again for 3-4 hours before dusk. They rest during the middle of the day. During winter they feed less intensively, mostly at mid morning and mid afternoon.
Outside of mating season, male and female chamois are largely segregated. Females and young form loose, unstable groups, and males are mostly solitary.
Reproduction: Mating season begins in early-mid May, peaking in late May to early June. During this time dominant males will gather available females in a harem, defending them from other males often posturing with imposing displays but rarely resulting in frontal attacks.
Gestation period: Variable 5 1/2 to 6 months.
Birthing: Single young are born from November to February.
Nomenclature: Male chamois are called bucks, females called doe, and there young called kids.
Where to hunt chamois
Chamois are found throughout the high country of the South Island and in some lowland forests, from the Marlborough Sounds in the north to Fiordland in the south.
They are renowned for their ability to occupy a range of mountain habitats, and will spread into lower altitude forest areas especially on the West Coast. New Zealand Safaris has exclusive hunting access to private land areas which do not require the use of helicopters. Beaches these areas and managed with a maximum of 2 Bucks per property there are very good numbers and older animals with no pressure from local hunters.