North Island hunting is typically conducted on easy rolling to hilly bush country where “up close encounters” are experienced by the “spot and stalk” method of hunting. Usually offering at least one shot opportunity per day (for the bow or rifle) and is ideally suited for the hunter who wants to have the “thrill of the stalk” as well as taking the trophy of a lifetime. Wildside’s properties are also equipped for “still hunting” with treestands, platforms and ground blinds where wild game can be observed for most of the day. What ever your ambition or abilities are the professional team at Wildside Hunting Safaris can help make your hunting dreams become reality. Be prepared though for the most thrilling hunting experience New Zealand has to offer!

The hunting season gets underway in March and goes right through until August when the stags begin shedding their antlers. The rut period for the Red, Fallow and Sika is in our autumn (fall) with the Red Stags starting first in early March and then the Fallow and Sika follow at late March early April. Peak of the rut is around the first to second weeks of April when the “Roar” is at fever pitch. All three species are very vocal and often respond to imitation roars.

Red Deer

Red stags are magnificent animals to hunt, with their massive multi pointed antlers and rough manes strutting their dominance with vocalised pride. Typically locating themselves in the more open areas of clearings and broken bush where they keep a watch on their hinds (females). Constantly chasing off intruders and checking for in season hinds by the dominant stag is a sight to behold. The position of the “dominant stag” is challenged constantly and often changes creating exciting hunting opportunities on wandering evictees. 

The “Roar” of the red stag can be heard for miles and is very loud and intimidating when at close quarters. At times the red stag can be lured to within mere yards by the imitation of rutting noises like that of a roar or the thrashing of antlers on a tree. If would like to have an adrenaline pumping “New Zealand hunting the roar” experience then hunting the North Island with Wildside Hunting Safaris is for you. Take it from the experts and read what they have to say about their experiences with Wildside Hunting Safaris on the reference page. Some of our hunters who have hunted Africa say our red stags roar sounds similar to that of a lion’s roar and need to be reassured that they aren’t carnivorous!

Sika

Sika are very intelligent deer with a inquisitive nature, often checking out the intruder before taking flight. This characteristic makes for interesting hunting and at times leads to their downfall. During the rut sika stags tend to head off the clearings early in the mornings and set up in the bush during the daytime where they will call frequently when the hinds are in season. Stalking in close to the action and setting up with a bit of cover then using a high-pitched “single call” (not too dissimilar to the elk) the sika stag can at times be lured to with 20 yards. Activity can be frantic at times under the canopy of the bush with lots squealing, chasing and positioning done by dominate stags and contenders. This too is an experience that is so unique to the North Island and should be seriously considered while hunting with Wildside Hunting Safaris.

Fallow Deer

Fallow bucks rut from early April through to early May and during this time are very vocal and aggressive protecting not only their groups of does but also their territory.  Often referred to as the little moose because of their palmated antlers the fallow buck has one of the most recognisable antler forms in the deer world. A mature buck usually lives a reclusive life 11 months of the year but come the rut is found out in the more open country making his presence well known and hanging out with the girls! Constantly on the move and always with an eye out for intruders stalking a fallow buck can be an all day affair but well worth the effort as the spotted cape and fine facial features along with the unique antlers will make one of the most attractive mounts in your trophy room.

Sambar and Rusa

The sambar and rusa stags start their rut period later in June and go through to late August. Unlike the red stags they are not as vocal and are less active during the daylight hours. Vantage point glassing is best employed to spot trophies and stalking in is then done very carefully. Sambar are New Zealand’s second to biggest deer species and typically have a 3x3 antler formation. Similar to the sambar the rusa also has a 3x3 trophy head but is only has a body size half as big. Both these deer species originated from countries with a warm climate so have established themselves in areas like the Bay of Plenty and the Manawatu where the weather is milder.

Bull Tahr

The mighty bull tahr in full winter coat is nothing short of majestic. The environment they inhabit and their ability to negotiate the wild country of the Southern Alps is breathtaking. Hunting these animals on foot is not for the fainthearted but definitely an experience that will never be forgotten. Securing a trophy bull tahr is almost a bonus in comparison to the actual hunting experience. Wildside Hunting Safaris conducts a handful of these South Island hunts each year with those hunters who have the time, ability and ambition to enjoy one of the most unique hunts the world has to offer.

Chamois

Chamois like the tahr can be hunted all year round but best taken in their winter coats. Chamois are extremely agile and have a curious nature, combined with a lightning fast flight response makes hunting for them challenging and a very memorable experience. Rutting starts for the Chamois in April when the bucks are active travelling a lot marking territories and checking nannies. Having spotted a preoccupied buck and setting up in front of him on a hopeful route he’s taking is a fruitful way of getting in close.

New Zealand Wild Ram

Wild rams are one of those bonus trophies that can complete your scoop of New Zealand’s top class trophies. Wild rams were one of the first animals brought to New Zealand by the early mariners. Rams were distributed to various outlying islands as a food resource for mariners that would be sailing the waters in that vicinity or maybe in sever cases shipwrecked. Being an undomesticated breed from Old England they are very wary when hunted, have incredible eyesight and are extremely alert. Making a very desirable mount and lots of fun to stalk. The wild ram is well worth considering while hunting with Wildside Hunting Safaris.

Small Game

Small game like turkeys, rabbits, hares, possums and magpies are available to hunt free of charge when and where possible. Although we have a limit of one turkey per hunter per day. Many a rabbit and hare have been taken in the spotlight on the way back to camp after a days hunting. These animals are also good practice for the bowhunter keeping in form. The camp’s K9s are appreciative of the fresh meat!
Midday sniping of magpies (which are a threat to our native birds) is sometimes an enjoyable way to fill in a day when the best hunting is at dawn or dusk.