New Zealand Tahr
Tahr Hunting New Zealand costs vary significantly from outfitter to outfitter. There are four kinds of Tahr hunting concessions, each contributing to overall Tahr hunting costs.
New Zealand Crown Land
There are approximately 1.6 million hectares (3.95 million acres) of Crown land (Government land) on the South Island of New Zealand. Most Kiwi outfitters can utilize this land. Some Crown Land free-range Tahr and Chamois hunts are helicopter-assisted from the hunting lodge. There are excellent numbers of Himalayan Tahr and Alpine Chamois on Crown Land.
Private Stations (Ranches)
Some of the best Tahr hunting is on private land owned by people other than the outfitter. Most New Zealand hunting outfitters agree with these private landowners to hunt Tahr on their land. A hunting lease agreement usually compensates the landowner, or a specific price for each Tahr hunted on their land.
Outfitter Owned Stations (Ranches)
If you are unfamiliar with the Kiwi term, Station, it is the same as a Ranch in the United States. Many New Zealand outfitters were originally ranchers or red deer farmers. In addition, many New Zealand outfitters personally own stations(s) that they also arrange for their hunts.
Each of these types of concessions has a significant effect on how the outfitter changes their Tahr hunting clients.
Tahr Breeding Stations
In New Zealand, trophy Tahr breeders also own large stations and offer Trophy Tahr hunting. A hunt like this is good for the older hunter who can't get around as he used to (easier hunting terrain) or for the kind of hunter who only cares about the number of inches on the Tahr's horn and wants a guaranteed trophy.
While this option is not for everyone, it does serve a purpose. If you are opposed to this type of Tahr hunt, check with your outfitter to confirm the type of Tahr hunting trip you will be doing. A hunt like this will be considered an "estate hunt," according to the SCI Record Books.
New Zealand Tahr Hunt Price
The price of a Tahr hunt ranges from outfitter to outfitter. A Himalayan Tahr trophy fee will vary between $5500 and $6500. Then it would help if you considered the daily rate, which can be between $500 to $700 a day. The daily rate covers the cost of the guide, lodging, food, transportation in the hunting area and between the lodge and the closest New Zealand airport, trophy field preparation, hero photos, and delivery of cape and horns to the New Zealand taxidermist.
Before you book your hunt, ask the outfitter if he can put together a package deal with the animals you are looking to harvest. This will save you money on your daily rate and trophy fees. Of course, the more animals you harvest, the better package deal the outfitter will offer you.
Helicopter Assisted Tahr Hunting
If you are short on time or can't climb up and down mountains like you used to, consider a helicopter-assisted Tahr hunt. Of course, you will still have to do some hiking, but it won't be as challenging as climbing up the mountain from the foothills. This will usually cut your Tahr hunt from 2-3 days to a three-hour hunt. This type of hunt is a spot and stalk. You don't shoot from the helicopter.
Instead, you will spot a trophy Tahr, and the helicopter pilot will set you down on the mountainside and finish your stalk. There is some risk involved in this type of this hunt, it can be dangerous, but you must decide if it is right for you. Expect to sign a release of liability from the lodge owner and the helicopter pilot.
You can expect to pay around $2,000 per hour for the helicopter service and the Tahr trophy fee. Most helicopter-assisted hunts use up about three hours of flying time. A good outfitter will guarantee you a shot at a trophy Tahr in three hours, or they will pay for additional flight time. Notice I said, "a shot at a trophy Tahr." The hunter is responsible for making the shot count and collecting their trophy.
While you are up on the mountain, you may also want to consider hunting Alpine Chamois. These high mountain Crown Land Tahr and Chamois hunts are truly free-range hunts. Hunts on some New Zealand stations that are fenced will be considered an "Estate hunt, in the eyes of the Safari Club International (SCI). Always talk to your outfitter and let them know your free-range or estate hunt preferences before you arrive in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, Charity Safaris offers some of the best Tahr hunting, both foot and helicopter-assisted. Contact us today for more details, pricing, and information.
