Game Animals

Bull tahr can weigh up to 130 kg (300 lb) and are often referred to as the “King of the Mountain”, thanks to the challenging alpine country they inhabit. Their habitat ranges from rolling tussock-covered mountains to steep, rocky cliffs, making tahr hunting a true mountain hunting experience.

Bull tahr can be hunted year-round, but from April through October they develop their impressive winter coats and long manes. The peak rut occurs during May and June, making this an especially exciting time to pursue a mature bull.

At Crux Outfitters, our guided bull tahr hunts take hunters into some of New Zealand's spectacular Southern Alps hunting country.

Chamois buck hunting provides a challenging spot-and-stalk hunting experience in some of New Zealand's most rugged alpine country. Chamois bucks are considerably smaller than bull tahr, weighing up to 40 kg (90 lb).

Chamois can be hunted year-round, depending on whether you prefer to pursue them in their distinctive dark winter coat or lighter summer coat. The peak rut occurs during May and June, making this a great time to hunt.

Fallow buck hunting provides an exciting spot-and-stalk hunting experience, with the peak rut occurring in April. During the rut, mature bucks become more vocal, producing their distinctive “croak”, and can become aggressive towards other males, making for an exciting and challenging hunt.

Fallow can be hunted from March through October, with April being a good time during the rut. A mature fallow buck can weigh up to 90 kg (200 lb) and produce impressive palmated antlers.

 We offer free range and estate fallow buck hunting. An estate hunt provides a great option for hunters looking for a New Zealand trophy fallow buck hunt without the demands of a remote wilderness hunt.

Free-range red stag hunting in New Zealand offers the opportunity to chase wild stags in spectacular Southern Alps hunting country. Our wilderness hunts are genuine free-range and fair-chase where hunters can experience the challenge of pursuing red stag in their natural environment.

Red stag can be hunted from march through August, with the peak roar occurring from late March through April. The roar is an exciting time to hunt, as mature stags become more vocal and active while competing for hinds. A mature stag can weigh up to 200kg (440lb). 

Hunts are conducted using a spot-and-stalk approach, with the terrain accessed on foot and by 4x4 depending on the hunting area.

Our private game estate produces exceptional red stags, with mature trophies capable of reaching 600+ inches, thanks to careful game management and selective breeding.

Estate red stags can be hunted during the same season as our free-range stags, from March through August, The peak roar occurs from March through April, providing an exciting opportunity to hunt mature stags as they become more vocal and compete for hinds.

We can tailor estate red stag hunts to suit your available time, with options ranging from single-day hunts through to multi-day packages. Hunts are conducted using a spot-and-stalk approach, with 4x4 access across the property and comfortable lodge accommodation. An estate hunt provides a great option for hunters looking for a New Zealand trophy red stag hunt without the demands of a remote wilderness hunt. 

The Arapawa ram was introduced to New Zealand over 200 years ago, with sheep brought to Arapawa Island as a food source for whalers. Today, Arapawa sheep offer a unique hunting opportunity and an interesting addition to a New Zealand hunting adventure.

Mature rams will typically carry around one and a half curls, making for a distinctive and challenging trophy. Arapawa rams can be hunted year-round, making them a great option for hunters with limited time in Queenstown.

A ram hunt can be enjoyed as a fun one-day hunt or added to a red stag hunt for hunters looking to experience multiple species during their trip.

Bull elk hunting in New Zealand offers hunters the opportunity to pursue one of New Zealand's largest deer species and a truly impressive trophy. Mature bulls can reach around 450 kg (990 lb), with large antlers scoring up to 500" making them a highly sought-after trophy. 

We have a limited number of elk on our private game estate, where bulls can be hunted from March through to August. The peak of the bugle occurs during March and April, providing an exciting time to hunt large mature bulls.

Hunts are conducted using a spot and stalk approach, with 4x4 access across the property and hunting based from a comfortable modern lodge.

Wild pigs are generally opportunity based or we can organize an exciting hunt with the use of dogs. this style of hunting is similar to how they hunt mountain lion in North America with hounds. By putting the dogs on fresh sign they then run after the boar until they stop it, they then hold or bail until the hunters arrive.