When traveling to New Zealand, you can indulge in red stag hunting. But, if you’re unsure about how you can move ahead with the outdoor activity, then you must go through this article. You can check out some tips for hunting a red stag in New Zealand as you read on. The report also covers more about how you can identify a mature red stag from a herd.
Tips to Consider while Hunting a Red Stag in New Zealand
If you’re not comfortable or ready for a red stag hunt, here’s what you must consider.
- First and foremost, you must research and gather knowledge about the red stag hunt. Before you step out for hunting, you should also learn more about the terrain and assess safety measures. If you approach a guide well in advance, you can gain all the information you need. But, you can also be aware of everything when you listen to a hunter when he is sharing his experience. Consequently, it would help if you headed for a red stag hunt on a private ranch. Once you start hunting on the vast expanse of land, you will come across many opportunities.
- Regardless of the type of hunt, you should ensure that the hunt is safer and more enjoyable. Before you step out, you must wear high-quality boots with good ankle support. If you’re traveling to New Zealand from the US, be sure that you carry the proper boots. As entry into New Zealand is quite strict regarding shoes, it is better to choose the appropriate ones. Such boots must have a soft rubber sole, and they must be light in weight. However, if you’re about to wear brand new boots, it can lead to blisters. You also feel uncomfortable while you’re hunting across the landscape. To observe red stags from a distance, you must also not forget to carry a good pair of binoculars.
- Before proceeding with the red stag hunt, you must be completely aware of your guide. While the guide accompanies you on the hunt, you must discuss the information to enjoy the hunting experience. You must further talk with the guide and share more about the distance from which you’re comfortable shooting. Moreover, you must not hesitate to discuss your hiking capabilities with the guide.
- When you move on with red stag hunting on a large ranch, you will come across many opportunities during the entire day. But, the guide needs to judge the target and be attentive. You will see many nice-looking red stags throughout the day, but such animals will not be old enough for you to target. So, as you stroll across the ranch, you have to be patient enough to shoot at a mature stag correctly.
- Once you have seen a mature red stag, you must grab the opportunity to take pictures. Hence, before you commence red stag hunting, you must bring a mobile phone or a camera. But, it would help if you did not start taking snaps as soon as you see the red stag. You then have to allow the guide to position the deer better. When the red deer is at the proper angle, you can start taking photos. If you’re fond of photography, you can try taking multiple snaps from different angles.
Which is the best Season for Red stag Hunting in New Zealand?
You will have a great experience hunting red stags anytime between mid-February and August. Once you’re on the ranch, you will be able to walk due to the climatic conditions. But, as the outdoor temperature is low, you will have to wear insulated gloves and a fleece hat. Eventually, the cool weather must not hinder you from shooting at a red stag.
Bottom Line
Finally, before you shoot at a red stag, you must be able to differentiate between an immature and a mature animal. When you observe an immature red stag, the animal will have big eyes and an angular face.
On the other hand, an adult male red deer will have a mature look. While an immature deer will move around with its head held high, a mature one will roam around with its head held low. You should hunt only if you come across an adult red deer.
