New Zealand North Island Trophy Rusa Deer Hunt

This outfitter offers both rifle and bow hunters’ a world class trophy hunting experience on both the North and South Islands for all of the New Zealand’s top trophy species. Specializing in professionally guided hunts on New Zealand’s forest clad North Island and the snow capped mountains of the South Island. Rusa deer hunting in New Zealand is a highly sought-after and rewarding experience for hunters. They are a species native to Southeast Asia and were introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s. They have established stable populations in various regions of the country. Rusa deer hunting in New Zealand is generally available year-round, although specific hunting seasons and regulations may vary depending on the region and the hunting area. It's essential to check with local authorities or hunting outfitters for current information on hunting seasons, bag limits, and licensing requirements. Rusa deer are known for their distinctive antler configuration, making them a popular choice among hunters looking for unique trophies. New Zealand has produced some impressive Rusa deer trophies with impressive antlers.

Within a short walking distance of the outfitters homestead, is some the North Island's most outstanding trophy hunting. On the outfitter's exclusive hunting properties you will find, roaming in their natural herds and habitat: Huge Red Stags, Sika Stags, Rusa Stags, and Fallow Bucks. A habitat that is perfectly suited for the thrilling "spot and stalk" hunting for which this outfitter is known for. Not only for some of New Zealand’s finest Red Stags and Fallow Bucks, but also for trophy species found ONLY on the North Island like the seriously intelligent Sika Stag and the secretive Sambar and Rusa Stags.

Rusa deer are primarily found in the North Island of New Zealand, with some populations in the northern South Island. Popular hunting regions for Rusa deer include the central North Island, the East Coast, and the Bay of Plenty. Each of these areas offers unique hunting opportunities and challenges. North Island hunting is typically conducted on easy rolling to hilly bush country where “up close encounters” are experienced using the “spot and stalk” method of hunting. Usually offering at least one shot opportunity per day (for the bow or rifle), and is ideal for the hunter who wants to have the “thrill of the stalk” as well as taking the trophy of a lifetime.

The outfitters properties are often equipped for “still hunting” with tree-stands, platforms, and ground blinds, where wild game can be observed for most of the day. What ever your ambition or abilities are, their professional team will work hard to make it happen. Rusa deer can be hunted using various methods, including spot-and-stalk, hunting from elevated blinds or tree stands, and driven hunts. The choice of hunting method often depends on the terrain, weather conditions, and the preferences of the hunter.

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 their 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. For the Sambar and Rusa their rut is around July-August and make for a very interesting midwinter hunt. If you want to hunt Chamois and Tahr on the same trip this is easy to do. On the South Island the outfitter has it nailed down, and the Tahr and Chamois rut is from May to July with the Tahr being one of the spectacular animals to hunt in New Zealand. The outiftter has over 100,000 acres of free range private land hunting for tahr that is well populated with large mobs that boast some great bulls.

For the whole family and for the non-hunting members of the family or group there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. Some of them include Photography, Trout fishing, Alpine Hiking, Jet boating, Horse riding, Kayaking, Sightseeing, Cultural and Historical tours, Winery tours, Shopping for genuine New Zealand made gifts.

As for accommodations, after a hard day of hunting and exploring, guests can relax in the comfortable family atmosphere of the outfitter's homestead while enjoying the wholesome home cooked kiwi cuisine along with some of New Zealand’s famous beverages. On the South Island, the outfitter stays in a number of well appointed homesteads, lodges and cabins.