Lahar Farm: Best trophy red & sika stag hunting, New Zealand(Tahr & Chamois)

Tahr & Chamois

The Himalayan Tahr (Thar) is indeed a prized trophy for any hunter who will foot it into the mountains. It is not only the lofty hunting terrain that is mind blowing, it is also the long flowing mane of a winter skin that is an attraction to trophy hunters. It is also one of the most difficult trophies to obtain, with the ruggedness of the country and the vagaries of the mountain weather patterns. A good standard of fitness will allow us to guide you on foot into the best Tahr hunting range in New Zealand. Each season our guides take clients to the top of mountain peaks to be rewarded for their efforts with a big Bull Tahr.

We also have 4WD and helicopter access to our private hunting areas, if footing it up the mountains is not for you. Access with the use of Helicopters will save those legs. Flying low level around the Alps is a very exciting experience in itself and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time with us.

The 'Rut' for the Bull Tahr is from May through to August during which they group up with their 'Nannies'. Bull Tahr are horned animals and during the winter months (April - August)produce one of the best hides and neck capes of any feral animal. A Big Bull Tahr can weigh up to 300lb and it is a sight to see this magnificent agile animal navigate the steepest terrain.

The Chamois habitat is throughout the South Island alpine country and at different times of the year Chamois may be found from the snowline to the valley floor. This wide range of habitat means a better standard of fitness is useful because you never know where you are going to find them. We can arrange 4WD and helicopter access to get you higher into the mountains. {{Often day trips are taken from a base accommodation.}}

Both Buck (male) and Doe (female) are regarded as top trophies that produce similar horn growth. Chamois are hunted all year round with their 'Rut' being April through to June. The Buck Chamois are one of the most fascinating animals to hunt during the Rut. Their antics towards the Does and their aggression towards other Buck Chamois makes for an entertaining and eventful hunt. This is a great time for Bow hunters, as protective as the Bucks are towards the Does, if they see movement or are threatened by shape they can cover the steepest terrain in a very quick time towards you. Often a Chamois Buck during the Rut can walk right up to you as if to run you off and will emit a sharp whistling sound.

Tahr and Chamois in
New Zealand

Hermitragus jemlahicus or the Himalayan Tahr (Thar) are the 'King of the Mountains' in the Southern Hemisphere, they are one of the most sought after trophy animals of the world. They inhabit the highest peaks in the South Island of New Zealand - "The Southern Alps".

The Tahr originated from Nepal and Tibet in the Himalayas. They were first released in 1904 to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Tahr have thrived in our high mountainous environment with sheer rock faces, glaciers and overhanging pinnacle bluff systems. With a broad chest and powerful shoulders for climbing and a thick ruffled lion like mane, Tahr are a sight that all Alpine hunters will admire.

A Bull Tahr with horns over 12” is considered a good trophy.

Rupicapra rupicapra or Alpine Chamois are an agile alert mountain antelope that has the sharpest of senses making for a most challenging stalk. A trophy Chamois will measure 10”+ over the curl of the horn with an SCI or New Zealand Douglas Score of 28 points or more.

The Chamois pelage changes dramatically, during winter they sport a dark brown coat and throughout the summer months their coats change to golden tan in colour. The creamy white head with dark facial stripes give the Chamois an attractive if somewhat bewildered look.

Chamois were introduced to the Southern Alps in 1907 and are the only free ranging population outside of Europe and the Middle East. An exciting and challenging animal to hunt in our beautiful alpine country.