Hunt with New Zealand Back Country Outfitters

[Outdoor Writer]

Well, I guess I'll christen this section with the first thread.

I just the posted the following review for New Zealand Back Country Outfitters under the Home > Reviews > Hunting > Outfitters, Guides, Ranches, Lodges section. -TONY

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Over the last 45 years, I've hunted with at least 50 different guides and outfitters, and not a one outshined Tim & Vanessa Buma when it comes to making their guests feel welcome and providing exactly what they advertise.

The lodge, though modest in size and appearance, was quite comfortable. My hunting partner and I never lacked for anything we needed during our stay. And if we asked for something, we got it.

Like the accommodations, the hunting was also top-notch. With a variety of game available to us, we were able to pick and choose our quarry for the seven days we spent on the south island of New Zealand. My companion and I each shot a trophy tahr, red deer stag, two NZ bronze turkeys and various other critters from possums and hares to wallaby and waterfowl. I also garnered a nice chamois buck and an outstanding feral Arapawa ram.

On a scale of 1 to 10, New Zealand Back Country Outfitters gets a 12!
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Feel free to ask me any questions about the hunt or... Here's a couple additional photos. -TONY

The valley where one of the Lord of the Rings movies was filmed.

My trophy tahr with New Zealand's spectacular southern Alps as a backdrop.

My 9x10 red deer stag.

My Arapawa ram.

 

[wmidbrook]

Very nice photographs~! Sounds like you had a great trip and hunting experience there. Thanks for posting.

My sister got married a few years ago in New Zealand and now has a duel citizenship. When I get over there to visit her and her growing family, I hope to do some hunting during part of the trip....judging by those photos, I bet it'll be nice.

 

[Outdoor Writer]

wmidbrook,

Well, with your sister over there, you have it made since you can do the proverbial "kill two birds with one stone" thingie.

Just be sure to visit in fall or winter (March-August) when the deer have antlers and the hunting is good.

Is she on the north or south island?

I see where Tim has listed another hunt on Ebay under Hunt New Zealand's Top Rated Game. Red Stag, Tahr. This is the same hunt my partner bid on and won a few weeks back. It's quite a deal if you compare it to the prices most of NZ's outfitters are charging.

Here's a photo of his red deer stag. -TONY

 

[wmidbrook]

Another great photo~!

My sister lives on the North Island in Aukland. Her father-in-law in NZ used to hunt quite a bit and they also sell loads of fishing tackle in their electrical supply shops which cater to 'sparkies' (electricians)...so, I'm hoping to hunt via family connections but may well end up with an outfitter for Red Stags. Thanks for the info~!

Did you try out or see any of the black oppossum wool products over there?

I never go duck hunting without my black oppossum wool socks now. The kiwi's sure were onto something with that oppossum wool....talk about soft. It's almost as soft as otter pelts.

Mucho Gusto~!

Bill

 

[Outdoor Writer]

Bill,

Okay, I at least got to see the airport in Auckland.

That was our connection point going to and coming from Christchurch on the South Island.

I'm not sure if they have free-ranging tahr on the North Island, but they do have plenty of red deer.

Re: possum wool

Now you tell me!! Wonder how many socks I could have had made from these.

-TONY

 

[Live2hunt]

WOW!!......Those are some nice animals. My cousin used to lived in New Zealand. If I remember it correctly he told me the town was called New Plymouth on the North Island. I should've visited him then and could have done some hunting. He moved to Cairns Australia two years ago. Everytime I talk to him, I just can't take all the good huntings he's telling me. It makes me want to go there and see it for myself. Maybe one of these days I will. Does Australia have tahr and possum? All my cousin told me was sambar stag, wild pig, roo, wild waterbuffalo, and birds.




L2H

 

[Outdoor Writer]

Live2hunt,

My advice:

If you ever get the chance to visit and hunt NZ, jump at it! For me, it was one of my most memorable hunts ever, and I've had many hunts over the last 45 years or so.

Here's a couple links to threads that have LOTS more photos in them.

Outdoor Writer's NZ Hunt Photos - Day 1

Outdoor Writer's NZ Hunt Photos - Day 2-3

Beware that if you're not on a broadband connection, the threads will load slow. So allow time. Also, I'll be uploading Day 3 later today. TONY

 

[Piker]

Wow! That's some amazing stuff. Great photos and commentary! I'm definitely inspired!

 

[jephs422]

Man, Screw Africa. I'm going to Australia next trip. I did'nt know there were such awesome animals there to hunt

 

[Outdoor Writer]

jephs422 & Piker,

I've done South Africa, too, and although they are more critter species there, I enjoyed the NZ hunt with Backcountry Outfitters more. The south island is spctacular, the people are great and the hunting is not only good but lots of fun, as well. Do it!! -TONY

 

[hardcorearcher333]

WOW great pics, I have always wanted to go to New Zealand I have never thought of going to Austrailia thanks for those great pics.