Thar Hunting in New Zealand

THAR. Considered a premier trophy. The Himalayan Thar is found high in the mountains of the Central South Island especially around Mount Cook. Be prepared to climb hard and have a good head for heights although guides tend to have a few easier places lined up. The best time to hunt them is May to June when their coats are rich and dense. Trophies are amongst the best available in the world. They are indeed a challenging hunt just from the fitness level. Also require long range flat shooting rifles. They live high on the rocky bluffs and are extremely wary being blessed with exceptional sight. They can just fair motor up cliffs with their specially adapted feet. One of the considerations taken into account before shooting a Thar is if it will be recoverable from where it may fall. Some guides carry ropes etc. (Not for us North Island hunters!!).

A lot of thar are shot by hunters out of helicopters hovering above them. While this is illegal it seems to be the norm with most "tourist hunting". I often ask myself how an obviously unfit hunter photographed at 8,000 feet in heavy snow wearing blue jeans, no balaclava, and new down jacket can claim such a fine trophy. Especially when a super fit, dedicated hunter finds the task one of the most difficult he ever will encounter, requiring mountaineering techniques, 12 hour climbs and sheer physical exhaustion. It makes it hard to compare photos and trophies when looking at magazines!. Regardless of that a number of guides do run good successful wild Thar hunts.

• Reiseziel: New Zealand
• Preis: on request USD
• Reisezeitraum: all season