This year we drew a block in the ballot that was second/third class in terms of animal numbers and Elk quality, however as it was our only chance, we decided to take it up anyway, and anyway every hunt is an adventure, regardless of the animals.
We packed our Zodiac with outboard into a chopper and four of us flew into Charles Sound, Fiordland , New Zealand. Wapiti were introduced near this area in 1905 (Gifted by president Roosevelt.) however nowadays they have been largely hybridized by Red Deer, which are a very similar species, to the point where it is difficult to get a trophy of true Elk type.
Anyway our story goes much like this:
The first few days were bad weather, snow rain, flooded rivers, wet bush and no animals bugling. We got out and hunted anyway, but with no real sucess, the fishing was more interesting. In the river there was good trout, we feasted on a nice 4 pound Brown Trout, caught next to camp.
In the sound we caught delicious Blue Cod, sharks and many other species.
A couple of the guys took dive gear, and searched for Lobster, but didn't find any. However we were fortunate to pull alongside a commercial cray boat out at sea, who gave us a whole bin of Lobster (27 of them.)
As you can imagine, we dined like kings.
On the fifth day the weather cleared so we decided to fly camp the tops, this involved a hard 10 hour climb through thick mountain scrub to get onto the open tussock land tops. We were disappointed at the lack of sign, and despite prolonged glassing saw only three animals of Red type and no heads that we considered worth taking.
So down we headed, on the way down we got an animal bugling/roaring and it was real worked up. Kevin and I stayed on a ridge and thrashed branchs and gave regular calls, all of which was answered with great enthusiasm by the animal. Brad stalked in and took the animal from about 20 yards (.300 WSM) He was an average sort of 9 point (4X5) with part Wapiti bloodline, Antlers about 37 inchs. This was Brad's first NZ Fiordland type deer, so he was real happy. We caped him and luckily between three of us were able to retrieve the meat. Then came the long haul in darkness back to base camp.
The fourth member of our party is not a hard out type hunter and prefers to mooch about camp, and cook, fish etc.
During our descent to camp we called him on our UHF radios to tell him of our progress, and to instruct the starting of a good fire and a stew in the camp oven.
His reply was that he wanted our assistance with cutting up an animal he'd just shot from camp, only 100 yards from our tent.
It was the first deer he'd ever shot and he was over the moon.
A real bonus to have all that meat right on our doorstep and only 30 yards or so from where the helicoptor was to pick us up.
The deer turned out to be a nice little even 8 point Red Stag.
We got plenty of ribbing about climbing big hills when all he had to do was sit in camp.
These were the only two animals we shot, we had opportunities to take other animals, but choose not to. Kevin and I both looking for trophies better than what we've already acheived in the past.
In all it was another unforgetable experience with good company and lots of fun.
Attached a photo of Brad's 9 point Bull.
Will post a few more photos seperately as I haven't figured how to put more than one photo per post.
Elk Hunt 2004 New Zealand Photos
