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magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked
      #158827 - 12/04/10 11:37 PM

Well I bit the bullett and decided to make the trip across the Tasman this year for a Tahr And Chamois hunt. Guide is booked as well as the flights (Air NZ). I will bring my .270 Win. Already well on the way of acquiring the right gear. Have a -11c down sleeping bag c/w liner, 2 sets of Ridgeline polar fleeces and under shirts, a Ridgeline Torrent jacket. Meindl Makalu boots and Hunters Element Elevation Pack ordered.

Yet to acquire good binos (10x40 has been suggested) and looking for suggestions. Any other suggestions gear wise would be appreciated. Also yet to organise the taxidermist, any suggestions on where NZ or back in Oz, and who. If in Oz would need to be in Brisbane, Qld area.

The real purpose however for this thread was to ask a silly question. Anyone got hints or links (preferably photos) that demonstrate ideal shot placement on Tahr and Chamois?
Thanks in advance for the help to make my hunt a memorable one.

Cheers and God bless,
Magnum308

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

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eagle27
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Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1197
Loc: Rolleston, Christchurch, New Z...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: magnum308]
      #158879 - 13/04/10 04:49 PM

I'm sure you will have a great hunt here in NZ and the 270 Win is a great cartridge for these animals.

As with any animal, a shot through the shoulder or high into the brisket if the animal is facing you, will drop tahr and chamois. If you are looking at shoulder mounts then a heart/lung shot behind the shoulder will suffice. The country for tahr is high and open mountain tops and can be rough and difficult to get around in, same for chamois although chamois can be found from the mountain tops to sea level in many areas.

Usually best to try and anchor these animals on the spot to prevent falls over bluffs etc where there is a chance the nice set of trophy horns and hide are damaged. Chamois have magnificent eyesight so can spot you a mile away. They will generally stay watching until you get closer then will move off. If they do move off they will not always go far so it pays to keep stalking undercover and close in from another angle if possible. Your guide will of course know all this anyway.

If you have to take a running shot, I have found Tahr generally run straighter and with proper lead you can knock them over at reasonable ranges. Chamois are a different animal and the little shits bounce all over the place make it difficult to hit a moving animal.

If you get to observe these animals much, they will amaze you as to their agility in the mountains, they seem as though they are glued to the mountain faces.

Good luck and good hunting.

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Paul
.400 member


Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: eagle27]
      #158895 - 13/04/10 09:59 PM

Good luck Magnum308,
I'm hoping to buy a place in Otago soon, so may get another crack at some of those critters, too, if I'm not too old. I might have to get a geriatric guide though; I couldn't keep up with a young one even when I was 26, unless he stopped for smoke every 10 minutes.

Interesting to hear of your equipment choices. I used to be up with stuff like that but have fallen behind in Kiwi fashions since 1978.

Eagle27, what do you think are the best choices for this kind of hunting? Do the guides still wear shorts around the hills or have they got a better idea now?

- Paul

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controlled_feed
.300 member


Reged: 23/05/08
Posts: 227
Loc: NSW, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: magnum308]
      #158898 - 13/04/10 10:27 PM

magnum308

You should have a blast. I've been to NZ 3 times hunting and going back this year.

IMO you have chosen well with your boots.

The only advice I have on shot placement is to be aware of the mane on the Tahr. It tends to distort their shape and shot placement.

I don't know of a Taxidermist close to you, but I can highly reccomend Hall's Wildlife Taxidermy at Quirindi in NSW. His name is Geoff Hall 0407 929 030 boartax@bigpond.com He does all my work. If I can find a pic of my life size Chamois, I'll post it.



Cheers CF

--------------------
I was born 100 years too late

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gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: controlled_feed]
      #158899 - 13/04/10 10:41 PM

I`m over there in May also,we are doing a walk in of approx nine hours to our final camp then doing a few detours from there,should be good tough and COLD. I`m trying to get the legs fitter as an utmost importance.
Going with a Kiwi hunter that will hunt here with me in return.
Taking my 7mmRem of course.

I have heard the word 'rice' mentioned quite a bit so I hope the aim is good haha.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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eagle27
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Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1197
Loc: Rolleston, Christchurch, New Z...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: Paul]
      #158943 - 14/04/10 04:38 PM

Quote:

Good luck Magnum308,
I'm hoping to buy a place in Otago soon, so may get another crack at some of those critters, too, if I'm not too old. I might have to get a geriatric guide though; I couldn't keep up with a young one even when I was 26, unless he stopped for smoke every 10 minutes.

Interesting to hear of your equipment choices. I used to be up with stuff like that but have fallen behind in Kiwi fashions since 1978.

Eagle27, what do you think are the best choices for this kind of hunting? Do the guides still wear shorts around the hills or have they got a better idea now?

- Paul



Paul

I've always been a shorts and "swandri" man but now of course we do have lightweight but warm polar fleece trousers and tops.
For those who like shorts, a pair of polyprop long johns with shorts on top are good for warmer days and polar fleece can be pulled on over top of these when it gets cold.

Most of my hunting in the Alps has been from the West Coast side, much more rugged and wet. The East Coast side offers easy access by 4WD right up into the tahr and chamois country with a bit of climbing up from the rivers to get into the basins and slopes where the animals hangout.

Cheers.

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Homer
.416 member


Reged: 07/04/09
Posts: 3081
Loc: Canberra, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: magnum308]
      #159068 - 16/04/10 08:00 PM

G'Day Fella's,

Magnum 308. I have hunted both Chamois and Tahr on multiple occasions in NZ but that was a decade ago.
My best advice is- You Still Aren't Fit Enough To Hunt NZ!!!
You really need to be the fittest you have ever been in your life, to hunt and enjoy hunting in particular, Alpine Species in NZ!

I Shit You Not!!!

The first time I hunted Tahr (East Coast of Sth Island), I remember telling my self on more than one occasions "I'm Not Enjoying This"!!!
Given this, I got what I went for but got even fitter and went back there for several years after chasing more Chamois and Tahr. So it's not impossible!
If you have a Fear of Heights, it's not a good place to be so get on top of that as soon as you can!
Remember this, Gravity acts equally on Rocks, Game Animals, Hunters and their Equipment etc!!!

You will need a quality Gore-Tex type Wind and Water Proof Coat, some warm Gloves and a Wool Beanie or Cap, rifle sling and a 25 to 30 liter Day Pack.
I use Leica 10 x 42 bino's.

You said you were hunting with a guide, so he can estimate ranges for you but remember that if you can see a Chamois or Tahr's legs with the naked eye's, they are with in 300meters!

You need to practice until you can constantly hit a 200mm/8" target at all ranges out to 400meters! Talk to your guide about what weight and type of bullet to use in your .270!

Hope this has been of some help.

HooRoo
From
Hommer

--------------------
"Beware the Lolly Pop of Mediocrity,
Lick it Once and You Will Suck Forever"

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Cinghiale
.333 member


Reged: 15/04/08
Posts: 406
Loc: Northern Territory
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: Homer]
      #159109 - 17/04/10 02:15 PM

Sounds like it will be a NExpress convention over there this year!

I am going in May/June

I have just bought some Minox 10x42's and used them up in QLD last week they were excellent!

I am awaiting my new boots which are going to need some serious wearing in!

Regards,

MOG

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gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: Cinghiale]
      #159131 - 18/04/10 06:01 AM

Yes its good to see the fellas on NE getting out and about hunting.

Its not so much wearing the boots in its wearing your legs in to getting hill miles into them.

We will be in Westland..lots of hills. I do remember my cobber talking about all sorts of mountaineering knots he is getting re - familiarised with.

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magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: gryphon]
      #159687 - 29/04/10 06:50 PM

Thanks guys for the advice/comments. Pretty well got everyting now, just waiting on boots and back pack to arrive.

I do need to get a pair of binoculars. I am thinking of the Steiner Hunting model (guide recommends 10x40). Any comments?

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

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gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: magnum308]
      #159689 - 29/04/10 07:06 PM

try Sierra Trading Post we got a few pairs out of there at the right price too.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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Paul
.400 member


Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: gryphon]
      #159704 - 30/04/10 12:45 AM

You guys are depressing me with all this fitness stuff. For an old guy I think I'm reasonably fit, going for long walks every day I can. However, I know most Kiwis will wear the legs off me whatever preparation I do. I don't suppose there are any oldtimers still guiding who might have slowed down?

The talk of big binoculars is not encouraging, either. I don't mind carrying a 10-pound rifle around Victoria or Africa but the thought of 10x40 binos dragging on my neck all day won't appeal unless modern harnesses perform some miracle I can't imagine. Could I make do with my 8x25s for general glassing and peer through one of the new riflescopes with enhanced power ranges for checking details - or use a little telesope as the Scots do? Obviously, 8x25 binos fall down in extremes of daylight but, as with sambar hunting, I suspect most people like to be off the hill before dark and into an orange hut.

On the other hand, do many guides use light tents etc and camp high up rather than come down in the evening? It has occurred to me to carry a light sleeping bag and an enclosed bivvy tent in the day pack in case I got caught out. It might not be comfortable but should be one up on wrapping in a space blanket.


Eagle27, since I'm hoping to be semi-resident in NZ, is it possible I could hunt without a guide at a pace that suits me? If so, what is land access like? Are blocks allocated the way they are on Stewart Island?

Sorry if my silly questions are hijacking your thread, magnum308.

- Paul

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gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: Paul]
      #159713 - 30/04/10 03:33 AM

Undoubtedly my 10x42 Swaro`s are heavy but I wont be taking my 8X30 Steiners...it defeats the purpose of owning the Swaro`s especially in ID-ing that bull Tahr way out there.

We will be doing fly camps 'up top' depending on the weather of course.

My man must be one of the keener ones as in he suggests a good head torch as a must as the 'big fullas' are to be seen in that last hour and tramping in the dark is a surety instead of knocking off while there is still light.

As a side note I`m in contact with a Stewart Island resident re some whitetail hunting,he advises that its rained the past 4 weeks..delightful!

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Ben
.400 member


Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: gryphon]
      #159731 - 30/04/10 07:13 AM

All the best to you! I hope you have a great time!

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magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
magnum308 [Re: gryphon]
      #159737 - 30/04/10 09:03 AM

Quote:

My man must be one of the keener ones as in he suggests a good head torch as a must!



I must be one of the keener ones as, with the thermals last weekend, I bought a headlamp too. Guide recommended it. He also said we'd camp out a night or two in the high country, so needed a pack that's hold my sleeping bag, etc (-11c down filled from Katmandu weighs 1.3kg). He suggested the Hunters Element Elevation Pack. I will pick this up in a about a week with the Meindl Makalu boots.

Just now have to get the binoculars.

Magnum

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

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kamilaroi
.400 member


Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...
Re: magnum308 [Re: magnum308]
      #159748 - 30/04/10 12:22 PM

I'd suggest you buy the bag on arrival as Unzud products are the best there is. (cheap too)

Edited by kamilaroi (30/04/10 03:38 PM)

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gryphon
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Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: magnum308 [Re: kamilaroi]
      #159753 - 30/04/10 04:28 PM

just in case you havent seen a good one heres the NZ top dog

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magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Re: magnum308 [Re: gryphon]
      #159754 - 30/04/10 04:49 PM

Gryphon,

What size is it? So so I can give my guide the size to beat!!

Magnum 308

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

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eagle27
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Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1197
Loc: Rolleston, Christchurch, New Z...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: Paul]
      #159756 - 30/04/10 05:25 PM

Paul

Most of my hunting was in the Alps from the West Coast side, a short chopper ride and you can set up in a DOC (Dept. of Conservation) hut and set out on daily jaunts from there. You can make it as easy or as hard as you like depending on how high you want to climb or how much bush you want to bash. The tahr and chamois are up in the heads of the rivers and in the side creeks, sometimes seen from the hut or from your tent camp.

You can hunt these areas without a guide, you just need a hunting permit, free from DOC. There are no blocks as such and plenty of places a chopper will drop you off at. The local pilots know the area and will pick you up again at a prearranged time, or you can walk out as you should have used up your supplies by then although it can be a bit of a slog after a weeks hunt.

It is rugged and beautiful country but be aware the weather can change quickly and it may not be so comfortable if tenting. Tahr, chamois and red deer can be found in all the watersheds along the Southern Alps.

If you get a copy of one of the NZ hunting magazines they all have contacts for choppers. PM me if you want more help and scans of contacts etc.

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Paul
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Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: eagle27]
      #159758 - 30/04/10 06:09 PM

Thanks Gryphon,
Adding up all the high-end kit makes Africa start to look competitive.

I have a wind-up headlamp but would be uneasy using it for that purpose without a top-notch guide. Seeing the Meindl desert boot prices last year, I bought Courteneys in RSA, which I don't suppose are much good in the Southern Alps. Are there no suitable NZ boots - has John Bull gone for a Burton?

The weather on Stewart Island was pretty balmy in late April when I was there; the South Island not so good. I remember being cooped up in one of those helicopter-placed huts for IIRC three days because of rain, without even a pack of cards. There are only so many dirty jokes you can remember to tell.

Thanks even more, eagle27,
That is exactly the sort of stuff I like to hear. Having spent a lifetime settling for representative or lesser trophies, I would not be going to the enth degree to get a big one. The chopper ride in could be just the thing. Will send a PM soon.

Cheers
- Paul

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gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: Paul]
      #159785 - 01/05/10 06:53 AM

I believe thats a 13.5 and 12.5 incher M308,sort of thing that is just about unobtainable one would imagine.

As far as the choppers ,now thats what I would love to have to drop us off but where we are heading there is no chopper hunting ,not even drop offs.Believe me I could do without the 24k walk in myself and would grab a chopper straight away if possible to get to base camp.

M308 I spent 6.5 years in Qld from FNQ Gulf country to the Gold Coast and all I can say is that you are gonna be freezing at times!

All part of the adventure mate I reckon.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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CarlsenHighway
.300 member


Reged: 19/03/09
Posts: 150
Loc: Port Chalmers, New Zealand
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: gryphon]
      #160061 - 06/05/10 10:00 PM

I am going out in June for tahr or chamois, if anybodies around about then, I'm willing to team up. It will be the East side, so as Eagle says, you can 4WD up the river valleys and go from there.

Paul, I'll go up with you, you don't need a guide...just depends what time of year you want to go. Tahr are easier in November as they are down lower and their coats stand out much more. In winter they are up bloody high in horrible places. Chamois are much easier in general, you can catch them down in the floor of valley sometimes.

We will walk up the hill and camp at the tree line and go from there, let the bino's do the walking...and see how it goes. Tahr hunting is as hard or as easy as you want to make it.

--------------------
If you carry a cat home by the tail you will receive information valuable to you for the rest of your life.
Mark Twain

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Paul
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Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Re: 2010 New Zealand Hunt Booked [Re: CarlsenHighway]
      #160266 - 11/05/10 02:23 PM

Thanks CarlsenHighway,
sorry for the late reply; I've been away helping my cousin pick his olives. We went out for a shot on his hill property on Saturday, where I head-shot some rabbits at 200 yards with his .223. I got a few ideas for NZ, including the need for the right boots . Using a bipod made long shots dead easy where the land was right. Do many hunters use bipods when hunting tahr and chamois?

I'm interested to know you hunt high in June, thinking it would be getting snowy by then.

We are coming to Dunedin next week to look for a house, though the world economy might suggest we wait a while to buy. Whatever happens, I'd like to do the tahr/chamois hunting before too long. My wife wants to go somewhere in September but November might do (not that she'd be hunting).

Seeing Port Chalmers is just a bit up the road for us, perhaps we could meet at the pub and have a yak. I'll send a PM.

Cheers
- Paul

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