Guided New Zealand Tahr Hunting
Tahr “Hemitragus jemlahicus” like all New Zealand’s other big game animals were introduced into this country. Tahr were liberated in 1904 in the Mount Cook region of the South Island from Woburn Park in England.
They are a native of Northern India. Tahr were introduced here as part of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts efforts to encourage overseas hunters to visit our shores. However, it was not until the late 1950′s early 1960′s that the legendary story teller, author and hunting guide Rex Forrester, put Tahr on the top of the list of big game animals that overseas trophy hunters came to our shores to hunt.
Client Testimonial: “We are 3 Norwegian hunters that spent a week Tahr hunting with John. We got 2 trophy bull Tahr each and we saw over hundred in total that week. John is a very skilled and clever guide. We had great service and food. A few wet/cold river crossings.(that’s the half star) will absolutely recommend a guided trip with John.” Frode I. Bergen, Norway.
Mature Bull Tahr are big animals and can weigh as much as 300lbs. Both male and female Tahr have horns which they retain for all their life adding a new growth ring each year.
Tahr have a well developed sense of smell, excellent hearing and exceptional eyesight, a point that hunters need to bear in mind. The best time to hunt for a Bull Tahr is late March through to the end of July with the mating period reaching its peak May – June.
Summer hunting in November when the bulls are grouped up together can also be a productive time to visit. (Tahr have sometimes been incorrectly miss spelt THAR in some Publications).
I first hunted Tahr back in 1989 and I will never forget that first evening sighting a massive bull high up on a bluff system and as I watched he just leaped down a sheer face with his feet touching seemingly impossible foot holds, as he charged down to safety. Ever since that day I have been hooked on Tahr hunting, stalking numerous trophies for myself, friends and now clients from all around the world and I still get that same thrill as that first encounter, when I see a good bull.
Client Testimonial:
I spent 4 days hunting for tahr with John in late April 2010. John is an excellent guide and a very skilled hunter. We saw good numbers of tahr and with John’s assistance I harvested 2 very good animals. The country is breathtaking and the hunting very physical so you need to be well prepared. I have no hesitation in recommending a guided hunt with John Royle and I thank him for a very memorable experience. Darryl O’Keefe, Kaiapoi New ZealandClient Testimonial:
“We have done a lot of hunting in New Zealand but we have never been Tahr hunting. We found John Royle on the internet. We decided a guided hunt was the best way to realise the dream. It was simply an unforgettable experience. He is a remarkable man with so much experience that he was happy to share. The hunting was exciting and extremely challenging at the same time. It is easy to see why a free range hunted Bull Tahr is New Zealand’s No 1 trophy. John was able to give us both the opportunity to take such a great trophy. John’s sense of humour, remarkable work ethic and excellent company made the whole experience truly special. We would totally recommend a hunt with John Royle. Every time we look at that magnificent trophy bull hanging on the wall we secretly smile on the inside and remember the trip of a life time and a job well done”.John and Andrew Mills, West Eyreton, Canterbury.
