About New Zealand Tahr
Himalayan Tahr, native to areas around Tibet, were introduced to the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island around 1904 to 1906. Initially considered a pest, the New Zealand government controlled Tahr herds with snipers. and government planes. Over the past twenty years, the hunting status of the Tahr has changed from an unwanted pest to a manageable, renewable, and valuable resource for many local and foreign trophy hunters.
The Tahr is a majestic animal found on rocky outcrops on hillsides with its long “lion-like” mane blowing in the wind. This is truly a majestic sight. When pursued, the Tahr hunter will be amazed at his climbing skills in the steep New Zealand Alps they call home.
The Himalayan Tahr is a close relative of the free-range ibex. A Tahr has relatively short legs and a small head with large eyes and small, pointed ears. Their hooves have a flexible, rubbery core that allows them to grip smooth rocks, while a hard, sharp edge can lodge itself in small footholds. Tahr inhabits rugged mountainous landscapes ranging from 3,000′ to 8,000′ above sea level. Males are much larger and have different coloration and horn structure than females. The adult Himalayan tahr can weigh 300 to 400 pounds and be 2½ to 3 feet tall. Nannies (females) only weigh 45-55 pounds. This is one of the largest “pair” ratio differences between any mammal in the world. Himalayan tahr are herbivorous, subsisting on tall alpine grasses and shrubs. The Himalayan tahr can be found in packs of 2 to 25 animals and can live up to 14 years in the wild.
What makes a Trophy Bull Tahr?
A Bull Tahr has 8-9″ horn bases and a sharp, round, curly 10-14 inch horn. A Tahr Hunter will judge a good trophy male by his long mane and horns, although the book score of Records only uses a combination of the diameter of the base horn and the length of both horns. Most Tahr hunting guides will look for horns over 11 inches long. Tahr horns 12.5 to 13.5 inches are considered a ” Trophy “top average” and horns over 14″ are exceptional. A few New Zealand Tahrs with horns larger than 15″ have been taken and these generally fall into the SCI Top 10 Record category.
When should I plan my Tahr hunting trip?
Like the chamois hunt, the Tahr hunt can be done throughout the year. The ideal time to hunt Tahr is in late New Zealand autumn and winter. When hunting Tahr in winter, Tahr will have their winter coats and manes. A Tahr’s mane can grow 5 to 8″ long from February through early June and darken in color. Late May, June, July, and August are ideal months for hunting Tahr and chamois, with the first snowfall of the season The bellowing is an excellent time for bowhunting.Tahr can be hunted in conjunction with the red deer “roar” or bellowing in March and April, but the hunter will have to work harder to find a Tahr with a long mane in that time of year. The coat will also be lighter in color before winter sets in.
What is the best way to hunt New Zealand Tahr?
Most of Tahr’s hunting mountains can be accessed by two-way trails or fire trails up to the mountaintops. Hunters usually clear the mountainsides early in the morning and again in the late afternoon and then hunt on the mountains and are greeted by the vendors vehicle below. Tahr hunting ground can range from 3 feet high to rocky and shale slopes. In most cases, the physical demand for this type of hunting is much less than that for hunting Ibex or Sheep. You should allow at least 2 days for a Tahr rifle hunt (in good weather) and 3-4 days with a bow for a good specimen. If you’re strictly hunting for logbook trophies, you can easily double that timeframe.
What about hunting Tahr by helicopter?
Helicopter-assisted Tahr hunting allows hunters access to the most remote mountainous areas where there are excellent trophy animals. It also gives more certainty of success if the hunter has a limited time in New Zealand to hunt. Helicopter-assisted hunting can be an exciting alternative with spectacular flights and the chance to walk away with a rare trophy. It is important to note that the helicopter is only used as a means of transportation and recovery of animals. Hunters may not shoot, drive, or herd animals from the air. Tahr’s hunters spot their trophy from the helicopter and are taken to an area where they can chase their spot and stalk on foot. This type of fighter contains an element of caution, as you will be exiting a moving aircraft on an unknown mountain ledge.
What do I need to take with me on a Tahr hunt?
Most Tahr hunting is done in the higher elevations of the New Zealand Alps. Some of these mountains are covered with tussock grass 2 to 3 feet high and some are rocky outcrops of boulders and fragmented shale. Starting in June, these same mountains could also have snow. Make sure you have good boots that are broken in. Since you may be hunting in the snow, you’ll want your boots to be insulated and waterproof. If you’re hunting on the side of a grassy mountain, wear a good pair of alligators. Crocodiles will keep snow or morning dew from wetting and chilling their hunting pants. Premium optics are essential. Buy the best “glass” you can afford. I recommend a binocular harness as it will come in handy when traversing shale and loose rock. This will prevent your binoculars from bouncing or, worse, hitting a rock. Most Tahr rifle shots will be in the 150 to 250 yard range. A good rangefinder will be useful to both rifle and bow hunters. At over 300 pounds, the Tahr is a good-sized trophy animal. I would recommend 7mm or larger and 164 grain or larger expandable bullets. A good 3000 fps .30 caliber with a 180 grain expandable bullet is ideal for Tahr. Your rifle should be equipped with a good quality scope with 3×9 or 2.5×10 magnification. I would also recommend a good backpack that is capable of carrying your rifle or bow. This will keep your hands free when moving up the mountain slopes. If you are bow hunting, a good bow hunting guide can usually get you within 40-50 yards of your Tahr during the grind. Taking a Tahr trophy is quite an achievement with a bow. Allow yourself extra hunting days. Your biggest challenges in hunting Tahr are the sitters who blow their warning whistle as you stalk your Bull Tahr.
How should I mount my Tahr taxidermy?
I recommend that all Tahr hunters, especially first time Tahr hunters, really think about how they want to ride their Tahr bull. A shoulder mount is the cheapest taxidermy mount, but it really doesn’t do justice to the long hair in the Tahr’s mane. Here’s a tip for your first (or only) Tahr hunting trip.
Have the guide covered for a full body mount. It will be 4 months before she returns the cape to the US and probably several more months before her taxidermist sends her off to tan. This will give her extra time to decide (and save) whether or not she wants to do a shoulder mount or a full body mount. If your guide manages to shoulder a mount in the field, he’s stuck with his choice. The full body bull Tahr mount is spectacular and will be a highlight for any hunter’s man cave or trophy room. You may also consider taking on a Tahr Nanny. Some vendors will allow you to harvest a Nanny for a few hundred dollars along with a Tahr bull at their standard trophy rate. A Bull & Nanny Tahr is a great pedestal mount.
Global Sporting Safaris, a game consultancy company, offers the best opportunity for Tahr hunting in New Zealand. Whether you are a bow hunter, muzzleloader, crossbow hunter, or rifle hunter, we have the locations, guides, and experience to put you on the Tahr trophy hunt of a lifetime.