First Tahr hunt - Rangitata advice

Pair of North island hunters heading down south in December for our first Tahr hunt.

We're presently weighing up options between Forest creek, Bush stream, Black birch creek up the Rangitata or Mt Peel...just wondering if any locals or those with previous experiences can offer any insight into current numbers etc and/or any suggestions to improve our chances would be greatly appreciated.

We've viewed the most recently published Doc tahr density surveys which is why we've identified those particular areas with only foot access.

Cheers

Forest Creek was discussed a while back:https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....r-range-73100/

There are not so many people on the Te Araroa trail due to Covid, so Crooked Spur Hut up Bush Stream may be a good base for you.

I’ve hunted all the valleys you mentioned. If you’re keen to do a big walk then head up Forrest creek but an easier hunt is bush stream and it has a hut too. You should see tahr in both valleys and can’t go wrong really.

Crooked spur hut is pretty bloody average be fine in December though we arrived their wet and cold mid winter and it was less than Ideal. PM me for more info no the area very well

Cheers @Basenjiboy I'd read most of the relevant older threads when I was looking last year but hadn't seen that one...

Thanks @cb14 good to know, it's one thing to read the Doc density maps but wasn't sure how that equates to actual on the ground experience

All good mate. Call me if you want 021 0309461.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cb14

All good mate. Call me if you want 021 0309461.

---

Now we're all gonna call ya......

Hi @Pav, I spent 4 days up at Forest Creek last week - happy to provide you some intel.

We flew in (for the first time) with Malcolm from Station Air, he is a legend and if you can spare the $ I’d fully recommend it.

There were plenty of animals around and a few in the high 11” bracket, but didn’t see anything much over 12” (based on judging via a spotter- so for what it’s worth!). Shot a 12” plus a couple of 11”s. They are mobbed up and are very blonde, the larger bulls still have a darker back.

Here’s a pick from last week FYI
Attachment 184396

Feel free to PM me for more info if you want it.

16 in a mob...oh no DOC will see that and fly in another S&D mission.....

Hopefully not before next weekend when we're in there!!

I was just in the Geraldine doc office a couple of days ago and was told no more culling will be done this year in the rangitata /rakaia area.

there is SFA year left mate...jolly fat man in red suit less than a month away........

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cb14

All good mate. Call me if you want 021 0309461.

---

Cheers @cb14 will do

Awesome @Harv will send you a pm, cheers.