Seasonal report from New Zealand

As the New Zealand hunting season closes, we celebrate another exceptional year at Venator. This season saw three red stags surpass 900 SCI, including a 953 SCI trophy by Ion Tiriac and a 960 SCI stag by Chad Damon. With returning hunters and record-quality game, Venator continues to uphold its legacy of world-class red deer hunting and unforgettable New Zealand experiences.

As the New Zealand hunting season comes to a close, we round up highlights from the past few months.

We achieved three impressive red stags, all surpassing 900 SCI, along with several other noteworthy trophies below this size. Our legacy of trophy red deer New Zealand hunting is proudly imprinted in history, and we continue to make our mark in the record books.

Explore our highlights in the video below

During his third hunting trip with Venator, Ion Tiriac added another trophy stag to the books with a score of 953 SCI. 

We wrote a recent article Ion Tiriac's history with Venator - click here to read it.

Chad Damon and his wife joined us for a week-long hunt, where Chad shot an impressive 960 SCI stag.

 

We witnessed another returning client as they achieved a remarkable 970 SCI stag, boasting an impressive set of antlers and showcasing the true beauty of this majestic species.

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Keep reading

Keep reading our journal entries.

May 29, 2026

The Origins of New Zealand Tahr Hunting

The Himalayan tahr is one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine game animals. Known for their thick manes, incredible agility, and love of steep terrain, they’ve become a defining part of our hunting history, offering one of the most challenging hunts in the Southern Hemisphere. Navigating rugged landscapes, making long-range shots, and enduring physically demanding conditions, the pursuit of tahr leaves a lasting impression on those who venture into the heights in search of one of the mountains’ most prized trophies. Native to the mountains of India and Nepal, the Himalayan tahr spent centuries largely unnoticed by humans. It was less sought after by hunters, as other animals — like the larger-horned bharal and ibex — were more popular targets.

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May 15, 2026

The Origins of New Zealand Red Stag Hunting

The red stag, known as the king’s animal, is a majestic creature of unrivalled prestige. Few animals can match the sight of a red stag in full antlers — both tall and powerful. For centuries, these magnificent animals roamed the highlands of Europe and Britain, cherished by kings, nobility, and hunters alike. A symbol of power and status, they were admired and fiercely protected.

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Feb 10, 2026

Venator x Johann Fanzoj

Last year, we had the pleasure of partnering with Johann Fanzoj to create a custom Classic M98 built around the legendary Mauser 98 action. The bespoke rifle is a reflection of shared values and hunting excellence. Made from premium materials with meticulous attention to detail, the Classic M98 is more than a rifle, it is an heirloom, offering hunters a lasting connection to heritage and a timeless expression of luxury.

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