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.

Join us for a world-class hunt and experience the thrill of hunting in New Zealand. Limited spaces available.

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Whether your goal is to pursue an SCI world record red deer stag, capture a fallow buck,  hunt elusive alpine bull tahr, or design a luxury multi-species vacation for your family, our team is ready to craft your bespoke itinerary.

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Keep reading

Keep reading our journal entries.

May 18, 2026

The Origins of New Zealand Tahr Hunting

The Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) stands as one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine game animals. Renowned for their thick, flaxen manes, agile nature, and affinity for sheer vertical rock faces, hunting a Bull Tahr in the Southern Alps offers one of the most physically demanding, rewarding pursuits in the Southern Hemisphere. Navigating rugged high-country bluffs, executing precision shots across deep ravines, and enduring the crisp alpine elements leave a lasting impression on every sportsman.

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February 2, 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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October 29, 2025

The Origins of European Chamois Hunting in New Zealand

The European chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) stands as one of New Zealand’s most elusive and thrilling alpine game animals. Renowned for their incredible speed, sharp senses, and remarkable agility across steep, precipitous rock faces, these remarkable creatures offer a true test of stamina and marksmanship.

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