For those not familiar, Dan travels the globe documenting how ethical, regulated harvesting directly supports wildlife management and habitat protection. In 2023 , we had the honor of hosting Dan Cabela during his expedition into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island wilderness. Dan, the son to Dick and Mary Cabela, who founded the world famous Cabela’s Outfitters, shares his father’s passion for the wild. With his family foundation actively supporting numerous initiatives, Dan now focuses on the role sustainability can play in modern conservation.
During his stay with us, Dan embarked on a quest to unravel the complexities of hunting in New Zealand and its impact on conservation efforts, a subject that is close to our hearts.
We invite you to follow Dan’s adventures, and engage in thought-provoking discussions as he embarks on a New Zealand hunt of a lifetime.
As the weather finally granted us a reprieve, we seized the moment to ascend into the Southern Alps. Our quest began with the pursuit of a magnificent New Zealand bull tahr. With the snow-capped peaks as our backdrop, we spotted a majestic specimen wearing its iconic thick, dark brown winter coat. Executing a classic spot and stalk, Dan's marksmanship was impeccable, securing a stunning himalayan tahr with a beautiful cape.
The following day, our sights were set on a trophy red stag. Navigating the vast private land and hunting blocks, we persevered and were rewarded with a successful hunt, marking Dan’s initiation into the revered tradition of New Zealand hunting with a Venator class red stag.
To crown Dan’s adventure, we guided him in hunting other popular game animals and game species including red stag, elk, fallow deer, tahr and chamois.. Each challenge was met with determination, and the exhilaration of the hunt left us with indelible memories, cherished for a lifetime.
Tahr in New Zealand represent one of the world's most sought-after trophies, making the country a premier destination for himalayan tahr hunting. Unlike their relatives like the arabian tahr in their native range, these animals thrive in the alpine environments of the Southern Pacific. The introduction of non-native species over a century ago created a diverse hunting environment, but it has also sparked controversy.
In 1993, the New Zealand government implemented a large-scale Himalayan Tahr control plan with the aim of reducing the population across key hunting areas, despite having only 15 operations active at the time. To this day, the control plan remains a divisive issue among groups dedicated to nz tahr hunting due to concerns about insufficient scientific evidence and monitoring.
Himalayan Tahr hunting generates over $12 million annually from tourism, strengthening the economy and benefiting local communities. Companies like Venator process wild game meat, creating numerous jobs and producing lean, flavorful cuts.
The hunting industry plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife habitats and managing the population of tahr in NZ. Although these species are not native to New Zealand, their future in the wild relies on responsible management. With the right plan in place, sustainable tahr hunting and conservation can go hand-in-hand.
Our commitment to conservation integrates responsible hunting practices with initiatives to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress on our conservation journey.
If you share our passion for adventure and the pursuit of greatness, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience a New Zealand tahr or hunt in New Zealand for other exciting big game
Keep reading our journal entries.
The best outfitters bring every part of the experience together: high quality animals, exceptional guides, remarkable hunting country, considered accommodation and great food. We sat down with Jacques Hartzenberg during his recent visit to Venator New Zealand to talk about his life in the African bush, the growth of Chapungu-Kambako and what it takes to deliver a complete South African safari hunting experience.
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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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.