When renowned hunter Brian Bailey set his sights on taking a red stag deer world record exceeding the iconic 1000 SCI milestone, he looked upon the shores of New Zealand to complete his challenge, and entrusted none other than Venator Cardrona Safaris and internationally recognised hunter Duncan Fraser to make that dream a reality. What unfolded was a historic achievement in big game hunting: "The King's Slam".
Brian Bailey is synonymous within the hunting community. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of taking record-breaking trophies, Brian's decision to book a hunt with Venator New Zealand underscores our reputation as a premier hunting destination.
Discussions began in late 2020 to map out an ambitious mission: harvesting four new SCI world record stags across four distinct weapon disciplines—rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzleloader.
The 2020/21 growing season had already revealed a majestic stag on our private South Island hunting grounds with potential to surpass 900 SCI. Though international border restrictions delayed travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, our dedicated wildlife management team ensured the herd thrived. By the time New Zealand reopened to international travelers, the antler growth witnessed during the 2022/23 season was nothing short of phenomenal.
Starting in February 2023, Brian embarked on an extraordinary New Zealand red stag trophy hunt. Over the course of the expedition, he successfully harvested four red stags, with each achieving the #1 rank in its respective discipline (Muzzleloader, Bow, Crossbow, and Rifle).
Remarkably, three of these majestic stags earned their place in history as the first-ever animals to officially break the 1000 SCI mark, solidifying their position at the pinnacle of the SCI record book.
Achieving a red stag deer world record is not a matter of chance; it is the culmination of decades of focused herd management, environmental stewardship, and elite guide expertise.
Venator is home to one of the largest privately-owned trophy red deer herds (Cervus elaphus) in the South Pacific. Our commitment to conservation and ethical hunting practices ensures that our stags mature in raw, untamed terrain with ample natural cover, draws, and gullies. By maintaining high ethical standards, we preserve the health of our wildlife while consistently raising the bar for antler mass, beam length, and tine distribution.
While red stag deer in New Zealand can be hunted with Venator from late February through August, the pinnacle of the season takes place during the autumn rut.
Hearing the deep, guttural echo of a world-class NZ red stag reverberating through a foggy alpine basin is an exhilarating, spine-tingling experience that every true hunter must witness at least once.
While our world-record stags stand as a testament to our world-class genetics, they represent just one facet of the Venator experience. We take immense pride in offering an exceptional array of red stags across all scoring ranges, ensuring every hunter finds their ideal trophy.
Beyond the red stag, the South Island features an extraordinary diversity of big game; our team curates custom multi-species itineraries that seamlessly pair your hunt with other coveted Southern Alps species.
A Venator hunt extends far beyond the trail. We deliver the ultimate sportsman's paradise by complementing world-class big game hunting with luxury accommodation, curated fine dining, and bespoke companion experiences.
Brian Bailey’s historic accomplishment stands as a testament to what is possible when world-class genetics, experienced mountain guides, and dedicated hunters come together.
Keep reading our journal entries.
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