In a season that we were sure that record books were going to be rewritten, four red giants all ranging in score from 850+ to well over 950 were harvested early in the first half of the 2023 New Zealand hunting season.
Brian Bailey, a renowned hunter from Texas achieved this incredible feat taking four red giants that are Safari Club International (SCI) world records* (pending official ratification) in four different categories. Bailey achieved this impressive harvest using a rifle, muzzleloader, bow, and crossbow, respectively, setting undoubtedly what will become a challenging record to surpass for years to come.
The four red stags harvested by Bailey are presently awaiting ratification by the Safari Club International, and if confirmed, will earn Bailey four world records in their respective categories. It goes without saying that this is an outstanding achievement and an incredible accomplishment that is a testament to Bailey's dedication as a hunter and to the exceptional hunting opportunities on offer at Venator.
As we wait for the official ratification of Bailey's world records, it is clear that Venator continues to be New Zealand's premier red stag hunting outfitter offering some of the world's finest hunting experiences.
Keep reading our journal entries.
The European chamois is one of New Zealand’s most elusive and challenging game animals. Introduced from the Austrian Alps in 1907, these agile creatures thrive in the rugged Southern Alps. Venator guides hunters through breathtaking alpine terrain, providing a world-class high-country experience. For those seeking a truly challenging trophy hunt, chasing chamois with Venator is an adventure like no other.
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.
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.