Bowhunting in the South Pacific
AUSTRALIA: is one BIG piece of real estate! Be prepared
for long drive times to an from hunting areas. Most of the antlered species are
found in the Southeast and Eastern part of the country. The Northern Territory
(south of Darwin) is mainly for hunting Water Buffalo and Banteng. Trophy fees
here are a bit less than New Zealand, but the game is just as plentiful. Here
too, all the big game have been imported by early explorers.
Excellent populations of Rusa and Sambar Deer are seen in Australia, along with
Red Deer and Fallow Deer. Beautiful scenic coast lines with world class diving
areas. Accommodations are “reasonable”. These hunting areas are more dry than
New Zealand and the hunt times are the same (March-May). Water Buffalo and
Banteng can be hunted year around, but best timing is July, August, which is the
dry season. Good fishing and the Northern Territory is famous for the largest
Crocks in the world (salt water Crocks can grow to 28 feet in length!). For the
adventurous bow hunter, the central part of the country is home for good numbers
of wild camels and donkeys, all considered feral game and very small trophy
fees.
New Zealand: Comprised of two islands
(North and South), New Zealand can be characterized as having the most friendly
people in any of my travels around the world. The North Island is more flat with
rolling hills. Although this area does have good hunting, the South Island is
more rugged with year around glaciers at its highest points. Furthermore, the
South Island is divided into a “wet” side (to the West of the mountain range)
and the “dry” side (to the East).
All the Chamois and Tahr hunting is on the South Island. The main (and most
centrally located) town is Christchurch. Try to fly directly into Christchurch
if possible. Although there are many flights per day from Auckland to
Christchurch (just adds to your travel time). Or, if you would like to tour this
country before (or after) your hunt; you can fly into Auckland, rent a car and
take a leisurely two drive to Christchurch. But, be advised that they drive on
the left side of the road, which takes a bit getting used to.
All the game on the islands were introduced during the previous century by the
early explorers. When it comes to trophy quality antlered species, New Zealand
is second only to the massive racks of central Europe. Most of the top SCI
records are represented by New Zealand entries. Consequently, the trophy fees
are a bit higher. The bird hunting and fishing is, of course, legendary. The
best time to hunt is from Mar.15 to May 1 for the antlered species; while the
Tahr and Chamois can be hunted as late as July (but be prepared for old and snow
this late).
New Caledonia is a French protectorate
island about 2 hours north (flying time) from Sydney Australia. This island is
about 50 miles long and about 8 miles wide. What you need to know about this
island is that it contains the largest Rusa Deer in the world (Javan Rusa Deer).
They are almost impossible to find in the jungle; but during their rut
(June/July) they can be found in large numbers right on the shore line.
The new world record Javan Rusa are from the island and so are the remaining top
10. Pretty much a one specie hunt, but very good hunting during the rut. And for
the women- There is a Club Med on the island, about 3 h our drive from hunting
country (although not very far- rough 4x4 roads). New Caledonia makes a good
second hunt (for Rusa) in conjunction with a Tahr and Chamois hunt in New
Zealand (New Caledonia is also about 2 hours flying time northwest of Auckland,
NZ.)
Email
Neil Summers, bowhunting consultant for South America, South Pacific, and
Euro/Asia
Call us toll free at
1-800-833-9777 for more details.