WAPITI (ELK)

Hunting Season:     Feb - Aug
Prime Hunting:      March - April
Trophy Bull Scores:     300 - 400+ SCI

Wapiti / Elk are the largest of New Zealand’s deer species. Ten Wapiti were a gifted to New Zealand in 1905 by the then President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.  The New Zealand Government purchasing a further 10 animals. By the time they sailed the 8.000 miles to New Zealand only 18 were able to be released in  Fiordland's George Sound. They were released into the steep sided glacial valleys and almost impassable mountain systems of the area that is heavily forested.  Consequently the herd developed slowly and was confined to this limited area for many years. Finally hunting pressure and Government interference with the herd, saw it diminish.

During the rut, bulls will engage in posturing, antler wrestling and bugling.  A mammoth Wapiti bulls is a wonderful addition to a red stag hunt.  A lasting memory of New Zealand.

Visit Wapiti Photo Gallery