Tahr in New Zealand
For more information e-mail Steuart of NZ Hunting Info Ltd
world status E.Coast hunting W.Coast hunting trip planning distribution
If there is any animal that can be truly awe inspiring in the mountains of New Zealand, it is the Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus). To see a bull tahr traversing precipitous rock or snow at speed is the sight of a life time. The first animals arrived here by ship via an English game park (Woburn Abbey) and they have thrived ever since, albeit within a restricted range.
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world status
The tahr is considered vulnerable by the IUCN (1996) in its Himalayan home.
New Zealand is the only place in the world where this magnificent animal can be freely hunted although there
are populations of tahr in South Africa, New Mexico, California, and Ontario.
Tahr inhabit the main mountain ranges of the South Island of New Zealand between the Arthurs Pass
and Haast Pass highways. see map Mostly they live at an altitude above 4500 feet and below 7000 feet.
While there are plenty of places to find tahr on public land, research and preparation
are a must when planning a trip. A high level of fitness is mandatory, as is the proper equipment to survive
in an alpine environment.
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In New Zealand conservationists have expressed concern about the potential damage that an introduced animal like the tahr might inflict on native alpine vegetation. Consequently Tahr numbers are controlled under a scheme called the Thar Control Plan In adhering to this plan DOC (Department of Conservation) implements restrictions on the geographical range of tahr and keeps their total number under a target of ten thousand. The current range of tahr has been divided into seven management units, plus two exclusion zones. see map The objective is to eliminate tahr from the exclusion zones. In contrast an upper limit for tahr numbers has been specified for each managment unit.
E.Coast hunting
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The departure points for tahr hunts are either on the east or the west coast side of the Southern Alps. For the eastern approaches, their habitat is usually accessed by foot or four wheel drive vehicle up the main braided rivers draining the Southern Alps. Here tahr can be sighted from the riverbeds and planned hunts undertaken following their location.
The DOC website
Canterbury Tahr Blocks
used to provide good information but the data on the site is currently being reviewed.
Expect new data within the next six months.
W.Coast hunting
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The second method is to hunt tahr on the western side of the Southern Alps.
Because of the rough nature of the terrain on the West Coast, helicopters are often used to ferry hunters.
DOC huts can be used as hunting bases or alternatively, tent camps can be
established above timber line close to tahr habitat.
Good equipment is necessary when camping above timberline on the W. Coast. Storms from the north-west blow in off the
Tasman Sea and often bring gale force winds laden with heavy rain.
trip planning
When planning a tahr hunt it is advisable to contact the local DOC office for updates on animal numbers. Check as to whether there have been any control operations in the area you wish to hunt. Culling of tahr, under the Tahr Control Plan is contracted to certain helicopter companies with suitable expertise. The New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association NZDA is also involved in some culling operations. (The NZDA is a non-profit organisation that lobbies for hunter rights and game management.)
recent control operations
In the winter of 2007 DOC contracted a helicopter, which with the help of DOC staff, carried out an official tahr cull. The objective of the operation was to survey the tahr population for compliance with the Tahr Control Plan and where necessary eradicate all mobs of ten or more tahr. Mature bull tahr were not shot. The cull area extended from the true right of the Rakaia south to the border of Mt Cook National Park. An agreement was made with the NZDA to exclude several watersheds from this helicopter cull so that these areas could be culled separately by foot hunters.
Trophies
Best New Zealand Tahr head. Douglas Score 49.
World record. 51 3/8 SCI from a hunting ranch in New Mexico.
Tahr are a much sought after trophy especially by Americans. In a 1994 study (D.Forsyth "NZ Hunting & Wildlife no. 157") the majority of trophies presented to taxidermists were shot by Americans. The median age of tahr heads was five years. 10% of the four year old males had one horn greater than 12 inches (305mm) but none had achieved 13 inches (330 mm). With each year over four, the likelihood of horns greater than 12 or 13 inches increased. In the 11-13 year bracket, 50% of the horns exceeded both 12 and 13 inches.
distribution
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"Himalayan Thar Control Plan" Map 4 p.26 Department of Conservation 1993.
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For more information e-mail Steuart of NZ Hunting Info Ltd
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