It was in 1905 that the only liberation of North American Elk took place, in the inhospitable Fiordland National Park, in the southwestern corner of the South Island. The area consists of steep glaciated valleys, clad in dense rain forest, surrounded by towering bluffs and snow capped mountains. The area is subjected to a rainfall level exceeding 300 inches annually.

In New Zealand the Elk are known by their Indian name 'wapiti'. The Wapiti 'rut' or bugle starts in March and continues through April.

The Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) adapted readily to their new environment, and in the early years grew antlers approaching the best that their North American forebears produced.

The herd expansion was halted by the topography and the fast encroaching Red deer herds, with which the interbred. Because there are so few Elk left in the wilds of Fiordland, the only hunt we offer is a 'game ranch' hunt in either the North or South Islands. Each year we take some exceptional bulls, with both rifle and bow in the 300 - 400 (gross) B&C range.

The Elk can be hunted from the middle of February through to August. Elk can weigh up to 1000 pounds so suitable calibers range from the 7mm magnum to the .338s.

 

Bowhunting for Elk is best done during the rut.

Global Sporting Safaris is an authorized U.S. Booking Agency for Kiwi Safaris New Zealand.