Where to hunt Tahr
Tahr is a relatively small, but unusual looking mountain ungulate, distantly related to North American Mountain Goat. In its native range in the Himalayas it is endangered, and opportunities to hunt are strictly limited. However, it is possible to hunt introduced populations of Tahr that exist in other countries. Those include Macedonia and Argentina, but, of course, the go-to destination for a Tahr hunting is New Zealand, what with an abundance of Tahr and other game animals, breathtaking views, opportunities for other outdoor pursuit, and affordable prices.
Price distribution
New Zealand offers the most affordable Tahr hunting trips, that start at about $5,000 or so for a basic hunt in areas readily accessible by transport. A longer hunt with helicopter transfer to spike camp will be in the $7,000-$10,000 range. Hunting Tahr in Nepal is most expensive and will set you back $25,000 or more. Hunts in Argentina and Macedonia are somewhere in between.
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New Zealand is by far the most popular destination for Tahr hunters these days, featuring both high densities of the species and affordable rates. But there are more than one reason to come and hunt in this wonderful country. Learn more about New Zealand and its advantages as a hunting destination.
23 Aug 2016 3 reasons to hunt in New ZealandWhen to hunt Tahr?
Typically for the ungulates, the rut is the best time to hunt Tahr. In New Zealand it usually occurs from late May to early July. Tahr hunting season in New Zealand is open year round; however, aereal access to some areas could be closed in certain periods. In Nepal Tahr hunting season is open in October-November and March-April.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (9)
Tahr hunting is as challenging and exciting as any other mountain hunt. Tahr are typically found on higher elevations than most other mountain game. It’s common for them to migrate daily, descending to the alpine meadows to feed, and ascending to the mountain tops to rest and chew cud. Old males often “stand guard” above family groups; they are extremely alert and difficult to approach. Interestingly, in some areas of New Zealand, where Tahr are routinely culled from helicopters, they changed their behavior to seek refuge below, rather than above, the alpine meadow line, making them more difficult to spot. Spot and stalk is the go-to method for Tahr hunting.
Why hunt Tahr?
Whether it is the Himalayas or the mountains of New Zealand that offer the most striking landscapes in the world is debatable. What is undeniable is that both ranges belong to the must-visit places. And the little, vary Tahr is a worthy quarry for any mountain hunter. Tahr hunting in the Himalayas, where due to human encroachment and habitat loss Tahr was once heavily endangered, income from trophy hunting plays an important role in conservation programs. By contrast, in New Zealand, where Tahr were released and, without predators but with appropriate natural conditions, multiplied to astounding numbers, the population must now be seriously controlled to protect the indigenous fauna. Thus, in any country across its range, Tahr hunting has a strong conservation subtext.
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