Red Stag

Of the eight deer species in New Zealand the Red deer is the most common and is also the most sort after. Native to Europe, Red Deer were first introduced to New Zealand in 1851. With our mild climate, the lack of any predators plus widespread releases, they were soon established throughout the North and South Islands. The Red Stag can be hunted from late February through to the end of August. March and April are the most exciting as this is when the ‘rut is on’. The ‘roar’ of the Red stag is enough to excite the most experienced trophy hunter. The Red Stag is about the size of a Mule deer buck. Popular calibers range from .270 to the .300 mags.