Hunting in New Zealand begins in late February and continues until late August although summer hunts can also be arranged for certain species. This season is largely governed by the stags being in hard antler and also the alpine animals moving into their winter coats.

The ‘rut’ period for stags (also known as the 'roar') in New Zealand is during the months March and April and may vary in intensity depending on the temperatures at the time, cooler temperatures tending to initiate a more vigorous rut.

The alpine animals rut during May and June although can be successfully hunted in their bachelor herds during other times of the year as well.

Waterfowl hunting begins in May and goes through to the end of July while the upland game bird hunting is available during June and July.

Temp by Month ˚ F ˚ F ˚ C ˚ C   High Low High Low January 86 41 30 5 February 83 41 28 5 March 81 37 27 1 April 76 33 24 1 May 69 29 21 -2 June 59 26 15 -3 July 57 26 14 -3 August 65 26 18 -3 September 70 30 21 -1 October 76 32 24 0 November 79 36 26 2 December 84 39 29 4

Species Season Red Stags, Elk, Fallow Bucks Late February, March, April, June, July, Early August Tahr March, April, May, June, July, August Chamois Year Round Alpine Goats, Wild Sheep Year Round Waterfowl May, June, July Californian Quail June, July

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