NZ Sika deer tips
For those interested in crossing the Tasman to hunt Sika deer in New Zealand, now is the time to start planning.
For a number of years I conducted hunting tours to New Zealand, specifically for Sika deer. I would start my trips in late February and run through to May.
Most hunters were interested in hunting during the rut period but I found that the last week in February and the first few days of March, was an excellent time to hunt up high for Sika stags that were in the last stage of velvet.
Stags in velvet like to stay out of the thick scrub that can damage the soft antlers during the growth period. So some stags like to live along the edges of the open tops. Once their antlers become hard however they will within a few days disappear down into the thick valleys and begin pre rut territorial marking. This leaves open a small window of opportunity for the smart hunter.
So if you want an easy Sika stag. Late February, early March is the time. And up high along the edge of the sub alpine scrub early in the morning when the sun first hits the mountains, is the place.
No related posts.
Category: Norman Nelson's Column
That sounds like great advice. I have never hunted sika but I know that they are regarded as one of the most elusive of the cervid species, but unavaiable in Australia. An old colleague of mine fellow hunting guide and sambar hunting mate; Len James had good success on sika early this year. I have been trying to get him to write his story for this website.
Norm you are obviously a very experienced hunter worth listening too.
When I think about it I have shot many of my best stags in the pre-rut hard antler window. I wish people would not shoot stags still in velvet though as is common with chital.
GiDay Jack,
If you get the chance to hunt Sika deer, do so. They are a great species to hunt.
Quite different to anything else due to their vocal nature.
Nice country to hunt also.