Wapiti in New Zealand
For more information e-mail Steuart of NZ Hunting Info Ltd
The history of wapiti (Elk) in New Zealand is fascinating but sadly now just history. The first wapiti (Cervus elaphus nelsonii) to be successfully established in NZ were of the Rocky Mountain race and were released in George Sound in 1905.
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Today there are no longer animals that are genetically pure enough to be called wapiti.
The animals that now occupy the former wapiti country will never produce antlers like the 64 1/2 inch (164 cm) cast
antler found near Henry Saddle in 1938. This specimen was big by any standards.
Over many years, crossbreeding with red deer has gradually resulted in the elimination of pure wapiti.
Today animals can be seen with characteristics of wapiti but at best these animals would have 50%-60% wapiti blood.
For keen hunters in New Zealand there was always an exciting association between the rugged country of
Fiordland and the mighty wapiti. Unfortunately that association is no longer meaningful. Gone forever in New Zealand is the
"big, old, thick-necked, dark-maned, wonder-horned, tawny hided, beer-horse-built bugler of a bull-elk" as
described by Ernest Hemingway in "Green Hills of Africa".
A group of hard working and dedicated enthusiasts have tried to keep the wapiti tradition alive in New Zealand. At one stage wild animals were airlifted from their home in Fiordland and kept as "The Crown Herd" near Te Anau. To this day, the remnants of this famous herd still survive on a farm maintained by the "Fiordland Wapiti Foundation".
Trophies
Best NZ Wapiti Head: Douglas Score 474 3/4 taken in 1933.
Rut
April
For more information e-mail Steuart of NZ Hunting Info Ltd
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