NO TWO ARE THE SAME

Red Stag Trophy Hunting

176 17'16.23" E39 0'19.43" S

Hunt your dream Red stag trophy at Poronui

A red stag’s large size (average weight of 400lb) and huge antlers give him immense presence and make red stags the most sought-after species for hunters visiting New Zealand.

Unlike elk, no two red stags are the same. This means that you can come and hunt at Poronui and secure a very unique red stag trophy. Generally aggressive in nature, these animals aren’t shy and can be found roaming the Poronui hills. Despite their size, they’re particularly mobile, especially when defending their harem.

The Poronui landscape has a varied range of cover, native beech forest, eucalyptus plantations, native mānuka and scrub, plus large areas of open tussock and native grass. The red stags utilize the trees to help strip their velvet and color their new-season antlers. Most hunters would agree, the sight of a mature red stag with well-stained antlers is hard to refuse.

Hunting season in NZ

When is Red Stag hunting season in New Zealand?

Red stags are available to hunt from early February until early August, when they cast their antlers.

The rut period starts around 20 March until the end of April. During this time, what we call ‘the roar’, the red stags are very vocal and generally very active, which makes the hunting exciting. They secure groups of females and endeavor to keep all the competition away.
Backcountry fly fishing is also available at this time, making March the most popular season for red stag hunting and fishing packages at Poronui.

Hunting

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hunt Red Stag?

The Red Stag hunting season in the Southern Hemisphere runs from mid-February through August, coinciding with their hard-antler growth and the Southern Hemisphere's autumn/winter. The peak of the Red Stag's Rut is during March-April, and their preoccupation with roaring, herding, and fighting makes them less cautious and more susceptible to calling, greatly increasing the odds of locating and stalking a trophy-class animal.
Where does the hunting take place?

Poronui spans 16,000 acres in the heart of New Zealand’s spectacular North Island. Within this, our hunting estate covers 3,500 acres, making it one of the largest hunting areas in the Southern Hemisphere.
What does the Red Stag package include?

All our packages are all inclusive of luxury accommodation, meals prepared by a talented team of Chefs, house beverages and open bar. Also included are Trophy fees for a Red Stag SCI up to 399 (SCI upgrades welcome), Transfers to/from Taupo, four day's guided hunting, and use of firearms and field preparation of trophies.
What is not included in the Red Stag Hunting package?

Not included are before/after hunt expenses, fishing license, international and domestic flights, expediting and taxidermist services, dipping, insurance, and gratuities. Additional species can be added per current price list.
How big is the hunting area?

Poronui is located in a large 16,000-acre wilderness estate. It has one of the biggest hunting areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you can enjoy a real fair-chase experience. The area covers 3,500 acres of different and challenging land. This includes forests, native scrubland, grassy clearings, and cut-pine faces.
Is Poronui a fenced property?

To maintain the exceptional quality of our Trophy Red Stags, Poronui’s hunting area is enclosed with boundary fencing that complies with New Zealand regulations. Among the range of hunting experiences available is our 3,000-acre high-fence game estate, offering the opportunity to stalk and harvest some of the finest Trophy Red Stags in the country.
What is a "trophy fee" and how is it determined?

The fee for your Red Stag trophy is based on the final SCI (Safari Club International) score of the antlers—a standardized and widely recognized measurement of trophy quality. This scoring system provides a clear, tiered pricing structure, ensuring you’re charged according to the quality of the stag you successfully harvest. If a larger, higher-scoring stag is taken, a mandatory upgrade fee will apply. Your guide will assist in managing this decision in the field.