NZ Tahr hunt 2014- Pilgrimage of Adventure.

[ozy clint]

gday folks, myself and mate, paul rea just got back from New Zealand. we went for a another backpack hunt in the wild and rugged westland region for tahr. again, all public land by backpack! it was just the pair of us this year since our other companion, mark pitts who i went with last year wasn't able to make it this trip. this was my 4th trip in as many years to this rugged yet beautiful part of new zealand in pursuit of the game animals that inhabit these high places.

it has become an all consuming pursuit for us and somewhat of a pilgrimage each may.

"The mountains song
 is not heard by all
 but the lure is strong
 who hear it's call."

pretty much sums it up for me.

the traditional "ready to go" photo. i'm on the left paul on the right.
    CM

we went into a different valley this year as we were primarily targeting tahr on this hunt. we didn't see any chamois this year where we went, while paul glassed a red deer hind and yearling on a river flat from the tops. the kings of the mountain world were our focus.
brew yourself a      

    CM
    CM
    CM

i'll intial the pics. credit where it's due.

[Hopewell Tom]

I remember last years hunt, Clinton.
What country! Looking forward to the story.
Thanks for sharing.

[T-Bowhunter]

[cmh]

[ShadeMt]

Absolutely stunning country.  Can't wait to see more of this adventure hunt.

[Yellow Dog]

Looks like it's that time again for my favorite hunt of the year    

   

[jcar315]

[azhunter]

Now this is going to be a good read with great pics. I would love to hunt there. I have my coffee ready!

[Matty]

BRING IT!!
   

[gregg dudley]

[steadman]

Looks like a fun hunt  

[medic77]

Exciting

[Al Kidner]

Good stuff mate!

NZ… I must get myself back there next year I'm thinking…


Keep it coming mate!

ak.

[allanburden]

Cannot wait to read the story!        

[ozy clint]

we left the road end at midday on the 1st day and arrived at the 1st hut at 5pm. NZ has arguably the best public backcountry hut system in the world. they are used by hunters, hikers and government staff who maintain the trails and the huts themselves. the 2nd day involved a bit of elevation gain on the trail to get around a gorge in the river. after another days hike we arrived at the 2nd hut along this trail. we spent a comfortable night here before heading off trail, fording the river the next day and making our way up to the high country via a side creek.
    PR

a welcome sight for anyone in the in the bush-
    PR

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here's a pic of the river after we crossed. painfully cold, straight off the snow!
    PR

[ozy clint]

here's paul fording the river. we kept our boots dry since we were headed up to the snow for a week or more and wet boots equals cold feet!
  CM
  CM
  CM
  CM

after perhaps a couple of hours of hiking up the creek, nearing the bushline, we chanced upon a couple of younger bulls. here's one of them.
  CM
they just stood there and let us take photos of them at about 100 yards. they are truly magnificent animals.

[Ragin Bull]

Beautiful!    

[ozy clint]

here's your typical westland 'creek bed'-
    PR

from whence we came-
    PR

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up above the bush now. heading up to find a camp somewhere- (i'm center frame)
    PR
myself again, bottom center frame.
    PR

[wayoutwest]

Awesome boys.

[cacciatore]

Clinton,yours are some of the very best threads here on TG.
KEEP IT COMING,THANKS.