European Chamois

Native of central and southern Europe, the Chamois is one of the most graceful game animals to be found in New Zealand. Introduced in 1907, they are now found throughout the mountain ranges of the South Island. Of the antelope family, the Chamois has exceptional eyesight and has the ability to run effortlessly in the roughest terrain.

Both the Bucks and Does have horns but those of the female are normally thinner. The Chamois are a small nimble animal so don’t require a large caliber, but the rifle should be flat shooting with good optics.

The bucks are usually solitary animals and sometimes they are found in small bachelor groups. However with the onset of the rut in April they join the female family groups for about a month. During the mating season the older bucks become quite aggressive and intolerant of the younger males, driving them off, emitting a whistle sound as a warning.

The Chamois like the Tahr can be hunted year round, but the most popular time is from April through to August when the capes are long and black in color with a silver strip along their spine.

We normally hunt the Chamois on foot using the spot and stalk method of hunting. Access is by 4x4 vehicles and it is common to come across Chamois while hunting Tahr as they are found in the same areas on our properties.

We can also offer a helicopter for access to some of the more remote areas to get where there are some excellent numbers of trophy animals. This can be an exciting alternative, as well as being the most spectacular flights you will experience with the opportunity to take exceptional trophies.

The Chamois like the Tahr can be hunted from our lodges at Sherwood Estate or in the Rangitata Valley on Quartz Creek.