They are still in large numbers and can be hunted at any time of the year without licences or permits, although a hunting permit is required to hunt on DOC land. Average trophies in the wild are nowadays 8-10 points, with a number of 12 pointers about 35 inches long shot each year. They are very vocal during the roar and are usually stalked by following the roar or brought to the hunter by emulating the roar. They inhabit dense bush country and in many cases the shot is taken at 25 yards or so. Every year, hundreds are shot that exceed the average.
Guides generally hunt safari parks or protected herds on private land.
It is usual to find visiting hunters free range wild trophies of 10 and 12 points plus but with a few guarantees of success. This was true wild bush stag. However, these animals usually stay well hidden until the roar when they are at the most vulnerable. The safari park hunts tent to obtain much larger trophy heads with a guarantee of success. Again these deer had their origin on English parks and from those bloodline releases some exceptional tropies are to be had.