In summer the coat is short and bright ginger in colour. The best months for summer hunting are December, January and February. In winter they change their pelage completely to a long shiny black colour with a silver stripe along the back. The best months for winter hunting are April through August. Accommodation on the hunting blocks is similar to the Thar camps but because Chamois choose to live lower down the mountains, conditions are usually not as inhospitable, nor as strenuous.
Red deer are the most prolific deer species in New Zealand and consequently the heaviest hunted.
They inhabit the bush and sub alpine areas right throughout New Zealand. Despite the higher numbers, obtaining a Red Stag trophy can be very, very difficult, as they are extremely elusive. The best time to obtain a Red Stag is late March through till the end of April when the deer are in the rut. It is possible to hunt for a trophy later into winter, however because of their exclusiveness, it is extremely difficult hunting. The actual hunting is usually in forested areas requiring expert bush skills and patience.