Chamois

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

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

Hunting Chamois with Kiwi Safaris

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

We hunt the chamois on foot using the spot and stalk method of hunting.  Access is by 4x4 vehicle and it’s possible to encounter chamois while hunting for tahr.  They can be hunted from our lodges at Sherwood Estate or at Stew Point in the Rangitata Valley on Quartz Creek. Chamois prefer the roughest country and hunters should have excellent fitness to hunt chamois on foot.