New Zealand Red Stag Hunt | Savage Journeys

In the rugged expanse of New Zealand's South Island, hunter Rob Gates, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Savage Arms, embarked on a long-anticipated quest for the majestic New Zealand red stag. Towering mountain ranges framed the vast wilderness, with rolling emerald hills and thick, mist-laden forests stretching endlessly before him. The crisp, cool air carried the scent of damp earth and native flora.

Equipped with the Savage Impulse KLYM straight-pull rifle, chambered in 7mm PRC with Hornady ELD-X ammunition, and a Leupold scope, Rob was prepared for the challenges ahead. Every step he took into this untamed landscape felt like stepping deeper into a world shaped by the forces of nature alone. 

This hunt, originally planned for 2020, had been postponed due to global events, making the moment even more significant. Years of waiting, preparation, and anticipation had led to this—an opportunity not just to claim a trophy, but to immerse himself in one of the most pristine and unforgiving hunting environments on earth.

The journey began with Rob meeting his guide, Martin, a seasoned expert familiar with the terrain and the behavior of the New Zealand red stag. Together, they navigated the undulating hills and dense forests characteristic of the region. The landscape was a mosaic of deep valleys, towering peaks, and lush greenery, offering both breathtaking beauty and formidable obstacles.

As dawn broke, the duo set out, their breath visible in the crisp morning air. The call of native birds provided a serene backdrop as they trekked through the wilderness. The anticipation was palpable, each step bringing them closer to their quarry.

Hours into their pursuit, they spotted two New Zealand red stag in a distant clearing. Their antlers, a testament to years of growth, stood proudly against the horizon. In what seemed like seconds, the stags had disappeared over the next ridge, leaving Rob and Martin watching as it widened the distance to 800 yards. "We're going to ease along. If they stay where they are, we're going to have a couple hundred yard shot," Rob noted as they made a plan to get closer. With that, Rob and his guide Martin adjusted their approach, carefully picking their way across the grassy hillside.

The chase was on. Martin led the way, using his deep knowledge of the land to anticipate the stag's movements. They worked their way through the landscape and crept along the hillsides, scanning the ridgelines for another opportunity. Time stretched on, each moment laced with the thrill of pursuit.

Finally, after an arduous trek, they found their vantage point. The stag had slowed, grazing once more, unaware of their presence. Rob steadied his Impulse KLYM, exhaled, and prepared to take the shot. Martin quietly confirmed the distance to Rob and said, "Now would be good." Rob squeezed the AccuTrigger, and the crack of the rifle echoed through the valley. 

As they watched the stag run a few more steps, Rob cycled the bolt on his straight-pull rifle while keeping his head down and the stag in his sights at all times, prepared to shoot again. "I think it's not necessary. You hit him very well," Martin said. The stag fell, marking the successful end of their pursuit. With a sigh of relief, Rob and Martin sat back and waited for the stag to expire. Their stalk was successful and the gear performed flawlessly for an ethical harvest. Approaching the fallen animal, Rob thanked Martin and said, "This hunt is a dream come true." 

The experience was not just about the hunt but also about the connection to the land, the camaraderie with Martin, and the realization of a long-held aspiration. The challenges faced, from the unpredictable weather to the demanding terrain, only added to the richness of the adventure.

In the end, Rob's New Zealand red stag hunt was more than a pursuit of game; it was a testament to perseverance, respect for nature, and the fulfillment of a hunter's dream.