Tahr hunting

Tahr is the name that can refer to several mountain ungulates. The Nigiri tahr, closely related to mountain sheep, inhabits several mountain ranges in the south of India. The Arabian tahr, also related to wild sheep, specifically to the aoudad, occurs in the east of the Arabian peninsula. Both these species are endangered, and no recreational hunting is possible. When you hear about tahr hunting, almost every time it refers to the Himalayan tahr. This species belongs to the Caprenae family, and is distantly related to North American mountain goat. In its native range in the Himalayas, the opportunities to hunt it are strictly limited, and at the time of writing exist only in Nepal. However, it is possible to hunt introduced populations of tahr that exist in other countries, including Bulgaria, Macedonia and Argentina. But the go-to destination for tahr hunting is New Zealand, what with an abundance of tahr, other game, breathtaking views, opportunities for other outdoor pursuits such as fishing, and affordable prices.

Tahr hunting is as challenging and exciting as any other mountain hunt. Tahr are typically found on higher elevations than most other mountain game. It’s common for them to migrate daily, descending to the alpine meadows to feed, and ascending to the mountain tops to rest and chew cud. Old males often “stand guard” above family groups; they are extremely alert and difficult to approach. Interestingly, in some areas of New Zealand, where tahr are routinely culled from helicopters, they changed their behavior to seek refuge below, rather than above, the alpine meadow line, making them more difficult to spot. Spot and stalk is the go-to method for tahr hunting.

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