Himalayan Tahr, in New Zealand is known as "King of the Mountain”. It is the most demanding Alpine Hunt in New Zealand especially when done on foot.

My wife was in Christchurch attending the New Zealand tour operators travel conference. While she was meeting with the resorts and hotels, learning about the newest & latest happening in New Zealand I had 3 idle days on my hand. I decided to put this time to some good use so I "Hit the Mountain". Helicopter transfers are available to the peak of the mountain however I choose to do it the challenging way - on foot. Days before my arrival to the hunting area the weather was stormy with roads closed due to heavy snow. However on the day of the Hunt the weather was perfect. The sky was blue, not one cloud in the sky.

Driving with the guide in his 4X4 vehicle we drove on a snow covered dirt road as far as the truck would go (Until we got stuck) guessing it to be about 5,500 foot elevation. From this point we went on foot. We spotted the herd on the other side of the canyon, way up in a much higher elevation then we were, in an extremely rough terrain. I was amazed to see how those animals could stand on what appeared to be a sheer wall.

After observing the herd for a while we spotted a nice bull Thar through the spotting scope so we decided to go after this herd. This proved to be easier said than done. First we had to descend down to the bottom, cross a creek (half frozen) then start climbing straight up. As soon as we started descending we lost our visual contact with the herd, the terrain was very steep and covered with snow. It didn't take long to realize that is was not going to be easy as it took several attempts through the deep snow and lose ground to advance one step forward. After several hours of climbing and a few rests we established new visual contact with the herd. We found it exactly where we expected it to be. The big bull Thar was still there. Since it was impossible to go straight up we decide to go around and use the cover of the large rocks and of course, lost our visual contact. More climbing, by now I was tired and feeling the effect of the altitude on my body.

We got into a new position where we spotted the herd again. The big bull was still there. Re-locating the big bull gave me a new surge of energy. Still having to do more climbing to close the distance we kept on taking advantage of the rocks in order to stay concealed from the herd.

Again we spotted the herd but this time the big bull was no longer in sight. We kept on in hope that we'll find him again. At this point, time become a factor as it started to get late. I knew I have to get into a shooting position the sooner the better.

Far above our position a nice young bull spotted us. It wasn't the bull I was after but it was a very nice one and it was also clear to me that I should take this opportunity and shoot before the rest of the herd is warned and disappears. I also did not have another day available as I was due back to Christchurch the next day. The large boulders provided a very narrow "window" to shoot through. I also had to consider and ascertain that the bullet passage is clear. Since my shooting sticks were useless in the rough terrine, I brace myself holding to a rock and using it and my arm as a support for my rifle. The rifle, Ruger M-77 Mark II chambered for .308 Win. is sighted in to 200 yards. The estimated distance was well over 300 yards but I also knew that I was about to shoot at a very steep angle so, I was holding the crosshair just above the vital area on the bull and gently squeeze the trigger. The rifle barked and recoiled.

The distance was long enough that after the rifle rested again and I recovered from the recoil, I was just able to see the bull being struck by the bullet and his body “flying” off the top of the rock he was standing on. It was a sight that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

The bull’s body tumbled down hill almost to our position. Finding the bull was easy since we only had to climb a short distance. Now it was picture time and processing the trophy. In no time my guide skinned and caped the bull. I also decided to take part of the meat at least the back straps and hind quarters back home. We packed the meat and the trophy in our backpack and started the long treacherous way back to the truck. We made it to the truck just in time before dark. I knew that for the next several days I will be feeling every muscle in my body.

The next day I drove back to Christchurch to pick up my wife and headed back South to Queenstown. Great memories are always associated and are part of any hunting trip. This trip was short but as for now, I will remember it as the hunting trip of my life.