Headed to New Zealand for Stag

[Kevin Root]

Nice pictures Montana. I enjoied reading the story. That surely was and is an awesome memory for you.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Those are two awesome stags Montana! What a great time. Thanks for the story.

Years ago, I told my dad if I had a work opportunity there, I would move to New Zealand sight unseen.

 

[Fink]

Wow, those photos are amazing. Sounds like an awesome time. I may have just added this to my list of things to do before I die.

 

[hvfd21walker]

Congrats Montana, what an adventure of a Lifetime.

 

[Montana]

Thanks Everyone..

JB.. Pretty much exactly the same as elk except next to zero hope of harvesting on public land, at least of high quality. But just like any public land hunt here... I'm sure there must be some good ones that come off. The hinds look A LOT like our cow elk.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I just read somewhere that a DNA study was completed and while people thought for decades elk (wapiti) and red deer were the same species, they found out elk were genetically closer to sika deer than red deer.

Sorry about the vague "read somwhere" reference. I will see if I can dig it up.

I have heard a decent 5 point is a good public land stag in NZ.

 

[Vanish]

I just read somewhere that a DNA study was completed and while people thought for decades elk (wapiti) and red deer were the same species, they found out elk were genetically closer to sika deer than red deer.

Sorry about the vague "read somwhere" reference. I will see if I can dig it up.

I have heard a decent 5 point is a good public land stag in NZ.

It has always bugged me that they are declared the same species. Sure, they look a bit similar, but ..

1.) Different colors
2.) Make different sounds
3.) Have different antlers
4.) Have different habits

 

[Vanish]

Curious, I could swear they were classified as the same species. Glad to know I am wrong!