Deer were introduced into New Zealand in the 1800's and flourished in the absence of any predators. Several varieties are present and apparently have become "pests" to the local ranchers because they tend to over graze the land killing plant life. Today, the numbers are apparently still quite high and deer are poisoned in certain areas as a means of control.
Commercial trophy hunting is
gaining popularity as this type of tourism is becoming increasingly recognized
as a legitimate form of income. Driving around New Zealand, I
have yet to see a wild deer, but I rarely see any land that isn't fenced in!
There is a hell of a lot of barbed wire here. I guess further down south
and in the parks, one is more likely to see wild deer but most Kiwi's tell me
that it'll be unlikely for me to ever see one, especially during the day.
Near as I can tell, most of the deer in this country are raised for food. It is difficult to buy venison in the stores or butcheries, I guess essentially all of it is exported, mostly to Germany and other European countries. When you do see deer meat for sale, the available cuts are few to choose from and it usually sells for over $12.00/lb. This is not much more then beef!
It appears that most Kiwi's are not overly fond of venison and still consider deer more of a nuisance then good food or a worthy game animal! Kiwi's in general do not put emphases on food. Food is consumed out of necessity and not so much for any culinary experience. I do have a couple of friends who raise deer commercially and they are having trouble this year with the stronger NZ dollar. This means that exports are down and they are having trouble selling the meat for a reasonable profit. One rancher does have a big old stag hanging around the ranch that keeps getting into trouble and has become more of a bother then he's worth. The owners would be more then happy for someone to come along and "take him out!" I told then that I may have a couple of buddies that might be willing to do just that for him!
I would like to have a mount of a nice Red Stag for the Stone Duck. Most of the Commercial operations will charge about $5,000.00 NZ for a real trophy Red Stag, and that does not include the taxidermy costs! There are a couple of other mounts that I wouldn't mind getting as well! We'll have to see what I can arrange and who will be coming down!