Trad Gang

Sorry guys my phone wont let post from photobucket.  I'm not very tech savvy.  I guess we will to wait for Scott to get on here.

Here you go:

 (http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/JCHavard/IMG_0314_2_zpsf31b48f4.jpeg) (http://s603.photobucket.com/user/JCHavard/media/IMG_0314_2_zpsf31b48f4.jpeg.html)

Holy Crap!! What a stag!!

WOW!! What a great adventure.

Outstanding !!

Well done Scott.

    Pat

W   :eek:   W  

Story should be along shortly???

Don't know if I could've held it together! Way to go!  :notworthy:

Great Job Scott! What an Outstanding bull!!!!

Holy cow

Wow... Way to go my Friend  :thumbsup:

What a stud!  Talk about excess baggage!   :eek:

My jaw just dropped when I saw that monster.

Looks like Jurassic Park...  :)

Phenomenal is a slightly inadequate description! That's a bad mama-humper!!!!!

Can't wait for the story from our Friend!

great job. what a remarkable animal

Outstanding Scott. Looking forward to the story

He's a whopper for sure!

What a giant! Congratulations Scott! I'm looking forward to a very long story - end to hear every detail.

Wow!!!!!!! Crazy looking beast, I love it.

WOW!!! That is a lot of bone, Scott, I'm looking forward to the story.    :campfire:

Outstanding work Scott!!!!! Your preparation , practice and hard work have paid off.  

I know Scott was very selective of where he went and was very ADAMANT about a fair chase hunt, way to go

Congratulations on a truly Outstanding Bull!

Very nice I can't wait for the story.  :campfire:

That is just fantastic!  Congratulations to you and your hard work...can't wait to read the story behind it.

Oh WOW! Fantastic Stag Scott. You have successfully completed one of my dream hunts. I hope you make it to our Ky TradFest so we can chat about it.

That thing is huge!  What an awesome animal!

Great stag there!  Congrats are in order.  Thought he was a poet, not a killer.  I have never understood the selection process, but I would love to see this one up top.

Awesome stag, congrats!

That's a stud, for sure!

Congrats,

Bisch

Porca putt. Sorry what a mo ster!!!!

Wow!! Gargantuan!! Ive been wanting to use that word for 40 some years, LOL. Hope I spelled it right. Congrats what an awesome animal.

Nice shot!  I've been to New Zealand, had my bow but did not hunt (long story, my wife was with me blah, blah, blah)  Someday...someday!

Beautiful and congratulations!

Kris

That is one amazing trophy! I'm sure the story will be just as good. Congratulations!

:clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:  Awesome!!

Well done Scott!    :thumbsup:

He toldme before he left that if he got one he may not post about. He said he didnt want brag. I told him if he dont im going to. This way he had no choice in the matter.

Thanks John for posting the picture. I tried all day but couldn't get it figured out.
Now its awaiting game to get the phone call from him to hear the,story

Sweet...........Well Done.

QuoteOriginally posted by shed hunter:
He toldme before he left that if he got one he may not post about. He said he didnt want brag. I told him if he dont im going to. This he had no choice in the matter.

Brag?   Heck, I bet everyone here wants to hear the story so we can live vicariously through him. That is the best part of this site to me, hearing about others hunts and hopefully learning something in the process.

Yes, PLEASE Brag Scott, I'm dying to hear about it!

Its not bragging its sharing. We NEED to hear this story.   :thumbsup:

I want to hear the story because that is one hunt I want to do...........soon   :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Never talked to the guy in my life but I always enjoy his posts. He has an interesting  way of saying things. Id really like to hear his story.

What a beast Scott!!!!

Congratulations !!!!!

Scott will no doubt have every detail I hope to relay to us here on tradgang.  Like others have said, it's not to brag but to learn and experience something that some if us may never get to do.  Congrats on such a fine specimen Scott.  I for one, can't wait to hear about your adventure in New Zealand.

Oh my!  WOW!!!

Nice!!!!!!

WOW!!!!

Fine looking animal. I'm waiting on the story, hope there's more pics too!

I asked him for one thing and that was take as many pics as he can.

Very nice    :thumbsup:   love to hear the story    :clapper:

Really awe inspiring animal.  Would like to see more pics when you get time and hear the story.

Dang! That's freakin' awesome!

Well done, Scott!

Congratulations Scott on a perfect Representative of the species.

I am looking froward to the story of your hunt and perhaps some extra photos.   :campfire:    :clapper:

Got the from the Man himself this  evening He had just arived back in the States, but wont be home until tomorrow afternoon. He said to give him time to rest from his trip and he give us details as only he can.    :campfire:  I can't wait!

:campfire:    :coffee:

:clapper:    :clapper:  Looking forward to this.

I have my dictionary ready and am waiting for Scott's story ... Congrats    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

G'day Gentlemen,

Never have I posted details of any of my harvest. Perhaps it is somewhat selfish since I thoroughly enjoy living the treasured experiences shared by others. However, my main driver is the fear of miserably failing to render the proper respect these wonderful creatures deserve. Also, sharing this particularly coveted adventure, which may never be possible for some, holds its own personal reserve.

The Trad Gang group's enthusiastic inquiries have moved me to present this splendid adventure. Much gratitude is enjoyed by the genuine care-  so freely rendered by the Trad Gang family. This NZ adventure requires no additional galvanizing, just accurate and vivid interpretations of my field notes.

Just returned from NZ this afternoon and have only had 2 hours of shuteye since Friday. Please attempt to maintain some patience as I recover and attend to the home front?  Will likely start posting by Thursday. No attempts will be intentionally rendered in order to string you along.

This adventure warrants establishing an accurate delivery of this splendid account.

Thank you and best regards,
Scott

(http://i.imgur.com/bIlzKJY.jpg)

Great hunt Scott. Yours of a lifetime I'm sure.Glad it all came together for u. Hope to see u at Ky tradfest.

Welcome back, look forward to you posts.

Well,  I guess I just have be patient. Glad you made it back safely.  I am sure the story will be worth the wait.

well done scott when are ya coming back down here looks like ya'll had a good time.    :archer:

Looking forward to the details, NZ is a mystical place to hunt.
Cant wait.
Cheers
Mark.

Get some rest...I (and I know everyone else here) is eager to hear of your grand adventure.

If no one shared their successful or unsuccessful trips afield this would turn into a boring tech talk site. Share away!

Notwithstanding the posts of the many individuals who have already extended to you their unreserved congratulations, I feel I must opine as well with respect to your singularly inspiring accomplishment...

AWESOME, DUDE!

Congrats and get some rest my friend!   :campfire:    :coffee:

That's a monster.   :thumbsup:

Wow, that's fantastic!  Congratulations!

I heard part of the story today on the phone.  Can't wait to read your account of the adventure.

Mike

Way to go. Holy cow !!!!!!   :clapper:    :archer2:

Welcome home Friend,looking forward to reading of your adventure. I enjoy your colorful writings.  Hope your hunting in NZ fulfilled your expectations and instilled a lifetime of memories and new friends in which to share them.

NZ>>>>>>>New Zealand<<<<<<
Dreams of a NZ red stag pursuit intensified to the melting point in 2007. This charter was in process and illness over the next few years seemingly eradicated this coveted adventure. Fellow Trad Gang member 'wusup' both rekindled the fire and inspired me to fervently pursue my dream. Much is owed wusup.

Identifying a personally desired outfitter was quite frustrating and a TG post guided me in the absolute spot-on direction. Wildside Hunting Safaris on the North Island was easily chosen. The issue that concerned me is that I had failed to identify a viable 2nd choice..
Just some of the attributes:
100% Fair Chase
100% Born in the wild
No food plots
No feeders
No hormones
Spot and stock
Quality herd
Archery focused
Numerous traditional successes
Exhibited the ultimate respect for family, hunter and the red stag.
Numerous recommendations such as one in particular from Dale Karch
Since I was determined to hunt eight days, then offered his one and only guarantee..."we would get close".

Had numerous communications with Gerald Fluerty of Wildside Hunting Safaris prior to booking. I was took contract the hunt in Jan. 2012, however just a month prior, Gerald's visit to an SCI show in the US, 2014 was greatly successful and 2014 was completely booked. We both were disappointed and Gerald contacted me 2 days later. He strategized that we could hunt the stags prior to the 'ROAR", while they were still in bachelor groups and that there would be far less eyes since a stag would less likely be accompanied by numerous hinds; and the antlers would likely have less damage due to serious engagements. Note: we saw one behemoth bodied stage fending off  ten stags stage left with 30 hinds stage right.. He also, stated the 'ROAR" could likely start towards the end of my hunt. Without hesitation, I was in.

From their base on the southern slopes of the North Island's highest mountain, the magnificent Mount Ruapehu and adjoining the Tongariro National Park, Wildside Hunting Safaris conducts trophy hunting safaris on both the North and South Island. A short walking distance from Wildside's Ruapehu Hunting Lodge is the start of Wildside's North Island exclusive private land hunting concession, where huge red and fallow stags roam in their natural herds and habitat. A habitat perfectly suited for the thrilling "spot and stalk" hunting for which Wildside Hunting Safaris is world renown.

The team WHS team consisted of Gerald, Brenda & son Joe Fluerty and Ben Shaule - a BC Rocky mountain goat guide specialist as well as a grizzly, elk and red stag guide. This group is not only highly skilled within each's individual role, they left an indelible impression for this group is blessed.

Below is a pic of the lodge and the spectaular view from the lodge of Mount Ruapehu:

  (http://i.imgur.com/zMNk3wb.jpg)
  (http://i.imgur.com/QehgvMw.jpg)

:campfire:

Here we go!

:campfire:

This is going to be good!

Scott,

Looking forward to hearing about the stalk and how those ACS-RC Limbs performed!!!

CONGRAT's on the trip AND the hunt!!!

Stump

Oh boy!    :coffee:

I can't wait to hear this story. What a beast!

Note: Still waiting on pics, permissions and authorizations.

Wow that beast Is magnificent ! And beautiful bow as well!!
Congrats Friend     :thumbsup:

Seems personally demeaning somewhat to assign an SCI score to an animal. Yet, this is quantitative value utilized to establish the target animal. After nine months of relentless searching, I was only able to identify one confirmed traditional red stag harvest over a SCI 350 score. Ironically, the upper 350's beautiful stag was harvested by Dale Karch just last year and also had been taken at Wildside Safaris.
Note: Will post a pic of Dale's magnificent stag if granted authorization.

My established objective, while possibly unrealistic, was to pursue a SCI 350+ stag. Yet, my ultimate desire constantly wandered two classes higher...SCI 380 – 399. Yes, I was dreaming large.

After arriving, and having had some time to become acquainted with the team, we got down to business. The initial meeting prior to the hunt was a complete shock. Gerald informed me that they would like to spend the 1st 4-5 days pursuing a stag which would break the SCI 400 barrier. I had not even dreamed that big. Caught totally off guard, and don't even recall my response, I am sure that I uttered something quite unintelligible.

Little did I ever conceive that this endeavor would stand alone as the most rigorous, torturous and rewarding hunt of my life.

Day 1 Morning hunt
Saw a spectacle of numerous stags and multitudes of hinds. Stags were constantly picking us out to over 400 yards and were well versed to recognize a human form. Standing motionless seemed never to serve us well as they were quite weary and owned exceptional noses.

Day1  Afternoon hunt
Gerald spots a super stag positioned for favorable wind and available cover stalk. We close the distance to ~125 yards, then maneuver slowly another 50 yards and then we are out of cover. We then back out and circle, then climb a steep wooded hill side. Now w/I 45 yards, I crawl out into the grass field to a large tree. Peering to the right, I see a younger stag ~50 yards out and walking directly towards me.
Then, I peer around the tree to left and the large stag is feeding broadside out ~30 yards.  I make the fatal mistake of being a right handed shooter and attempting to shoot off the left side of the tree.  Busted.....an unfamiliar characteristic with regards to the red stag is that they never once ever look directly at us unless at a considerable distance. If they see you in their peripheral vision, they immediately vanish. Chalk up that blown stalk as a lesson learned. Gerald just smiled and said "you will fare better the next opportunity".

This beauty of a stag had a damaged pedicel likely as a 'spiker' which contributed to exotic right side antler growth.

This majestic and intimidating beauty is whom I faced on my first encounter.

This pic was taken from the 75 yard position. It was amazing to see Gerald raise the camera above the cover and take the photo as if the camera was mounted on a mechanical extension.

 (http://i.imgur.com/rZQmZ0E.jpg)

Often times, spikers damage their pedicles during their 1st year of antler growth. It is suspected that the significant 1st year growth may be too large for the smaller pedicle.

 (http://i.imgur.com/hf7TwbU.jpg)

Ben, the Rocky Mountain goat guide specialist, was to guide me the next seven days. We wanted to formulate a plan of attack to make another attempt on this fine red stag. Gerald informed us not to waste our time. The damaged pedicle stag only permitted one close encounter a year.

Day 2 hunt
Ben and I covered much ground in 7 ½ hrs that day. The scenery, fauna and animals were fulfillment enough. We made five stalks, two of which were interfered with by cattle and three were blown by abrupt wind changes.Foul weather was quickly approaching.
A great day even though we never got close.

Day 3 morning hunt
Cyclone had hit the North Island and we awoke to 75 mph gusts of wind. A great day to sleep in, but we didn't. We endured wind and sideways rain and managed to locate some unapproachable positioned stags.

Now Ben is 6''3""....weighs 170#s ... a mountain guide...sporting merely size 10 hooves and 35 years younger. With my own limitations due to illness....loss of lower peripheral vision, compromised balance and coordination... keeping up with this unsaddle broken...ginger under the tail mustang took a major toll on me. I was seriously contemplating how I could possibly last much longer. I had fallen at least twice each outing and had both Gerald and Ben quite concerned.

Finally we reached another incline and I could no longer control my steps nor would they move on command. We cut that hunt short by an hour and both Ben and I were thrilled to be out of the weather.

My extensive preparation and training should have been augmented by not over foraging. Less pork and more beans should have been a significantly greater focus in the preparation. Perhaps next time I will  be carrying considerably less pork and a be prepared to deliver more chop.

That stag is awesome! Can't wait to hear more.

Day 3 Afternoon hunt...The Gem of New Zealand
Winds had died down to approximately 50 mph gust. As we were driving through the property, to our surprise, we were seeing stags everywhere with the wind blowing directly to the back of the property.

For some unknown reason,  I felt rejuvenated and said to Ben with the utmost confidence "This afternoon will be our opportunity." I don't recall ever be so bold and confident.
Driving another ¾ mile back to the end of the property, we knew we would encounter numerous stag groups starting ¼ mile on the hunt towards the front.

We hadn't traveled a couple of hundred yards when we spotted a group ~30 reds so we maneuvered below them while they were on the left side of a wood lot. We needed to close the distance and verify they were any target stags. Our approach would have been to circle and cut through the wood lot. As we were about to proceed, ten arapawa sheep stepped out the right side of the wood lot. Both reds and sheep were feeding on both sides. After ten minutes, we decided the stalk was doomed.

Ben then set out to scout the next 150 yards towards the prpeorty front to avoid another surprise encounter and determine how we should proceed. Standing there in the sideways rain, the wind strikes me and actually nocks me to the ground. I get up and here comes Ben.
Ben  was excited and had spotted two stags in an ideal position and one was a ripper. We took off at hi pace sprint and found myself running and then unable to slow down and nearly ate some NZ dirt. We then, belly crawled 75 yards and slipped up a narrow side grass field toward the wood lot corner.  I was positioned behind five yards from the bush.

Ben felt the large stag was going to travel down the narrow section of the field alongside me and ~30 yards out. I was most uneasy. I didn't wish for a 30 yard shot in perfect conditions, the heavy winds were running down the narrow filed side and I felt exposed. The large strag started to proceed in my direction then turned back. I was relieved and dove into the dark cover of the bush. Note: Woods in NZ called 'bush" have heavy canopies and doesn't permit sunlight to reach the ground. The ground is similar to most mulch with sparse ferns.

I had cut the corner in the bush 5 yards from the grass field where the two stags were. Amazingly, there was a substantial wind break there.
The stags were moving from left to right on the opposite lower side of the knoll. A tree stood ~18 yards and the non-target stag was to pass first. The larger stag was to pass beyond the tree in seconds and when he passed all I could see was the top half of his body. A shot I have performed many times, but not willing to take in a hunting situation.


I was on my knees due to highly uneven ground and possible upper limb interference. I wanted to be comfortable and solid. Ben was standing and was a little bewildered when I whispered that I don't have a shot. Immediately, I pointed out to Ben an enormous set of head gear ten yards back from the tree and approaching the top of the knoll.
Ben had two seconds to give me thumbs up and he did. I never even saw the full head gear, nor the head or even ten percent of the body.
I ascertained that once he past the tree, he would be 24 yards. Once his nose past the tree, I drew, locked and he stepped and stopped
preciously were I already had the arrow positioned. Can't do this in practice, however all I saw was that  my window was focused on a tight shoulder 1/3up the body  dark spot.

Strangely, I vividly recall expanding and then release. The arrow did not deviate at all from my focused area. The mark was good and I had just made the best shot of my life and just happened to be in a most special situation.

The stag immediately stumbled, took a step then faltered and then trotted off 70 yards remaining in plain view. The other stags were watching him as none of them heard the shot due to the bothersome wind. He stood there statuesque for ~20 seconds, then the foundation indicated an increasing undeniable weakening to near collapse. He attempted a step the succumbed to the lethal mark... kicked twice...then movevement was no more as he expired.

I just dropped my head and contemplated the unseemingly improbable collaboration of events that had just transpired. Ben was excited and jumping and had to prod me to get me moving. I attempted to visit the mark of the arrow impact, then Ben grabbed me and said "Let's go see him".
I stood a few yards from the downed majestic stag and offered prayers over a couple of minutes before touching him. Then joy overtook me. The actual harvest of a deer has typically been the low point for me. This time I was blessed to have such a fine guide, the genuine care and love of the Fluerty family, the opportunity of this adventure and being permitted to fully enjoy this highly regarded moment.

Green Score....SCI 439 1/8
Bow....Traditional

Ben and Me
 (http://i.imgur.com/niATe5a.jpg)


That darn Dryad can't stay out of the pics
 (http://i.imgur.com/36IiZ8R.jpg)

Could not hold the skull and horns out from me.
(http://i.imgur.com/znSHGO1.jpg)


Even the ugly are entitled to good fortune
(http://i.imgur.com/ZtLycfV.jpg)

Do note that many pics had to be deleted due to my 'missing a chromosome" facial expressions.

What a fantastic hunt and animal!  Congratulations on a very special trophy!

Bernie

Equipment:

Bow: Dryad ACS RC...60"s...~50#s at my draw

Arrow: Victory VForce HV350...100 gn insert...250 gn BH...562 gn total...30% Ultra-EFOC

BH: 250 gn VPA Terminator

Quiver: Safari Tuff

Very nice!! Congrats on a great hunt.

Wow! Congrats.

Scott,

I know you won't say without being prodded to do so, but where in the scheme of things does a score of 439 and change for a red stag rank in the record books?

Congrats Friend, great blow by blow account, what a cracker of a stag.    :clapper:

Great hunt and good shooting bud!  Congratulations on the hunt of a lifetime!!!

Your adventure is like a chapter out of E. Donnall Thomas' Have Bow, Will Travel: Around the World Adventure with Longbow and Recurve.

I can't get over the size of that majestic stag.

Great story and congratulations.

John...have received several inquiries regarding this resplendent stag.

Frankly...I adamantly prefer to maintain a low profile and won't pursue any record qualifications unless it truly aids someone in need.

Your inquiry elicits more honor than deserved and is indeed appreciated; however this unusual harvest was hardly a direct result of my own personal skills.

This rare opportunity presented itself, by some unascertained deduction, within the presence of momentary preparedness.

The regal stag does warrant a commendation, not me, as separating the two is often quite complicated. I already have my reward.

That is quite an impressive stag Scott. Congratulations

Friend, again, a fantastic hunt and animal! And a big thank you for sharing, despite your modesty and humble nature.

I have to disagree with you on one point though. I believe it IS a personal skill to find the right people to connect with to put yourself in the right situation for the grand opportunity, and then to pull yourself together enough to execute an ethical shot while at your physical limits' edge. Give yourself some credit! You deserve it!

Also, you might consider that entering your trophy into the record books is not necessarily an act of vanity, but also a wonderful advertisement for the outfitters that you speak so highly of.

Just some food for thought.

Again, a heartfelt and hearty congratulations to you and those who helped you to achieve your dream!

wow! what a hunt,what a story, what a great adventure. A lifetime of memories, thanks for shearing them with all of us.

Rather amazing an animal can grow that much bone out of its head in 3 or 4 months. I'm not much for the word trophy as applied to animals killed, that's just an incredible beast. You are very fortunate.  Congrads.

Congratulations on the culmination of your 7 year quest.  An absolutely beautiful Stag, and your field notes are more well written than many folks classic works.  

I agree with Fattony's position....there was an incredible amount of skill and planning to get you to that shot....kudos for being physically and mentally prepared to capitalize.    :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by Fattony77:
[QB] Friend, again, a fantastic hunt and animal! And a big thank you for sharing, despite your modesty and humble nature.

I have to disagree with you on one point though. I believe it IS a personal skill to find the right people to connect with to put yourself in the right situation for the grand opportunity, and then to pull yourself together enough to execute an ethical shot while at your physical limits' edge. Give yourself some credit! You deserve it!


  He took the words right out of my typing fingers! You should feel very proud as well as thankful for the success of such an awe inspiring hunt. Your patients,practice and hard work can not go unnoticed. Fantastic stag Friend.......Simply WOW!     Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us.   :clapper:

Congratulations to my friend... Great job

Exceptional!!! Congrats on a fine,fine animal and a job well done.Thanks for sharing.  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

There are no more adjectives to add to this post, you did great!  Congratulations on a spectacular animal.

Scott what an exceptional animal and effort...  Congratulations!!!  

Well done !!!

Great stag thanks for taking us along. Were you able to bring the meat home? Is it similar to elk in taste?

Living the dream .... truly an awesome animal.

Congratulations on your fine adventure, well told !

Is no one gonna ask how he tasted ????
That probably was one heck of a backstrap eh Friend?!!

Great story, good job!

The red deer were introduced to New Zealand over 150 years prior. Deer farming for meat is quite popular in NZ. These animals are grazers and basically have the same diet as cattle. Last year at a local Wild Game Banquet, the red deer was the stand- out that ended up pleasing many a palette. I have had the pleasure to dine on red stag five times now. It is easily my favored deer table fair as compared to whitetail, elk and moose. Absolutely no wild taste, as if you hadn't heard that one before. Looks and, tastes quite similar to a fine sirloin.

Congratulations, fantastic hunt !  What an experience, thanks for sharing.

Just now got caught up on this!

WOW! What a stud!

Congrats again, Friend!

Bisch

I am both thoroughly grateful and emphatically humbled by the multitude of wonderful responses from the Trad Gang family.

Many thanks!!!!

The stag, your trip with friends, the hunting story, and your eloquent writing style are all outstanding! Congrats!

Hey Scott I believe you should change your avatar.

Friend.
I have spoken to my wife many times about my personal "bucket list" dream hunt.
You have simultaneously lived it and served as inspiration that it doesn't have to be a dream.
A most sincere congratulations sir.
Well done on all accounts.

Nice stag indeed!   :archer:

Wow, what a hunt. Congratulations!!!

A fantastic tale and animal.

Congratulations.

We could all probably be "carrying less pork and delivering more chop..." You sure stepped up.

Congratulations again Scott on a beautiful stag, my hat is off to you and your personal fortitude along the journey.

Thank you for the great story and photos...    :thumbsup:

Oustanding stag!  Congrats Scott

Outstanding.   And thanks for sharing.  I took some notes and my hunting interests have expanded.  :-)

I just completed reading your story and it is of the same quality as your stag - OUTSTANDING!

I think you should reconsider your position on submitting him for the record book.  I believe the listings are more about the animals then the people, and this stag is truly outstanding.

:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :clapper:

Very nice !!! Congrats and thanks for sharing   :thumbsup:

Hard to put the right words to what a tremendous animal that is. We could all live several lifetimes and not even see, much less shoot, a beast like that. Awesome!

hey friend try fallow deer next time and you won't eat red ever again trust me   :thumbsup:

Congrats on a super fine animal!   :clapper:    :clapper:

Have taken my good friend Shed Hunter's advice to update avatar.

Thank you!

Thats Great!  :thumbsup:

What an incredible animal!  Your telling of the tale inspires dreams for the rest of us and for that I thank you.  Congratulations on a wonderful adventure.

Just looked at this post for the first time.

That's no stag; that's an oak blowdown viewed from the roots! What a monster!

Those New Zealand stags make the European variety look like poor cousins.

Congrats on a truly wonderful hunt.

Don't know how I'm just seeing this, but here's to a fine stag, Friend!  That is truly a fine beast!  

When I started reading the thread I was sure it was going to end with Friend mesmerizing the stag with some impressive, flowery words until a shot could be had.   ;) . Always a pleasure reading your posts.  Don't ever worry about "bragging" we need to see some hunt stories to keep our sanity this time of year.  Thanks for posting.

:notworthy:  No words.    :notworthy:

What a great hunt and story-finest animal one could dream of.
Well done Friend! Wow!!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Well done Friend! A beautiful trophy and a beautiful story.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

Great story of the hunt thanks for sharing it with us.
 
 That is one magnificent Stag...!

Quote from Jeff B:
well done scott when are ya coming back down here looks like ya'll had a good time. [clapper] [clapper] [archer2] [archer]


Planning a hopeful return in 2018.

That is fantastic. Congratulations!

Congrats! Great story and animal!

Dale Karch of 3Rivers hunted with this same extraordinary NZ group last year. He was most generous in giving up 30"s to offer invaluable detailed advice for the planning and preparation of my own adventure.

This stag's quality head gear represents a superior traditional harvest.


Note: Dale provided me authorization to post a pic of his classic stag.

(http://i.imgur.com/XEbs0Zk.jpg)

Dale also provided me authorization to post a pic of this highly exceptional fallow.

Even though Dale had taken the largest Red Stag with traditional equipment that I could locate, the harvest of a Fallow Buck of this magnitude with traditional equipment may possibly be a far superior achievement.

 (http://i.imgur.com/1c2tYtk.jpg)

I spent five days chasing Fallow bucks before their own rut.  Saw at least 150, yet never...never got close.

Note: The Fallow bucks were so weary that the only relaxed one observed was after shooting light.

I came to be quite familiar with the rear bumper of the Fallow deer.  Never got close enough to read the bumper stickers; however my guide said it read "see ya!!!!".

Can you imagine shedding and growing those racks every year? What does that do to the body chemistry?! I'm sure you could almost see the rack grow on the older animals.

I finally got to read this last night.  Thanks for Sharing, wish I would have known about that place when I was down there. Always nice to see NZ pics.

Congrats Sir...every trad bowhunter should have a 'jaw dropper' moment like that.

Great great story friend! What an accomplishment!
In, an I'm sure, gorgeous place.
Very happy for you!!

Friend congrats on a amazing adventure and thank you for sharing it with such a detailed and well  versed account of things. Awesome.  rat'

QuoteOriginally posted by John Havard:
Here you go:

  (http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/JCHavard/IMG_0314_2_zpsf31b48f4.jpeg) (http://s603.photobucket.com/user/JCHavard/media/IMG_0314_2_zpsf31b48f4.jpeg.html)  

What an INCREDIBLE trophy stag!

Congratulations!

  :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Keep the wind in your face!

Shoot straight, Shinken

  :archer2:

(http://i.imgur.com/22eKCz5.jpg)

naw more fun in small truck   :biglaugh:

Shoulda strapped it to the hood.  That would have been something!!

Do not know how I missed this great story and photos ???

Had to be a thrill of a hunt congrats Scott     :clapper:    :clapper:

Congrats once again to all the hunters involved,really exceptional trophies!

Just recently recieved the horns and hide from NZ.

My good friend Shed hunter(Michael Shepherd) provided me much pleasure by sharing in this continueing covetted and thought provoking imagery.

(http://i.imgur.com/sRzY0Ua.jpg)

Hopefully, many from the Trad Gang family are blessed to enjoy a sacred hunt.

Should expect the taxidermy completion in February.

Scott that rack is massive. You can really tell the size with holding it at my 5'-6" height. It ways a ton, I couldn't see an animal can carry something that heavy on its head. Congrats! I cant wait to see it after the taxidermist gets done with it.

Mount should be completed in April.

Quite interested in a return hunt to NZ.

Can't wait to see the mount Friend.

Really nice, can't wait to see pic's of the mount.

Very well done, and well told, with clarity and integrity, Friend and wordsmith!

I sincerely appreciate your attitude and integrity in your hunt.

Recently brought up the "Dream Hunt" thread as it's wonderful to hear what you guys dream about.

Here is one in which a guy finally pursued his "Dream" and was successful beyond his imagination.  If you have not read our brother Friend's story you should.  The story and pictures start a few pages in but you will be amazed!!   Definitely worth the read.  

Scott says the mount should be back from the taxidermist soon. Looking forward to seeing this one!  

  :campfire:

Wow, great hunt Scott!

Thank you...Thank you!!!

http://imgur.com/a/H5caJ

This has to be the most beautiful animal on the planet to hunt!!! So majestic!! It is also my "dream" animal.
We should try to grow some of these big boys in Ky...............   :pray:    :pray:    :pray:    :pray: