Mid Burn Wapiti Ballot 2023 - Would You Take the Shot? 10-Day Fiordland Wapiti Hunting Expedition

Рет қаралды 51,801

7 ай бұрын

On this hunt we found the biggest deer we've ever seen through a decade of backcountry hunting. Watch along as we explore into the depths of Fiordland National Park in New Zealand in search of a Wapiti bull for the wall.
WEBSITE - southislandriflewalkers.mysho...
If you're keen to support the channel jump across to our website and grab yourself some merch. All of the proceeds go back into the channel on better camera gear and bigger trips. Thanks so much for the support 🍻
GIVEAWAY details:
In this episode we are giving away a pair of LOWA Tibets and a couple of pairs of Thorlos Trekking socks. We've been using LOWAs for a few years now and we've never been let down. These boots are designed for the mountains with out the box comfort and plenty of ankle support to look after your feet on those big missions.
To get in the draw spot the codeword during the video and head over to our social media accounts linked below and comment the codeword on the giveaway post from Monday the 6th of November. You'll see a photo of the boots in the post.
From there, like or follow our page and Lowa.huntingaunz and you're in the draw to win!
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Website:
southislandriflewalkers.mysho...
Music sourced from epidemic sound:
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Пікірлер: 139

@mitchimal 7 ай бұрын

Truly in awe boys, not just an unreal production and trip but such integrity for letting that bull walk... I don't know anyone with the discipline to do that but I take my hat off to you. Kiwi hunters are built different I swear. More Aussies could learn a thing or two watching this content. Next trip he's yours 🤘

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

It was a tough tough call but glad we left it in the end. He'll look even better next roar. Cheers Mitch!

@tonyphillips7773 16 күн бұрын

Great call letting him walk, full credit and respect to you all.

@richardt.4224 7 ай бұрын

I have to say, that must be one of the best video's you guys have put out! This may sound as if I'm a bit of a Wus, but seeing that stunning countyside views I was near to tears. The reason being, I'm seventy and would have to be flown in, but that's never going to happen. I'm a long time shooter and hunter, but that's water fowling, centrefire only came three years ago. I try to get out at least every six weeks or so, but nothing like this I've just seen. Fantastic job and great filming; all I can say is thank you and more please.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words Richard! Really glad you enjoy our stuff and we'll keep on creating more! Happy hunting 😁

@SoPhATy 2 ай бұрын

What a legendary video. This is what hunting dreams are made of. Awesome to see you lads out there enjoying our magnificent country. Hats off to you boys

@cairnzyj09 6 ай бұрын

One of the best wapiti hunting Fiordland experience vids I’ve watched guys. Well done.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Too kind mate, glad you enjoyed it!

@sandcontour 6 ай бұрын

Wow, what a test of man and gear! You showed a hell of a lot of maturity, leaving that stag.

@Bushman_sam 6 ай бұрын

OK NOW I’M EXCITED!!! I can tell a lot of hard work and love went into making this video and it sure pays off. You lads are the hunting advocates our country deserves

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers Sam, all the best for the block next year mate! Hope you catch up with the donk 🤞

@Erelyes 6 ай бұрын

You made the right call in not taking that shot. Absolute class and integrity guys. Fantastic video

@hamishmaxa6509 6 ай бұрын

I reckon one of you will get a big pay back reward for holding off on that stag one day. Young fellas, plenty of years ahead of you all. Awesome production!

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Fingers crossed, we'll keep looking regardless! Cheers man!

@Slipperygecko390 7 ай бұрын

He's 100% a red but he'll still grow bigger. That was a cool shot ae, there's bigger ones out there for you lads. Just seeing them like that and knowing they're real is enough to stoke the fires for years. That one in the creek at the end had some real length too.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Too right mate so cool to know they're out there! Yeah that one in the creek will definitely be something soon too. Cheers

@kev3718 7 ай бұрын

Awesome trip boys, absolute ripper of an edit once again. That’s a dream hunt for us over the ditch.

@maoriboy6556 Ай бұрын

Just earnt yourselves another sub tu meke for letting him spread his genes for another year 💪🏿 solid footage chur chur

@FishandHunt 7 ай бұрын

More quality content. You deserve more followers lads. And good on you for holding off on the shot 👍🏻

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate!!

@FatIvan22 6 ай бұрын

Stunning footage guys. What an amazing trip and huge respect for leaving that bull to peak in another year or two.

@WildNZOutdoors 6 ай бұрын

Epic video fellas! Brings back all the memories of my trips into Fiordland over the last couple of years! Ripper bull and good on you for letting him walk, a lot of people would have not have made that call. Cheers

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, there's no place quite like it aye

@exNZFS 6 ай бұрын

Hey Lads great video as always I’ve done 15 Fiordland trips all into good blocks/ George/ Edith etc and seen many animals over that time You should have shot that stag granted probably 36 inch long category but a blatant red stag if any wap in him then it’s very little ( red coloring no chocolate neck/ legs and a red like caudal disc - best out of the gene pool and presto you have a reasonable 14 for your collection. Keep the content coming cheers mates and hot barrels

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah that's a fair assessment re it's genetics - but would rather see it reach it's potential and get knocked over by someone else than have a head that was close to being a monster. Each to their own though, I'm sure we would've been bloody stoked if we shot him. Just epic to see such an animal!

@khalrissian 7 ай бұрын

Awesome vid guys. Man those over the cliff shots make me tighten up and I’m not even there 😂

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Hahah we feel ya! Some big drops

@AussieBushHarvest 6 ай бұрын

Incredible mission. I loved every bit of that

@stuarthutson7319 7 ай бұрын

Cracking video fellas. Someone in a year or two will really be thanking you blokes, well done. BEATTHEFEET

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate! Hopefully 🤣 comment that on our fb or insta account mate 👍

@aaronharwood2021 6 ай бұрын

Great watch, brings back memories for sure!

@AJProductions-films 6 ай бұрын

Great video guys. Kudos for leaving that good Bull to grow hopefully even bigger for next year. Love the bloopers at the end of the video. Well done.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate. Glad people are enjoying the bloopers, shows a bit more of what we're like behind the camera hahah

@lindsaydudfield1288 6 ай бұрын

Beautiful country, brilliant photography and editing guys - class!

@user-zf7jv8io5o 6 ай бұрын

Shot boys. That antler length to skull ratio can really be applied to Reds as well as the shorter skull means the overall goals similar if your looking for a 40 inch bull. Honestly massive call boys and the right way to think about it where if you have a doubt leave it. I've got a beer for you boys if your ever out Goon.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah we thought as much, probably guessed him around that 38 mark give or take a couple inches. Hahah cheers mate 🍻

@FISHTHEDRIFTNZ 6 ай бұрын

Epic footage lads!

@chrisdenholm5581 7 ай бұрын

Sweet vid fellas, we saw a lot of the same animals the year before in the exact same places but didn’t get to see that big boy. Brave move heading down the river on the way out 😂

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah interesting! Wonder if many people have seen him at all.. Hahah yeah few pucker moments in there... that's for damn sure 😄

@user-zf8ll4hd2g 6 ай бұрын

Yet again another bloody good watch that bull was amazing such a hard call to watch him walk but by far a good decision for a bit more growth and if not for you guys you may hav just given someone there dream bull well done looking forward to the next one guys

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, too right. Hopefully we get sent some photos of him next year!

@sundboy 7 ай бұрын

Awesome respect for the Animal which I appreciate. well done from Scotland

@unclerururu8608 Ай бұрын

First thing I clean , after a few days in the bush when I jump in the river is the old fulla also. 🤣🤣🤣

@mclauchlanhunting9854 6 ай бұрын

Epic video boys, keep it up.

@jamesdick9153 6 ай бұрын

Great filming and I’m sure huge editing effort. Incredible scenery , good times, pretty lucky with the weather.BEATTHEFEET

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, really lucked out with the forecast!

@gigeorge03 7 ай бұрын

Another great watch lads... keep it up!

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

You're an absolute legend, thank you! We will 😄

@livinginthemoment3183 7 ай бұрын

BEATTHEFEET love your stuff guys!!

@hairystag 6 ай бұрын

Another great video lads 👍

@Montydude 4 ай бұрын

Your guys videos sure excite me. What a epic time! Thanks for your videos. Recently decided to plan the trip, and make the memory. Likely 2025. Just looks too amazing to not go.

@HuntingCreed 7 ай бұрын

Was nice seeing that country again (was the first block I got to hunt in the ballot periods . . . went in up the true left of the river) Nice to relive the views . . . from the top of that block you get to look westward into the wilderness zone and ya just have to go bak aye. Good call on the big fella (and good call getting off the tops down into the bush at that time. . .. those kea were really annoying ya aye!) Cheers for sharing.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Awesome mate yeah wicked block! Be cool to see it from the other side too. Thanks mate, we're pleased we left him he'll be amazing next year.

@BushEscape 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding vid guys, holy crap those Kea, 2am in the morning...what the hell.😅. Very very hard choice to let the big fella go, could see the roar emotion on his face, I have to be honest, if it was me he would have been in real danger, but as always top vid and super entertaining. Well done boys. Phil

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Hahah yeah they were giving us assholes! Fair enough too man, was a 50/50 decision we would've been happy with either way

@michaelhourican7211 6 ай бұрын

An excellent adventure boys enjoyable as ever even when the shit hit the fan you boys alwys seem to be having a laugh keep up the good work I look forward to every episode. The Bloopers at the end was an extra bonus. I would like to take my hat off to you as an older hunter to see you boys show restraint and maturity in letting that Bull go for another year. maximum respect.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate glad that shows through, we're out there to have fun! Even if it is type two fun sometimes... haha

@willgudgin7468 7 ай бұрын

Awesome video lads, keep it up 👍👍

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers bro!

@bretthilton607 7 ай бұрын

BEATTHEFEET absolte quality fellas! Love the video!

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate!!

@muzzkeg8172 7 ай бұрын

Another great vid with great mates and great country.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Thats what it's all about 🍻

@chillingout8854 7 ай бұрын

Great video, guys. Man, that would have been hard to let that stag go, your better than me. 😂

@karlullah9798 7 ай бұрын

Awesome watch boys🤙🏽

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers bro

@DS-lj3lu 6 ай бұрын

LEGENDS!!!

@darranadam992 7 ай бұрын

that stag was awesome looking at ya footage i would say more red than wap awesome video

@petervanderbeek9518 6 ай бұрын

congrats boys this is hunting the hard way

@edwardhaigh4249 4 ай бұрын

I was feeling the pain with you on that one lads,been there once or twice ,I work with if there's any doubt let em go and let em grow ,good skills, cheers from Ausie.

@mikebarone4902 6 ай бұрын

Epic trip team awesome Holly use done bloody well to not shoot that big big he was impressive

@retchy6994 6 ай бұрын

love the videos lads. would love to support and buy some merch. hopefully you guys can start sending stuff to Aus soon.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate glad to hear! Yup we’re currently working out how to do international orders on our website so keep your eyes peeled in the coming months!

@ianhawthorne2654 7 ай бұрын

awesome vid guys i would have to agree one more year will make a big difference on his length. those cheeky feathered rascals have lot to answer for they would bankrupt if they were made to pay for all there damage

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah! He'll be unreal next year. Haha they definitely would! They'd be in trouble if they still had a bounty on them too...

@shanemildenhall8326 7 ай бұрын

Cool vid, great to see other hunters have the great sense to let an animal like that walk. You are so right to say let his genetics spread for a few more years. I agree that he’s got a lot more red then wap in him. I would put him in that 6 to 7yr age. Great decision to let him go, I would have made the same call. I think his left tops ( front two) are weaker then the right, so for me that would have given him the benefit and hope he was better next year for someone

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah spot on there mate! He will look great next year for sure. Hopefully we will see a picture next year. Cheers

@zachopkins865 7 ай бұрын

Cute slippers at the Bakery on the weekend Raddy

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Raddy's secret admirer ?

@AbelandVictoria 7 ай бұрын

Looks like you guys need some stronger tents for this type of mission

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

You're not wrong.. Or be smarter and camp on the tops when it's not gonna blow its ass off 🤣

@TheBighorn1 6 ай бұрын

Great vid, really enjoyed that once again. Someone needs to come up with a system to scare off kea. Great effort on letting that stag go. The day you do take one will be that much sweeter.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Good to hear mate! That would be handy... too right 🍻

@anthonyniterl4858 Ай бұрын

ripper vid team. Hectic decision. Commend you

@southislandriflewalkers5545 Ай бұрын

Cheers big fella!

@stephenemmerson7084 7 ай бұрын

Amazing footage, that Bull though!! 😢😢

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Beautiful wasn't he

@bigd4000 6 ай бұрын

Amazing scenery 👌👌 Wish we could hunt public land here in Oz🤷‍♂️

@adamhardy1821 9 күн бұрын

Ya can, ya flop! R License for NSW, Vic License, and NT license.

@Callum-im1re 6 ай бұрын

3:15 first time i've heard Raddy out of breath 😂😂Must have been a fair slog 🤣

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Hahah there's no where that humbles you quite like fiordland 😅

@swissmoose 6 ай бұрын

wow thats a hard choice. waay to keep the integrity

@bretthilton607 7 ай бұрын

Bro that takes some discipline to let that walk away that thing was huge!

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Such an incredible animal! Hopefully we get to see some photos of him if he gets taken next year

@casperkantona3205 7 ай бұрын

haha bring on the storm .... next scene holding his tent and defending it with his life 🤣🤣😅😅 wonderfull trip boys GZ from Bosnia and Herzegovina 🤙🤙

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Hahaha that's hilarious 🤣 the trip depended on keeping that tent alive! Cheers for watching mate 👍

@goatculler 6 ай бұрын

Awesome! 14pt Imperial Red Stag you guys passed up. This Stag shows typical Red DNA not Wapiti.

@jhann990 6 ай бұрын

What an absolute stonker. Well done boys. Will you ever ship to the UK?

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah definitely, the websites a work in progress but international shipping is next on the list 👍

@jhann990 6 ай бұрын

@southislandriflewalkers5545 Fantastic, I can vouch for a few orders to start you off! Really excellent work guys - your videos are incredible.

@723ryno 5 ай бұрын

Big Country

@Jim_Lewis_Venni_Vendetta 6 ай бұрын

Enjoyed that lads, well done!! My first impression was that he wasn't really showing Wapiti characteristics TBH, I would call him a red more so than a wap and he likely would have copped some lead for being a dopey bastard out on the clearings as a result.. Good resolve for doing what you felt was right!

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah fair call mate, that was our first observation as well- would've been happy enough to send some lead. Couldn't help but imagine him with another years growth though, will be one hell of an animal!

@trenthill4267 7 ай бұрын

You guys should come up north for a sika Roar

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Would love to one day!

@nedonrockadventures590 6 ай бұрын

BEATTHEFEET ⛺️🤝🤙🏻

@boostedshuttle2231 6 ай бұрын

Go native are my go meal out on trail everytime, way faster and more efficient on gas if you pour them out into you jetboil container. Add sum water and 3 min later it's ready. And the water helps make it go better with the rice. Or butter works great. Fantastic mission boys.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

That's a good idea, they've changed the game for us as far as enjoying your meals in the hills hahah

@manuelwebe 6 ай бұрын

You guys need some pesky parrot deterrent or repellent. Those birds are mean! 😧 Nice video and an awesome adventure. Thanks for sharing.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Hahah that would be handy!

@bensouness287 7 ай бұрын

Wicked effort a lot of will power to not shoot that stag id hazard a guess

@brynmenzies 5 ай бұрын

dont light a fire in your hunting area. mint way to let deer know youre there - for miles

@bruceevans9664 6 ай бұрын

Are there any pure wapiti in the fiordlands or are they all partial crossbreeds with the red deer?

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

The core blocks still hold good genetics, but the fringe blocks definitely have a few generations of red hybridization. Don't think there's been any heads nearing the 60inch found in quite some time though

@bruceevans9664 6 ай бұрын

thanks for the reply. Many youtubers beg for subscriptions and likes but seldom take the time to communicate with viewers. You make some great episodes brings back memories from when I was there@@southislandriflewalkers5545

@huntnheads7945 7 ай бұрын

I would of shot it as a red, good onya though for ya hard resolve . Just subd

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Cheers mate

@peterclarke9232 6 ай бұрын

Great vid guys. Next time don’t let those blokes talk you out of taking a real quality trophy. You only get so many chances in life. Take them.

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yea was a very tough call mate, in the end though we were extremely happy with the footage we got and hopefully if we can encourage more people to do the same and leave animals until they are fully mature we will start seeing more big stags out in the wild. That stag we left will make a hell of a trophy next year or the following

@charliebyrne-cp1qv 7 ай бұрын

BEATTHEFEET

@alihunter2323 7 ай бұрын

Wasint even a wap tht big stag on flats was a red

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

Yeah most likely a hybrid to some degree, a lot of red in him

@KenWhitaker-gj2ox Ай бұрын

Every body makes bad life choices young people just make more of them 😆

@ziruk-king4466 5 ай бұрын

From the Rockies: I am very very glad you don't take that pussy helecopter to the top. There is another kiwa guy that all he does is take stupid helecopter. I am 54 and have used my legs to get me to the top-- it is the most rewarding. And yes I could afford all the new mechanical technology if I want. I choose to do it old school more gratifying. Just my opinion 😊

@ziruk-king4466 5 ай бұрын

Fantastic cinematography, music, and narration. Love how you guys are using your legs. Show your peers the real deal. Fantastic gentleman.

@HillDogTV 7 ай бұрын

EEXXCCELLENNTyyy kuntys

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@bjrnarsorteberglien8867 26 күн бұрын

Why not shoot that stag? There has not been anyone bigger too see And are you just going too look and look for somthing who isnt there

@wilberthreehundred6402 6 ай бұрын

I find it incredible how people can’t tell the difference between a Red stag and an Elk/Wapiti bull….

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

We know this animal has a lot of red genetics in him, but given the area and the size of the animal we're assuming he's some level of wapiti hybrid in him. Regardless, with his genetics another year of breeding in the area is a win in our eyes 👍

@Matt-ze2xc 6 ай бұрын

Don't think U wanted Ur mate dropping it

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

We were all happy with the decision, we didn't explain it in the video but it was mitchs turn on the trigger. Although Chris spotted it he was happy for mitch to take it given he'd filmed Chris shoot his the last time we were in there 👍

@Montydude 4 ай бұрын

Your guys videos sure excite me. What a epic time! Thanks for your videos. Recently decided to plan the trip, and make the memory. Likely 2025. Just looks too amazing to not go.

@chillingout8854 7 ай бұрын

Great video, guys. Man, that would have been hard to let that stag go, your better than me. 😂

@southislandriflewalkers5545 6 ай бұрын

There was a lot of debating it mate! Cheers