Wapiti Winter Weekend - Fri 30th Jun Sun 2nd Jul 2023
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Introducing

Fiordland Wapiti Foundation

The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation was formed to address the potential threat to the flora and fauna of the Fiordland National Park caused by Wapiti deer, an introduced species, while maintaining a quality herd for future trophy hunting opportunities.

WHO IS The FIORDLAND WAPITI FOUNDATION?

We are dedicated to protecting and sharing all the things that make Fiordland Special

In 1993 a group of hunters founded The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, initially as a deer management program. Since then, the Foundation has become guardians of one of Aotearoas’ treasures – Te Waipounamu World Heritage -Fiordland National Park. One of the world’s most prestigious wilderness areas

Formed to address the potential threat to flora and fauna of the Fiordland National Park caused by Wapiti deer, an introduced species, while maintaining a quality herd for future trophy hunting opportunities.

Out of that deer management grows a responsibility for Fiordland, a responsibility not only for the Wapiti deer but also for Fiordland and its environment.

Funded by Recreational Wapiti hunters out of their own pockets, it has been the most successful deer management program in New Zealand. This is a win- win for both conservation and recreation, and since 2005 it has accounted for over 18,000 unwanted deer to date.

Enter The

Wapiti Ballot

Wapiti Hunting Ballot Key Dates

Ballot Open: 01/10/2023 – 30/10/2023 5pm
Ballot Drawn: 4/11/2023 5pm

Ballot Periods
1st period 20th March – 29th March 2024 
2nd period 30th March – 8th April 2024
3rd period 9th April – 18th April 2024
4th period 19th – 28th April 2024 (ALL BLOCKS) 

Fiordland Wapiti Foundation

Annual Report 2022 - 2023

The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, we think of ourselves as caretakers of the 175,000 ha called the Wapiti area of Fiordland we are only one of those who inhabit the area. The place is rough and unapologetic and receives very limited human visitors other than hunters.

Conservation
Whio in river

Hunters Protecting Whio

The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation predator trapping program commenced in 2005 and was due to a lot of hard…

Wapiti Herd

The Wapiti Herd

Ever since their release at the head of George Sound in March 1905, nothing has aroused hunters’ passion more than…

Ballot
Fiordland Wapiti Foundation

Wapiti Ballot

Key Dates
Ballot opens: 1/10/23 - 30/10/23
Ballot Drawn 4/11/23
1st period 20th – 29th March 2024
2nd period 30th March – 8th April 2024
3rd period 9th – 18th April 2024
4th period 19th – 28th April 2024 (ALL BLOCKS

Enter the Wapiti Ballot

Enter the Wapiti Ballot
Ballot

Wapiti Ballot

Fiordland Wapiti hunting during the rut is one of the most sort after hunting opportunities in the New Zealand hunting calendar.

Did You know?
Wapiti Hunters conduct one of New Zealand's largest citizen science projects. Annually amassing over 40,000 hours of native bird monitoring equivalent to 20 years of work for one person.

More than just deer

Hunters know better than most that hunting Wapiti is more than just the deer, it’s a package deal that brings huge health benefits both mentally and physically. Being able to manage our projects in this amazing place is something the Wapiti Foundation cherish, as this program is not only about but also about peoples-hearts and minds.

Lead by a core of Volunteers the Wapiti Foundation it all about Wapiti deer and conservation.

Partnerships with other non-hunting groups were developed out of pure respect for ethical behaviour that was shown by the Wapiti Foundation.

LEARN

Wapiti Bull
 Evaluation

Learn how to evaluate Wapiti bulls.

It’s going to improve your chances of shooting
a real trophy – a big old bull