I'd like to possibly take a trip over to New Zealand with a buddy for a couple of Big Stags, Tahr an Chamois. I've seen some monster auction hunts go for anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 for big 400"-500" Stag.
Can a guy get a good mid-high 400" Stag, Tahr and Chamois for $15,000 each in 2018 w/out going to an auction?
As 505ed stated, Paul Bamber at Wanganui Safaris is highly recommended and has an amazing place to hunt. Full service, top notch guides, excellent cook. They go out of their way to get it done. I actually spoke to a couple other guides while we were visiting a town on the south island. They asked where we had hunted. When we told them with Paul Bamber, there immediate response was, "oh wow, he is one of the top 5 outfitters in all of New Zealand. I imagine you guys enjoyed your hunt?" Our response was an astounding yes.
His Tahr and Chamois can be had for $5500 a piece and that includes helicopter time. Some will even discount the hunt if you go after both as the helicopter time is essentially the same since both of these can be found in similar habitats/regions. If I am not mistaken it was $8,500 for both a tahr/chamois hunt combo but don't quote me on that. I would definitely ask your outfitter about a discount if going after both. Paul said they also do "non-helicopter" tahr and chamois hunts. Start out at sea level and hike all the way up to the top of the mountains. Sounds like a ton of work and after seeing those mountains I am sure it is. We will be heading back to give it a go in the near future.
No way you are getting a mid 400 class stag for $15,000, unless they mis-score it in the field prior to you shooting it. You might get a 390-400 for $15,000. The one I shot scored 451. You can pm me for the price I paid for it. My friends dad shot a 493 and it was no where close to $15,000. Once you hit 400, the price goes up exponentially for every 10-20 points no matter the outfitter you are with. One thing you will not regret is going and spending the money. It's an absolutely stunning place with some extremely rugged terrain depending where you are. Every photo you take is absolutely beautiful. Best trip I have ever been on. PM me if you have additional questions about the hunt or other things to do besides hunting. If you are married I would definitely take your wife. I know mine had a blast even at the ranch. Paul arranged for all the ladies to get massages in town, and him and his wife Kristie spent the day with them in town, going to local stores and sampling all the local flare. My wife had a blast.