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.
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.
Welcome to episode one of ‘The Ballot is Bloody Rigged’ – a podcast by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation.
Roy Sloan, General Manager, and Adam Fairmaid, President, talk about how Wapiti were introduced, what their home range is, traits of a Wapiti, they talk conservation efforts, reflect on hunting culture, back country huts, and talk about how gnarly fiordlands is….o yeah, and the ballot is rigged.
Wapiti Hunting Ballot Key Dates
Ballot Open 18/08/2025 – 14/11/2025 – 5:00pm
Wapiti ballot drawn 22/11/2025–5:00pm
Ballot periods
1st period 20th March – 29th March 2026 – Briefing 19th March 6:30pm
2nd period 30th March – 8th April 2026 – Briefing 29th March 6:30pm
3rd period 9th April – 18th April 2026 – Briefing 8th April 6:30pm
4th period 19th – 28th April 2026 (ALL BLOCKS) – Briefing 18th April 6:30pm
This document is a proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing (the Minister) to make a herd management plan and, following consultation, designate a Herd of Special Interest for Wapiti in Fiordland National Park.
Each week, deer shot in Southland and across New Zealand are left to waste in the hills, while families go hungry without access to healthy protein. The We Hunt Food Charitable Trust, a Fiordland Wapiti Foundation initiative, addresses this disconnect by enabling hunters to donate harvested venison—one of the healthiest proteins available—directly to food banks, improving food security for local communities.
The inaugural Wāhine & Wapiti trip, Feb 2024, was such a success that we’re crazy enough to run it again—this time it’s bigger and better.
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.
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation predator trapping program commenced in 2005 and was due to a lot of hard…
Ever since their release at the head of George Sound in March 1905, nothing has aroused hunters’ passion more than…
Key Dates
Ballot opens: 01/09/2024 – 08/11/2024 – 5:00pm
Ballot drawn: 16/11/2024 – 5:00pm
1st period: 20th March – 29th March 2025
2nd period: 30th March – 8th April 2025
3rd period: 9th April – 18th April 2025
4th period: 19th – 28th April 2025 (ALL BLOCKS)
Fiordland Wapiti hunting during the rut is one of the most sort after hunting opportunities in the New Zealand hunting calendar.
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 how to evaluate Wapiti bulls.
It’s going to improve your chances of shooting
a real trophy – a big old bull
Celebrate wapiti, Fiordland, and the people who care for them.
Wāhine Night – Fri 21 Nov.
Stories, laughs, the 2026 Wildcard Draw, a premiere, plus nibbles and good company.
Live Ballot Draw – Sat 22 Nov.
Dinner, auctions, a guest speaker, and the 2025 ballot drawn live on stage.
Tickets are limited! Don’t miss Fiordland’s biggest weekend.