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

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.
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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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[@mitchimal]

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]

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

[@tonyphillips7773]

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

[@auditor100]

Such a good trip lads. Loved that you controlled your "buck fever" and didn't take the shot. Thank you for the beautiful scenery and light hearts. Cheers

[@richardt.4224]

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]

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

[@Bushman_sam]

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]

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

[@cairnzyj09]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Too kind mate, glad you enjoyed it!

[@kev3718]

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

[@SoPhATy]

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

[@Erelyes]

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

[@sandcontour]

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

[@Slipperygecko390]

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]

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

[@hamishmaxa6509]

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]

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

[@salmonhuntersean5539]

Love seeing the passion and integrity of giving that stag a pass good karma coming your way boys

[@FishandHunt]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Cheers mate!!

[@FatIvan22]

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

[@WildNZOutdoors]

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]

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

[@exNZFS]

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]

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!

[@stuarthutson7319]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@khalrissian]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Hahah we feel ya! Some big drops

[@Montydude]

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.

[@sundboy]

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

[@Cam-e5f]

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]

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

[@aaronharwood2021]

Great watch, brings back memories for sure!

[@EthanHoward-c4s]

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]

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

[@peterbragg]

Enjoyed the video, you guys do it well

[@AJProductions-films]

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]

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

[@lindsaydudfield1288]

Beautiful country, brilliant photography and editing guys - class!

[@AussieBushHarvest]

Incredible mission. I loved every bit of that

[@michaelhourican7211]

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]

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

[@unclerururu8608]

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

[@maoriboy6556]

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

[@jamesdick9153]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Thanks mate, really lucked out with the forecast!

[@chrisdenholm5581]

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]

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

[@BushEscape]

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]

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

[@ianhawthorne2654]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@edwardhaigh4249]

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.

[@HuntingCreed]

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]

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.

[@chillingout8854]

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

[@willgudgin7468]

Awesome video lads, keep it up 👍👍

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Cheers bro!

[@bretthilton607]

BEATTHEFEET absolte quality fellas! Love the video!

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Cheers mate!!

[@mikebarone4902]

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

[@anthonyniterl4858]

ripper vid team. Hectic decision. Commend you

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Cheers big fella!

[@livinginthemoment3183]

BEATTHEFEET love your stuff guys!!

[@muzzkeg8172]

Another great vid with great mates and great country.

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Thats what it's all about 🍻

[@petervanderbeek9518]

congrats boys this is hunting the hard way

[@gigeorge03]

Another great watch lads... keep it up!

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@hairystag]

Another great video lads 👍

[@bigd4000]

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

[@adamhardy1821]

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

[@mclauchlanhunting9854]

Epic video boys, keep it up.

[@bretthilton607]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@FISHTHEDRIFTNZ]

Epic footage lads!

[@retchy6994]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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!

[@723ryno]

Big Country

[@darranadam992]

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

[@TheBighorn1]

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]

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

[@DS-lj3lu]

LEGENDS!!!

[@boostedshuttle2231]

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]

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

[@AbelandVictoria]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@zachopkins865]

Cute slippers at the Bakery on the weekend Raddy

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Raddy's secret admirer ?

[@casperkantona3205]

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]

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

[@brynmenzies]

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

[@swissmoose]

wow thats a hard choice. waay to keep the integrity

[@goatculler]

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

[@Jim_Lewis_Venni_Vendetta]

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]

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!

[@Callum-im1re]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@S.M.Emmerson]

Amazing footage, that Bull though!! 😢😢

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Beautiful wasn't he

[@trenthill4267]

You guys should come up north for a sika Roar

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Would love to one day!

[@peterclarke9232]

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]

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

[@manuelwebe]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Hahah that would be handy!

[@KenWhitaker-gj2ox]

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

[@jhann990]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@jhann990]

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

[@nedonrockadventures590]

BEATTHEFEET ⛺️🤝🤙🏻

[@bensouness287]

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

[@huntnheads7945]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Cheers mate

[@ziruk-king4466]

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]

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

[@charliebyrne-cp1qv]

BEATTHEFEET

[@alihunter2323]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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

[@bruceevans9664]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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]

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

[@bjrnarsorteberglien8867]

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]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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 👍

[@HillDogTV]

EEXXCCELLENNTyyy kuntys

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Matt-ze2xc]

Don't think U wanted Ur mate dropping it

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

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]

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.

[@karlullah9798]

Awesome watch boys🤙🏽

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

Cheers bro

[@chillingout8854]

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

[@southislandriflewalkers5545]

There was a lot of debating it mate! Cheers