The original animals were a gift from President Roosevelt and were released into the southwestern part of the South Island of New Zealand. This is an area of extremely high rainfall, thick forest and very steep mountains. The herd multiplied and produced some outstanding trophies.  Unfortunately however, various factors including the intrusion of Red deer caused a decline in the number and quality of the trophies available.  Most heads taken by overseas hunters are now taken on private game preserves.

As for the Red Deer, New Zealand is now the home of some of the very best genetics available anywhere in the world.  Trophies are comparable with the best available in North America.