Venator

Venator operates dual luxury hunting destinations—one anchored in Wānaka, New Zealand on the South Island, the other in Oklahoma. The operation is built on five generations of Fraser family expertise in red deer genetics and trophy management, led by Duncan Fraser.

Venator New Zealand is one of the largest privately owned trophy red deer herds in the South Pacific. The hunting happens across privately owned and leased estates in undulating backcountry covered in native vegetation—the kind of terrain that delivers genuine raw hunting without sacrificing accessibility. You can hunt on foot, move via 4WD, or fly in depending on conditions.

Red stag quality here is specific: Great mass, exceptional width, long scoring points. The herd produces consistently across all scoring ranges, from 400-450 all the way to 900+ trophy scores. Venator holds multiple world records for red stag quality.

Venator USA operates on land that echoes when elk and red deer ruled American wild places. The herd here is strengthened by world-record genetics imported from New Zealand. The elk herd is recognized as North America's largest, and that quality is unmatched anywhere in the USA.

New Zealand hunts include: - Red stag (the signature hunt) - Himalayan tahr - European chamois - Fallow deer - Ram and goat - Wing shooting - Fly fishing - Small game options

Oklahoma hunts focus on: - Giant elk - Red deer - Specialty game and wing shooting options available

Both operations feature five-star accommodations. The New Zealand lodges—Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven—are positioned within stunning South Island landscape. Gourmet cuisine is standard. The lodge serves as a genuine home away from home, not just a bunk house.

Guides are matched to hunters for compatibility. Concierge service handles details so you can focus on the hunt. Time between hunts includes genuine adventure options: for New Zealand clients, that's Queenstown exploration, wine tasting, jet boat excursions, and family activities.

"Thank you for an unforgettable week! The lodge is as beautiful as the surrounding scenery. From start to finish, the staff were so friendly and accommodating. Each and every meal was delicious! Successful hunting with beautiful trophies harvested. Our guide, Sean, was a perfect match for us. We even had time to explore Queenstown, have a day of wine tasting and jet boat adventures!" — Caroline, Alice & Knighton, USA

Trophy consistency: While many outfitters have occasional record animals, Venator's distinction is consistent quality across all scoring ranges. That's genetics work over decades, not luck.

Herd size and genetics: One of the largest privately owned trophy herds in the South Pacific (New Zealand) combined with North America's largest elk herd (Oklahoma) means more options, better matching, and genuinely world-record quality animals.

Family operation: Still New Zealand-owned and operated by the Fraser family. That 30+ year legacy translates to refined process and genuine hospitality—not corporate hunting.

Tailored experiences: Every hunt is personalized. Whether you're bringing family, pursuing your first trophy, or hunting specific game, the operation customizes the experience.

Venator maintains an extensive gallery searchable by location, species, and score range. Red stag scores tracked include 900+, 800-900, 700-800, 600-700, 500+, 450-500, and 400-450 ranges. The gallery documents the consistency of the operation's genetics work across multiple seasons.