Testimonials on Hunters paradise

Dave and Sharron - Wooster, Ohio.

I've hunted big game in North America since 1955, from coast-to-coast and from Canada to West Texas, sometimes hunting "do-it-yourself" with friends; at other times with guides. Our trip to New Zealand in 2009 provided my wife and me with the most thrilling and fantastic hunting experience of our lives. After spending 2.5 weeks touring both islands, we were happy and a bit tired and could have gone home happy. But the best was yet to come. From the time we reached Ashburton and hooked-up with John Woolf of Hunters Paradise, we received the kind of hospitality and professionalism that is rare in any environment.

John is an honest, experienced and capable outdoorsman and hunter. Our accommodation was first class with congenial hosts: Our hostess was a great cook! In fact, our packed lunches were excellent but way too much to eat for any meal. The game was plentiful and we were in spectacular country in the Southern Alps throughout our 4-day hunt.

I’ve hunted with good guides and bad guides; good outfitters and awful outfitters. John Woolf is by the far the finest outfitter/guide with whom I have hunted. He does whatever it takes to make his clients comfortable, provide them with interesting experiences and knows how to find game. I’ll return to New Zealand and hunt with Hunters Paradise and John Woolf as long as I’m able.

The red stag was taken after arduous hikes up a river bed and up and down several steep hills. The fallow buck was with a bachelor group that eluded us for all of the morning and part of the afternoon. We managed to get a beautiful bull tahr from a steep and rocky hillside just before dark, following hours of glassing and waiting for the right shot presentation. On the final day, we did a helicopter hunt in the high mountains for a chamois. The country was so steep that the pilot placed only 1 skid on the ground while we exited the bird, after spotting chamois. The pilot then left while we set-up for the shot.

At the crack of the rifle, the chamois began tumbling until it reached the river bed. During its fall, two of its legs were broken, but its horns were in-tact. I sat on that steep ridge stunned and overwhelmed by what had just transpired. After each of the other kills, I reached for John’s hand to thank him. This time, John came over and asked me if something was wrong. I told him no, that this was a truly emotional experience.

Watching John tether the chamois and attach it to the belly of the chopper, and seeing it transported to a flat area where we could load it into the chopper, was out-of-this-world. I still can’t believe I’m talking about myself when I show friends and associates at home the photos from our hunting trip with Hunters Paradise in New Zealand.

John Woolf is more than a guide: He’s now a friend. His wife and 4 boys joined us for our last night at the accommodation, and 3 of his boys came with us to collect the trophies and take them to the taxidermist in Christchurch. On the way, 11-year-old Samuel said that he was sad because he would never see us again. We told Samuel to expect to see us each winter, when we’ll hope he will provide us with another violin recital.

After sighting-in my borrowed rifle, we headed-up a steam bed looking for bedded stags in mid-afternoon. Within an hour I spotted a large stag thrashing a madageri in thick brush. Although he was too big for me to take, it was a thrilling experience. Sometime later we sneaked near a bedded bull that was also larger than I could take. He climbed a steep hill to our right. Hoping to find more stags where the monster had disappeared, we followed.

When we reached the top, we were rewarded by a magnificent view of the Rangitata River valley with a braided salmon river in the bottom. We scouted the flat without sighting game, but when we reached the far ridge, we spotted a beautiful, well-crowned red stag way below us, not far above the creek bottom. Although he was far below, he was only 5 or 6 yards out from the cliff, causing me to shoot over him before making a killing shot. At the shots, another, larger stag exploded out of the creek bottom and laboriously climbed the hill on the other side.

My wife, who had elected to not climb the hill, kept hoping I would shoot him, thinking that I had missed with the earlier shots. She was thrilled to learn that I had taken a beautiful 8 x 8, typical red stag. I was ecstatic, realizing that I had just taken an animal that I had dreamed about hunting since childhood. We knew how good he would look on one of the foyer walls in our daughter and son-in-law’s home in Southern California. It was well after dark when we returned to the rig. Supper was waiting at the accommodation at 10:30 PM. That was appreciated, but meant that the 5:30 A.M. departure the following morning for a bull tahr hunt would seem awfully early.

Testimonial – Marty Lindstrand.

The next step was the most worrisome, even more so than convincing my wife of the need to make the trip. I needed to find a good honest, reputable, quality guide/ outfitter in a country I knew virtually nothing about. I talked to friends, I talked to several taxidermists I know, and I talked to many different referred people the taxidermists knew. I had everything pretty much narrowed down to a gentleman out of Kaikoura on the South Island. Right before committing, I decided to give the Internet a try. Four outfits caught my attention. I quickly e-mailed all four, for information. Three out of the four returned e-mails fairly promptly. The fourth one e-mailed immediately and within two hours I had a person-to-person call from them.

It was the outfit named Hunters Paradise. The fellow that called me was the owner John Woolf. He seemed liked a very personable guy, friendly enough, and seemed game to work with me to tailor make a hunt that fit my needs. In other words, I was interested, but not enough to sign up yet. He offered some names ad phoned numbers of referrals. I wrote the names and numbers down, but was really expecting to hear nothing I hadn’t already heard from other referrals in my previous research.

I only called one referral. It was a gentleman that made two trips over to hunt with Hunters Paradise. We talked for some time about hunting New Zealand and were just about to hang up, when he told me one more story. He told me about one of the stags he shot on his first visit. He and John Woolf had scored the animal, before sending it off to a local taxidermist, and found it to be several points over the limit for a sliver class Stag (SCI 325). Upon arriving at the taxidermist it was scored several points lower. When the fellow arrived home in Oregon he was surprised to find a $US2500 trophy fee refund in the mail. Wow!!

I hung the phone up and immediately relayed the story to my wife. We ended up calling John Woolf immediately. All my worries about honesty and reputability totally vanished.

My wife and I made our first trip to New Zealand in late April and early May of 2006. We spent one solid week hunting and the two weeks vacationing. I shot five species, from one of the most beautiful stags I’ve ever seen, to a Tahr that was over 13 1/8 inches. My wife went on every hunt, even though she chose not to shoot anything herself, and enjoyed every minute. We both really took a liking to John from the first day. He made each and every hunt fun and it seemed as if we’d known him forever. Part way through the week, John’s wife Andrea and their four boys came for a visit. What an outstanding surprise! We decided right then and there to come back again for another visit and bring our children. Behind every good man is a great women and this was definitely the case here. Really a fine family.

Oh, by the way, the accommodation were outstanding – good food, etc, etc.

To make a long story a little shorter, our whole family made a return trip over spring break 2007. Both of my sons shot very nice stags and my wife and daughter got in some goat hunting. We spent our whole time in and around the hunting with John and his whole family. John and family are considered to be life long friends by myself and each and every member of my family. We trully hold them dear to heart.

I will continue to make return visits to New Zealand until I’m too old to fly. Not all of the visits will be hunting trips. Some will be just to visit dear friends – the Woolf family – but I imagine I’ll figure some way to sneak in just a little hunting even if the trips just a for a visit.

Go to New Zealand. Hunt with John Woolf. You will be glad you did!

C’mon Zachy!!

Marty Lindstrand

P.S. – Andrea likes root beer. After you give them a visit be sure and send some back over to her.

Chloe & Travis Ellis Honeymoon!

Yes, we took our honeymoon in New Zealand, in July and had the time of our lives. Our package started off with three days of stag hunting at an incredible ranch with the most comfortable hut you will ever visit in your life. The animals around were spectacular and the area was breathtaking, perfectly chosen for the trip of a lifetime for two. We got our stag and it exceeded all of our expectations. Next we went fishing and touring while staying at the friendliest bed and breakfast you will ever find. Then we traveled to the coast for a little rest, visit with friends, and a nice horse back ride. The coast was splendid, but the ranch inland where we took out horseback adventure was truly above and beyond anything either of us had ever experienced. Next, down the coast for a little quite time while we enjoyed the lay of the land, then back to say goodbye to one of the nicest people you will ever meet and someone we are proud to call our friend, John Woolf.

We choose Hunters Paradise with John and Andrea by recommendation from a friend and because they called and wanted to get to know us before we came to New Zealand. Our entire honeymoon package was based on bookings they did through people they know and their connections. We have never done a guided hunt before or anything like what was provided for us on this trip but based on stories I have heard from others, mostly good, we have been spoiled for all other trips to come. For our first 5 days we traveled and spent time with John who was able to balance getting to know us, making us comfortable and still respecting that this was our “honeymoon”. It takes an incredible person to accomplish that and he did with grace. Then we were fortunate enough to get to meet his other half; behind every great man there is a great woman. Andrea was warm and energetic and welcomed us into their home and did all this while raising their family. For a couple starting out in life I couldn't imagine anything more inspirational and loving to be around. To accept people on a handshake, welcome them into your world, and share that world with them is above and beyond what any “guide” would do, it's what “friends” do. So thank you John and Andrea for sharing you lives and becoming our friends. Not only would we recommend you any time, but also you are welcome at our place anytime.

Chloe & Travis Ellis

Clint Bruggemann - Montana USA

My name is Clint Bruggemann, I live in Montana, I have hunted all over the US and Canada and am very hard pressed to say I have ever had a better hunt or better Outfitter than John Woolf.

The highlight of our trip to NZ was the hunt for the Red Stag.. I not only scored by getting my Deer, by was able to shoot the very first Day.. And the Stag was all I had hoped for and no less than John had advertised...

John had stated that he could help us get our game to Montana, John did all the right things in New Zealand, as we are only 8 months from the hunt and my taxidermist is nearly done with my trophy to Hang by Thanksgiving...Great job on all areas.

Thanks again for the "Time of My Life".

Britt & Janine Ford - Fairfax, VA USA

My wife and I have been fortunate enough to travel and hunt in several locations throughout the world for big game. Hunting with John Woolf and Hunter's Paradise was one of the most incredible hunts we've been on. Just the scenery alone would make the trip worthwhile. Couple that with the great fellowship, wonderful food and abundance of quality game and you've got the experience of a lifetime. Hunting red stag in NZ was something we had always wanted to do, but weren't sure if we would ever find a person to hook up with that was reputable and actually had the game that was promised at a reasonable rate. Within the first 5 minutes on the phone after requesting more information from the website, I knew John was the guy to go with. He's fun, honest and a hard hunter willing to work to help make your hunt successful. I have no reservations about recommending John Woolf to anyone looking to have a quality hunt at a reasonable price. It will truly be the experience of a lifetime.

PS, John has some great connections to prep and ship your valuable mount to the US in a VERY short period of time. My taxidermist says the hides are perfect.

Thanks again John,
Britt & Janine Ford
Fairfax, VA
USA

Brent (Bud) G. - Canby, Oregon.

In March / April 2005 I was lucky enough to travel to New Zealand and fulfil a lifelong ambition to hunt red stag.

I was recommended John Woolf from "Hunters Paradise" by a good friend of mine and was not disappointed. John and his team were great companions and experienced bushmen. With John we enjoyed hunting a variety of animals in their natural free range habitat.

I attribute my successful New Zealand hunting experience to knowledgeable guides, good animals, and great hosts. I rate John and his team at "Hunters Paradise" highly in these areas and strongly recommend contacting them if planning a trip to New Zealand. Feel free to contact me to discuss it further.

Brent (Bud) G. - Canby, Oregon.

Bob B. - Salem, Oregon, USA.

On April 14th 2004 we met John Woolf face to face for the first time. The next day on our hunting trip would begin in earnest.

John picked us up in Gisborne for the trip to his concession on the North Island. As the scenery passed by, our thoughts were on the hunt. The next day, we were met by the answering call as stags responded to John's roaring. Three hours into the hunt, as we took a breather from a long uphill trek a stag challenging John's roar burst into the clearing thirty-five yards away. The stag fell to Geri's single shot. A good representative of the species, found its spot in a trophy room.

The action was fast, the scenery and setting superb and the camaraderie at its best.

John Woolf's Hunter's Paradise is exactly what the name implies and both Geri and I will return to hunt with John again and recommend that you take advantage of a superb outfitter, guide and all around good fella - John Woolf/Hunters Paradise.

Bob B. - Salem, Oregon, USA.

Geri M. - Wilsonville, Oregon, USA.

Bob purchased the hunt and invited me to go to New Zealand for a Red Stag Hunt. I am a professional tour guide, travelling around the world for 25 years, escorting clients on sightseeing (but never a hunt), this was going to be an off-the-wall experience for me. I have not owned, held, much less shot a rifle before, so to do this was not even a thought of a reality. But Bob assured me, I would be in good hands.

So off to New Zealand we went.

John Woolf was a great guide. He (and Bob) had the patience for a real beginner. John's concessions on the North Island, of which he knew the grounds well, made the hunt a success. We rode part time on a 4 wheeler, and then hiked into the bush, as John would call/roar for the stags and the stags roared back and were able to come within 35 yards for a kill.

But the real question - when we reach the stags, can I do this?

We had been moving in on the roars for almost three hours and had stopped for a rest when over the ridge came five stags. Bob, John and I were approximately ten feet from one another (so I was on my own) and the fellas said "Geri - this one is yours". I sat down, knees propping my rifle, sighted in with my scope and shot. The stag dropped! We were doing our high fives when the stag started to get back up and limp off. Bob said, "shoot again", however, I couldn't think of how to bring another bullet into the chamber, so Bob shot and kept him from staggering off into the bush.

My bullet went into the lungs/shoulder so maybe the stag wouldn't have gone far, but nevertheless, I didn't want to lose him or have him go off wounded. My stag (picture enclosed) had 15 points and measured 224 SCI. The venison was divided up amongst the locals and a shoulder mount is being processed in New Zealand and will be sent home to Oregon in a few months, for my first trophy.

The game is not over - Now I know I can do this - we went out another day and went for a wild goat hunt. Again, John knew where to take us, and there I was able to shoot three nice-sized goats which also are being processed in New Zealand to be shipped home. So - move over men, here we come! The gap is shrinking.

P.S. Women and (men too) I highly recommend John Woolf for a great guide!

Geri M. - Wilsonville, Oregon, USA.

Nate D - Canby, Oregon, USA

Hunting with a legend named Woolfy,

A few years ago, I spent some time tramping around the hills and forests of a region of New Zealand known as Tairawhiti. When I wasn't busy working, I was out hunting with, in my mind, a legend hunter. His name is John Woolf. He is in no uncertain terms, a huntaholic.

My experiences hunting with Woolfy are the best I've ever had. Not only was I living in the most beautiful nation in the entire world, I was surrounded by bush, teaming with wild animals. The nice thing was there is no hunting season in New Zealand. This made the hunts more enjoyable, because you didn't feel rushed; you simply looked for the best thing out there and took it home.

The best thing of all was Woolfy's access to prime hunting grounds. Due to Woolfy's network of friends and colleagues, I was able to hunt some of the best, untouched, and undisturbed areas I've ever seen.

I can only recount a few times that we went home empty handed. Either we came back with food for our dogs or food for our families. We're talking anything from New Zealand's most unusual opossum, to wild pigs, goats, and don't forget their world famous Red Stag deer. Oh, and if you're game, they've got a few wild cows running around as well.

My most memorable hunt with Woolfy was in the mountains just down the road from where we lived. It was the Roar/Rut, and it was cold, so all the Stags were ripe for the picking. At one point, we had 5 or 6 stags all answering Woolfy's calls. I'll tell you, I've never heard anything like it. They were all around us and no more than 50 to 60 meters away.

We tracked him for more than an hour. All the way down a ravine. Boy was he a loud one. Just before Woolfy took the shot, the stag turned around and gave us one last loud roar. Wow! It's what movies are made of.

So, if you ever get the chance, give Woolfy a shot. You won't go home disappointed. I know a few people who have wasted a lot of time and effort hunting the wrong places with the wrong people. New Zealand is ripe for the picking, and Woolfy knows where to get them.

Respectfully,

Nate D - Canby, Oregon, USA.

Tony Z. - New Zealand.

Upland Gamebird Hunter Takes On Red Deer

I am a keen upland game bird hunter, have now at the age of 60 become addicted to deer stalking. I met up with John Woolf, from Hunters Paradise while on a trip to the East Coast of New Zealand. We talked about guided deer hunts and asked if I would be keen to participate. Naturally I said yes. The hunt was successful and I managed to shot one of two red hinds. I truly recommend John as a guide for future deer hunts as it has been a pleasure to have meet a jovial and keen person.

Tony Z. - New Zealand.

Barry S - New Zealand.

Summer Vacation On The East Coast

Both my son Ben and I had the adventure of a lifetime last summer when we chose a hunting trip guided by John Woolf of Hunters Paradise, Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand. We were after a Red deer stag. Two hours into the hunt John guided us to where we shot not just one, but two Red Deer stags. These stags were huge with good timbered heads of 11 and 13 points. We were rapt with the whole experience and could not have wished for a more professional and friendly guide than John.

We met John while camping at Tokomaru Bay. If you like sea fishing and hunting this place is worth visiting. Although we only fished from a small inflatable boat we great success had kept the camp supplied with fresh fish during our stay. The ride out the backcountry with John was also an awesome experience. The scenery is great with Mt Hikurangi and Aorangi as the backdrops. If you're into visiting big sheep and cattle ranches this is the place to see.

Truly an outdoor mans paradise. If you're looking for "down to earth" friendly, experienced guide I recommend giving John at Hunters Paradise a call.

Barry S. - New Zealand.

Thomas R. Baker - Alva, Florida.

Dear John and Andrea,

Ronda and I would like to thank you for our most extraordinary visit to Tokomaru Bay. The arrangements that you made on our behalf for accommodations, fishing, hunting and touring, were the highlight of our New Zealand vacation. Your hospitality and friendship are appreciated more than you can imagine.

Please feel free to give your potential clients my name as a reference. As a Professional Hunter, I am impressed by your attention to the details of your craft, evidenced by the successful turkey and goat hunts this last Friday. Although we traversed a steep terrain, you paced this old man (62 years) to take advantage of the opportunities and topography of the terrain. I can't thank you enough for your patience.

Both Ronda and I enjoyed meeting your friends at Tokomaru Bay and the evenings around the barbeque were delightful. We really felt at home away from home!

Good luck with Hunters Paradise New Zealand for the season. We'll see you next year when our niece, Sonya Brown, will be interning in Auckland; until then, with best regards, I remain,

Thomas R. Baker - Alva, Florida.

Bob & Rhonda Hustons - Portland, OR USA

Certainly the idea was my husbands, but guys and gals both should not overlook the true experience of New Zealand hunting that John provides. From the moment we arrived we experienced great guide service, comfortable accomodations and awesome home cooked meals. I feel we were given a true taste of the Paradise that New Zealand affords.

Tell the family and of course your entire clan that we feel that we left family abroad. Hope to see you at the sportsmans show. We have spoken to many people regarding your service in the past.

Bob & Rhonda Hustons

Portland, OR USA

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