Private Land Ownership, Access and Ethical Stewardship at Core of Backcountry New Zealand

Backcountry New Zealand credits its exclusive land ownership access and ethical stewardship model for the unparalleled hunting experiences it provides. The Birt family owns a 3,000+ acre private estate in Canterbury and maintains rights to additional blocks totalling over 50,000 acres for free-range and estate hunting. This expansive, carefully managed habitat allows game animals to reach maturity and trophy size with minimal pressure. Backcountry NZ’s commitment to Kaitiakitanga – guardianship of the land – and true sustainability guides how they manage wildlife resources. They actively engage in habitat restoration on their owned expansive property to give back to New Zealand’s ecosystem.

“Our clients can hunt with confidence that we are stewards of the natural world, not just consumers of it,” said Myriam Birt. Backcountry New Zealand enforces ethical hunting practices, fair chase principles, and selective harvest strategies to ensure healthy herds year after year. The result is exclusive trophy quality – massive red stags, thriving Tahr and Chamois populations, and abundant fallow deer – all on private land with no competing hunters. This unique combination of private access and conservation ethics not only produces top trophies but also resonates with today’s conscientious hunter. Backcountry New Zealand’s booth at the upcoming Western Hunting and Conservation Expo will highlight these values, inviting hunters to join an outfitter where exclusivity and sustainability go hand in hand.