About the Arapawa Sheep
Info About the Arapawa Sheep
The Arapawa sheep is a rare feral breed primarily found in New Zealand. These hardy, athletic sheep live in isolated, rugged terrain and they are built for traversing steep hill country.
Females (ewes) are generally hornless, while the males (rams) sport magnificent, wide-spreading horns that can grow into a curl and a half long spirals. Their dense, eye-catching high-loft wool is usually black or a deep reddish-brown.
Recommended Calibers
Use a minimum of a 6mm (.243) caliber rifle to hunt Arapawa sheep.
Where to Hunt Arapawa Sheep
Arapawa sheep can be hunted free range or on a private estate (fenced) in the New Zealand mountains.
What is Considered a Trophy Arapawa Sheep
A trophy Arapawa ram is evaluated by the completeness of its horn curl, the total length and mass of the horns, and the distinct appearance of its feral fleece.
Horn Curl
- Minimum Trophy: A ram must possess more than one full curl on each side to be considered an entry-level trophy.
- High-Quality Trophy: A mature, prime-age ram typically achieves 1.5 to 2 full spiraling curls.
- World-Class Tier: Exceptional rams can push toward 2.5 turns, which creates a tight, highly sought-after double-curl aesthetic.
- The Drop: A classic trophy ram’s lower horn curve should drop cleanly below its bottom jawline.
Linear Horn Length
- Trophy Length: Measured along the outside curve of the spiral, a horn length of from 30 to 35 inches constitutes a great trophy.
- Elite Trophy: Top-tier rams managed on premium estates can reach lengths of from 36 to 40 inches with heavy, thick bases.
Cost to Hunt Arapawa Sheep
An Arapawa ram hunt generally costs from $600 to $1,700 for the standalone trophy fee
Because Arapawa sheep are native to New Zealand’s South Island, they are almost never hunted as a standalone package. Instead, they are managed as a popular add-on species to major New Zealand big-game safaris.
View Our Hunts
We do not offer any stand-alone Arapawa hunts. These hunts are an add-on species on most New Zealand hunts.
