MeatEater Season 2 Episode 7 The Top of the Bottom of the World: New Zealand Tahr (2)

In The Top of the Bottom of the World: New Zealand Tahr (2), the seventh episode of season two of MeatEater, host Steven Rinella returns to New Zealand to hunt for Tahr, a large mountain goat in the alpine regions of the country. Rinella teams up with local hunter and guide, Remi Warren, to track the elusive Tahr in the Southern Alps.

The episode begins with Rinella and Warren scouting a valley for Tahr. As they trek through the rugged terrain, they discuss the history of Tahr in New Zealand and the controversy surrounding their presence. Tahr were introduced to New Zealand from their native Himalayan range in the early 1900s for hunting purposes. Since then, they have become a nuisance to the fragile alpine environment and threaten the survival of native flora and fauna. As a result, there are strict regulations on hunting Tahr in New Zealand, and Rinella and Warren must obtain special permits before embarking on their hunt.

After scouting the valley, Rinella and Warren spot a group of Tahr on a distant mountainside. They devise a plan to approach the Tahr by traversing a steep ridge and coming up from behind. As they make their way up the ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly treacherous, and they must navigate steep drop-offs and loose rock. However, their efforts are rewarded as they get within shooting range of a group of Tahr.

Rinella and Warren take turns shooting Tahr and retrieving them from the mountain. They discuss the ethics of hunting and the importance of utilizing all parts of the animal. Rinella demonstrates how to properly field dress a Tahr, and they take the meat back to camp to cook it over an open fire.

The episode also features Warren telling stories of his experiences hunting in New Zealand, and Rinella reflecting on the relationships between hunters, conservationists, and the environment. As they pack up camp and head back to civilization, Rinella and Warren reflect on the challenges and rewards of hunting in a country with unique wildlife and strict regulations.

Throughout The Top of the Bottom of the World: New Zealand Tahr (2), viewers get a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of New Zealand's alpine environment, as well as the rich history and culture of hunting in the country. Rinella and Warren's hunt for Tahr showcases the importance of sustainable hunting practices and the need to balance conservation efforts with the interests of local hunters and communities.