Jeri Miller

"What an awesome adventure.  Not only do Chris and Peg provide a great hunting excursion as a client, ensuring you will leave with a quality trophy, but you are taken into their home and treated like family.  They go above and beyond what would be expected to accomodate any desires, needs or disabilities you may have, adding such a personal touch to what could have been just another day at work for them.  What a great way to experience New Zealand for the first time.  You will not be disappointed.  I certainly wasn't."

Jon Miller

Its not always easy to travel and hunt internationally from a wheelchair. Youre home is comfortable and easily accessible and Peg's cooking is the best. Thanks to you we were able to get world class trophies. Myself a great stag. Robin a fantastic tahr, free range and on foot inspite of her knee replacement, plus a stag and goat. Daughter Jeri a stag and goat. All great trophies. New Zealand is a great family destination and we met friendly helpful people all along the way. We cant wait to come back! Thanks again

Darryl Vereen

If you want to hunt free-ranging Tahr and Chamois, New Zealand is the only place in the world to do it, and there's no better guide than Chris Bilkey to get you to them. Chris put me on trophy Tahr from day one, while patiently and professionally guiding me through some of the most spectacular and challenging country you will experience in your lifetime. Hunting these magnificent animals, on foot and on their terms is something every true hunter should experience. Perhaps even more impressive than his skill in getting me up the mountain and into position, was Chris' tremendous knowledge of, and deep respect for our quarry and their habitat. This hunt is the pinnacle of fair chase, and the sense of accomplishment after success is something even the most experienced hunter will not soon forget. Back at the lodge after the stories have been told and the toasts have been raised, Peg served up a fabulous meal and wonderful company every evening, making my wife and I feel right at home. She treated us like one of her family, and we always felt welcome and secure in their very comfortable home. I had a 100% successful hunt, taking very fine Tahr and Chamois, and making some good friends along the way. Chris and Peg have my recommendation, and I hope to return."

Abigail Day

I met Chris Bilkey and his wife Peg when I hunted New Zealand in 2004. Hunting free-range tahr and chamois on foot in New Zealand is a great mountain experience, and I would recommend Chris as a guide without hesitation. He is highly knowledgeable about the animals and their ways, and is committed to delivering the best quality trophies and a memorable hunting experience. Peg’s hospitality is a great comfort at the end of a hard day’s hunt.

Abigail is an experienced international hunter, having hunted in 24 countries, nine for mountain game.

In 2008 Abgail Day received the Daiana Award by S.C.I - Award winners have shown exemplary ethics given time & energies to enhance wildlife.

Renee Snider

In 2003 Renee decided to hunt the South Pacific for 15 species of game, free range and without the use of a helicopter.

Here is how she described her guided hunt for the Tahr.

Beginning in May 2003I was on the South Island of New Zealand with Chris Bilkey an excellent guide. Honestly this man can climb any where these Tahr and Chamois live .Our first day out we spotted Tahr On the same day we went on to shoot a 14” bull.

Chris Bilkey was very happy to have guided Renee Sinder to her successful finish for the Golden Malek Award in 2006

John Mcalls Tahr hunt

Hunt of a life time made possible by Chris Bilkey, I thank him for his guidance and hospitality for I couldn’t have done it with out him, and Peg, what a cook.

Craig Boddington Author

Chris Bilkey is one of New Zealands most experienced Tahr hunters.

Ronald B Spanton
‘Castanea’ RD 26, Temuka, South Canterbury.

I have known Chris & Peg Bilkey for some twelve years and during this period have lived and worked with them in the field – New Zealand hunting camps and the Australian Outback.

I have always found them to be in every way excellent hosts and great company and like many of my countrymen and women, able to function well in all situations.

Peg is a fine cook and always provides an excellent table with imaginative menus and food representing the country where the hunt is taking place.

Chris is an able, more than competent hunting guide, in fact a ‘Master Guide’ in every sense, who has absolute respect for the animal being hunted and a huge knowledge of the habits and habitats of all the game animals found in New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia.
He has travelled widely, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa and has hunted on three Continents, always returning home with fine trophies and detailed knowledge of the areas and the animals hunted – the epitome of a hunter/guide of the upper echelon.

My credentials to form such an opinion of both Chris and Peg – I am probably the oldest NewZealand PH to be still active in the field – some forty plus years of guiding hunters throughout Australasia and a pioneer in guided hunting in New Zealand, having begun outfitting with business partner Gary Joll in the mid 1960s and still active into the current 2005 season.

I urge any prospective hunter wanting an absolutely memorable and successful hunting/sightseeing experience in Australasia to contact Chris and Peg Bilkey for such an adventure.

Steve Mcmanus

Chris & peg

Thank you for a great hunt and adventure, sightseeing of New Zealand.
I have hunted all over the world U.S. Alaska, all parts of Canada ,Russia 13 trips to Africa , Asia Ect and this ranks as one of the best , all aspects were top notch < food, equipment, guiding, trophy care Ect,
It is also the best trip I have been on to bring my wife as there are many things for her to do outside the hunting area.
The Helicopter trip for Chamois is a true experience worth taking, as well as hunting and taking a magnificent Tahr on foot.
The red stag are exceptional, and Chris will find you whatever class you want and make a memorable hunt of it as well.
I certainly recommend Chris & Peg to all.
Thanks & hope to see you soon.
Steve Mcmanus

As for Chris, I don't know a more dedicated, sincere and intense hunter. He has just one focus and that is his job to get you just what you wanted and he has the knowledge and resources to make it happen. Even at the shows he is so focused and intense. Now, as for you, Peg, don't know what to say...other than you are a very delightful, lovely individual who knows how to make everyone so comfy and welcomed. You are a good cook too. Love you very much.

bbulkley@onramp113.org

Not only is Chris a superb PH/guide/hunter but Liz and I consider you both our good friends. We've never felt so comfortable and welcome as we did when we stayed with you. Not to mention the excellent quisine prepared by Chef
Peg.

Sincerely
Tony

tony.taylor@gsa.gov

Dustin & Josie Schwake

Peg and Chris, our time with you was so amazing! Everything from the food, what we saw and learned to the warm wonderful people that you are, was more than we could have expected.  Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful home. We felt so comfortable the whole time we were here!  Also thank you for taking the time to show us so much of your beautiful country, without you guys we wouldn’t have seen it.
Guys, as Josie stated above, thanks so much for giving us so, much more than a hunting trip.  You gave a lifetime of memories as well as two new friends we will never forget!  The hunting was awesome, I got a chance to finally hunt the Red Stag which as we talked about was on my “bucket list” of things to do before I die!  If you are ever close to Minneapolis, MN, please look us up!
Dustin & Josie Schwake - Minneapolis, Minnesota.

July 2011 Randy Fair Mansfield - Los Angeles
A great hunt and hospitality! Thanks for you both did to make my trip a success, the stag was a once in a lifetime trophy and the day out with beekeepers was also well appreciated, thanks again for the great week.

July 2011 Chip Johnston  -  Colorado
What a great time and experience being here with you. The hospitality and hunting are the best around. Thanks for going the extra mile making everyone feel at home and welcome. I look forward to many more times here with you.

July 2011- Paula and Randy Cooper Fruita - Colorado
Thanks so much for an absolutely memorable week in Geraldine .Randy’s animals are absolutely beautiful and we will hold many memories for years to come. You are an amazing couple to be around and helped us both feel right at home, may our paths cross again.

June 2011 Becky and Jerry Hennessey
A very big thanks, too both of you for giving us both such a special and fantastic trip. We both said that it was better than anticipated, your place, hospitality, and hunting are second to none, and we really enjoyed our conversation and our education we learned from both of you on yourselves and your country.
I think the Hennessey cognac night bought out the best of all of us, you will always bring us great memories, don’t be surprised if we show up at your doorstep once again-Becky and Jerry Hennessey

May 2011MR -Bill Jones Birmingham
I had a great hunt, Tahr sheep stag and chamois, mountain alpine hunting here was a first being in New Zealand. The food, home comforts and companionship was really wonderful, I hope to see you next up for samba and Rusa.
-bill jones

August 2011-Jim and Sandy Stack Kirkland Washington
Very special thank you for a wonderful place to stay and great hunts, the free range hunt with the Tahr, chamois and goat and the great conversation was a trip never to be outdone. –Jim
I’ve had a wonderful relaxing time here, I enjoyed your home, hospitality and especially your amazing cooking, I loved our tours of the towns, and exploring the countryside, both of you are amazing warm and giving people, I will never forget our trip-sandy.

April 2011- Mike and Shelley Gill Paso Robles California
There are not words enough to express our gratitude for your hospitality.
This was our first trip together as a married couple and I can’t imagine a better place to be. You are both awesome in your professionalism as host and hostess .Mike and Shelley Gill.

April 2011- Tom Hammond Oakland Michigan
Few people would have gone out of their way as much as you did to obtain trophies in such a limited timeframe. You are both so special; pegs cooking are superb and how wonderful to share so many stories in life in common, truly special. Thank you, you are the reason why hunting is so great.
Tom Hammond.

May 2011 - Dan and Gyongyi (Pearl) - Alaska.
Saying thank you doesn’t seem enough, the food and hospitality here and of course the hunting has been second to none, the mountains and animals are absolutely beautiful, the hunts have exceeded beyond expectations, hunting with Chris has been not only great fun but great education as well. You two are such a good match for each other, and thus for us it is always nice to be around happy, patient people, I love feeling so relaxed in your home, I love the hunting, Chris’s passion for hunting which one can see in his stride. Your personal time with us was much appreciated, love Gyongyi and Dan.

May 2011 – Daniel Mulhullond.
Thank you once again for such a wonderful stay and hunt, I will remember the humidity of the north, the pain of climbing for my chamois and the elation of finally getting my buck, we still have unfinished business so look forward to a third hunt with you very soon. Daniel Mulhullond.

April 2011-Mike and Audrey Brownmiller
Chris and peg we cannot begin to express to you both how wonderful the hunt and hospitality you provided was. Chris how gracious of you to allow me to tag along on mikes hunt of a lifetime, also making sure his dad was able to see the red stag hunt, I know it meant a lot to the both of them. This has been truly a memorable hunt ,thank you so much for everything, we both felt so welcome. Thanks again Audrey and mike.

March 2011-Russ and Ruth Hamilton  - Indianapolis
Thank you again for a great stay and a wonderful hunt the beauty of your countryside, and the great food.

March 2011-Jack Stoner, Evansville Indianapolis
The short time that we had hunting in the mountains with you was truly a wonderful experience. I will never forget the beauty of the red stag and the lion like jaw, the sweat on my brow trying to keep up with Chris made the thrill of taking my stag worthwhile. I will come back to hunt the mountains with Chris again in this memorable New Zealand country.

March 2011 - Josh Stoner. Evansville - Indianapolis
The memories I will have about this trip will last a lifetime, words cannot describe the appreciation I have for the awesome hunt and the amount of knowledge I have learnt from Chris in such a short amount of time on the mountain.im so fortunate to have met both of you and being able to spend this trip with my father as well. I will definitely return in the near future.
Josh stoner.

June 2010-Gray &Lynn Bailey - Williams Minnesota
Thank you so much for a wonderful time! What a great experience wonderful company and exceptional food
Chris thank you so much for making it work

May 2010 Christopher Huser & Dottie Sullender - Indianapolis
christopher­­-huser@yahoo.com      Dottie.sullender@anthem.com
“A BIG THANK YOU “from the two of us for dream fulfilling week
A PLEASURE YOU TWO HAVE MADE THIS HUNT / VACATION EXCEEDING OUR EXPECTAION GREATLY. The natural beauty of N.Z .is second only to Chris & Peg Bilkey

May 2010 Bruce & Debbie Batory, Texas
What an extraordinary experience staying at Pukeko House and hunting in N.Z has been. Getting my red stag was a great hunt.
I will take away many memories of this stat with you .I have to tell you that I will BRAG  FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE THAT I “SURVIVED “ A CHRIS BILKEY TAHR HUNT. IT WAS A SPECATULAR DAY. Debbie
The Tar hunt was one of the best experiences I have been exposed to hunting fair chase under free range conditions by foot was the ultimate situation.
Having Chris attention 24/7 was also appreciated. He was never on his phone during or after a hunt doing business.
Pegs companionship and great cooking was also a serious plus to the over all experience .We look forward to another N.Z .hunt with Bilkeys

April 2010 Jim Toddy Klamath Falls Oregano
This is my third time hunting with you. Each and every time has been exceptional and I look forward to hunting with the two of you again in the future.
The friendship gained these past years cannot be replaced
Jim - Thank you for a wonderful week Alden (Jims hunting companion)

March 2010 David Brenda &Ben Webster OHIO
What a beautiful country! Thank you for your hospitality.
Chris –I have to thank you for the great work out in the mountains. I’m sure ill look back on it fondly someday Brenda
Peggy –thanks for watching me while my parent’s hunter. Chris – thanks for helping me shoot my first big game animal and for taking me fishing
Ben
Chris &Peg

David Webster
Thank you for a great week of hunting the service was outstanding the food five stars.
Chris will out climb any one I know and guide you to that gold medal animal, He is able to accommodate anyone from the young to the old I hope to hunt with you again soon
David Webster

July 2010 Dustin & Josie Shwake, Minneapolis - Minnesota
Peg & Chris our time with you was so amazing! Everything from the food what we saw and learned to the warm wonderful people that you are was more than we could have expected
Also thank you for taking the time to show us so much of your beautiful country, with out you guys we would not have seen it.
Guys as Josie stated above thanks so much for giving us so much more than a hunting trip you gave us a life time of memories as well as two friends we will never forget. I finally hunt the N Z Red Stag which was on my bucket list.
Dustin

June 2009 Brad & Mary Plaga - Sioux Falls
Thank you for your warm hospitality, delicious food and great hunting.
The Tahr hunt was certainly one of the most challenging and rewarding hunts of my hunting career.
Brad

June 2009 Daniel &Anne - Mullholland U.K.
Thank you VERY much for such a wonderful time on our first ,but not last , trip to your beautiful home .For me it was a great holiday and for Daniel a successful “Mission” the two rarely come together.
Daniel and Anne

The Wideners Peter & Amity - Rochester N.Y
A Million Thanks!! This hunt was worth the forty years I waited the trophies were great & your hospitality was A +
Peter.
I think what you do and the way it is done is the best way to experience a foreign country. Your house is beautiful and your amazing people to share it with others.
Amity

The Tuttle family David & Erin - Idaho
David &I had our dreams of hunting Tahr fulfilled And you both made that happen. We will treasure our memories with you both forever.  David & Erin

Jon & Robin & C.J. Millar- Clarkson
Thank you for a wonderful time, I felt as thought I was right at home .Friends so far away but so close in our heart & soul. You are both special people (Friends)
Robin
Thanks so much for everything! We will be back for sure.
Jon
Thank you so much for the experience and opportunity to hunt with you. Sorry we shot all the game we will be back for sure .C.J.

Larry & Emily Lewis - Michigan
The hunting to say the least was a true blue mountain hunt for the Tahr. Complete with sore muscles and a good kind fatigue at the end of the day. I always feel abetter person at the end of a hunt and this surly accomplished that. 
Larry

Kevin Joe Ciavarra and Jared Curless
Thank you for the amazing hunt. The Tahr hunt was one of the most challenge experiences of my life and the most reverting.
Jared
Thanks you for the wonderful time TRULY ONE of the best hunts I have been on.
Kevin

Paul & Nancy Heimberger - Ohio  
You’re made our holiday very special. We came as visitors and left as good friends. The red stag is just what Paul wanted.
Paul & Nancy

Joseph Angulo & Janet Fielding - California
We had ANOTHER WONDERFUL experience. I never thought that once in a life time visit could be repeated, but it was and we’ve enjoyed every second.

Mike Sarsen - Utah
Thank you for a wonderful hunt to me; I have found two wonderful people who shared time with me.
Mike Sorensen

Steve & Denise Perrins  - Alaska
Thanks for making your trip to New Zealand truly memorable.
Steve truly enjoys hunting with Chris. Your warm friendship & hospitably will always be with us.
Steve & Denise

Jim Toddy - Oregon
Thank you for your generous donation to our local chapter S.C.I. .My expectations were surpassed .The time spent in the field was amazing, the quality of animals better than expected. The non typical fallow deer will make an excellent mount.
The opportunity to hunt with you was great.
Jim

Steve & Veronica - Mcmanus
Thanks for a great hunt and adventure and sightseeing. I have hunted all over the world U.S. Alaska all parts Canada, Russia 13 trips to Africa Asia etc. and this ranks as one of the best. All aspects were top notch .Food equipment, guiding, and trophy care. It is also the best trip to bring your wife as there are many for them to do.
The red stag are exceptional and Chris will find you whatever class you want and make a memorial hunt of it as well. I certainly recommend Chris & peg to all.
Steve.
I can truly say New Zealand has a treasure in couple such as yourself as proud Kiwi you enable us to experience the best N.Z. has to offer.
You have satisfied every possible aspect of avid hunters and world travellers. Veronica

Tony & Liz Taylor -Texas
You immediately made us feel as friends rather than clients .Everything was excellent the hunt the delicious meals and most of all your true concern and friendship.
Again we offer our deepest appreciation for a lovely stay and an outstanding hunt.

Bitsy Kelly - Hawaii
Chris you are an incredible guide the Tahr   , red stag hunts were incredible!
Peg thanks for sharing your home the food delicious the bed warm and comfy and the wine and dancing lots fun thanks to both.
Bitsy

Darryl & Meg Vereen - Texas
Chris thanks for “getting me to the top “My hunt was an experience I will never ever forget and probably will never top .It was awesome and you are a true hunter.
Thank for helping me experience something most people never will.
Peg thanks so much for your help with everything, your company great food and most of all, your great attitude.
Darryl

Cleo & Bob Tuka - Wisconsin
Chris and peg have been hosts that are wonderful, warm, honest and fully enjoyable.
Chris’s guiding has been excellent, I shot a Tahr which I thought never do thanks to Chris
Bob & Cleo

Tim Hansen & Kathy Crawford - Montana
We had the most delightful time with you two. Your hospitality is warm, comforting and sincere.
Thank you for the professional and sporting quality of the hunt. A free range is just what we wanted challenging us in the pursuit of beautiful animals. Chris was a first class guide.
Tim & Kathy