About Us

History of Mountain Hunters - 

Mountain Hunters has grown considerably from its humble beginnings in 1988. What grew from a passion for hunting and the outdoors is now a family orientated professional hunting outfit that offers world class hunting for Red Stag and all other NZ species, along with high quality experiences, lodging, cuisine and service. 

Adrian & Wendy Moody

Adrian started out as a professional meat hunter in 1974. Back then you could shoot a deer on public land, carry it out on your back and sell it to a meat buyer who would export it to Germany. When Adrian and Wendy got married they bought a small farm in the rugged Wanganui back country and commercially fur trapped for 10 years. In 1988 the fur industry collapsed and farming subsidies were dropped and they made the hard decision to move to Taupo and start something new. Mountain hunters was born and Adrian first started with heli fly drop camps on public land then was able to secure some leases on private land and offer highly successful Free Range hunts. 

In 2009 Brent bought into the family business and convinced Adrian and Wendy to convert a leased cattle property into a world class hunting destination. A lot of hard work and patience has paid off in creating an environment where an abundance of game species can flourish and grow to their full genetic potential. Purchasing another ranch and doing the same again in 2018 means we can now accommodate more hunters without sacrificing quantity or quality of game for our hunters to pursue.  

Sadly and at great loss in July 2019 Adrian passed away due to an aggressive brain tumour. Our hearts go out to all those families that lose loved ones to cancer. Wendy ran the hunting lodge at Mountain Hunters for 10 years and after a lifetime of sacrifice and hard work she retired in 2023 and now enjoys RVing and adventuring with her friends and companion dog Bo, e-biking and baby sitting her 2 grandchildren on the South Island. 

Brent Moody - owner and operator 

Brent has grown up in hunting camps since he was a toddler and guided his first trophy hunt at age 15. He has hunted in North America, Africa and all over the South Pacific. Now in his 30's and the owner/ operator of Mountain Hunters he endeavours to provide hunters with an authentic, memorable and quality hunting adventure. "With an aim to preserve and improve hunting for the coming generation I expect to be here for the long run; that requires transparency, reliability and honesty - values I think make our business a success."

Brent, Victoria and baby Bella 

Together we endeavour to create a hunting vacation experience that keeps people coming back to visit time and time again! With a background in hospitality and customer service Victoria brings a lot to the table. She runs the hunting lodge, from meticulous rooms, quality cuisine, day trips for the ladies and everything customer care she is the one to talk to. Being an avid traveler herself and with an eye for quality she will be your first point of contact to help set up your New Zealand adventure. Baby Bella joined us on April 29, 2024 and is undoubtedly the best thing that has happened! Her first international trip to Fiji at 4 months old was a breeze and we look forward to her involvement with Mountain Hunters over the coming years. We are a family friendly operation and enjoy connecting with people from around the world that share our passion for the great outdoors! 

Our Team

Jesse Barakat - Guide

Jesse has been with us for 7 years, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is a highly professional full time guide. He guides the Northern hemisphere season in British Columbia for Stone Sheep, Moose, Caribou and Mountain Goat. When Jesse isn't guiding hunts he's often hunting for himself, fishing or diving and he has just taken up mountain running to keep extra fit!

Jay Langlands - Guide 

Jay has also been with us for 7 years, although now only guides the busiest roar period as he is managing his family Honda motorcycle shop. He too guides the Northern hemisphere season in BC for Stone Sheep, Moose, Caribou and Mountain Goat. Ask him about some of his worst motorcross accidents!

Harry Clayton - guide 

Aka "UKantlers" Harry is known for his obsession with antlers. He came to us in 2018 fresh out of the UK. He has been guiding with us now for 6 years and when it comes to antlers knows almost everything there is to know! He has a degree in wildlife biology and is heavily involved with game management, wildlife photography and aging deer. He has adjusted to New Zealand's terrain and found himself on many solo backpack missions mountain hunting in the Southern Alps. 

Harry Tennant - guide

Hunting is in Harry's blood. Harry came 'across the ditch' from Australia to hunt with us as an 8 year old with his Dad Jack, and shot his first Red Stag. Jack and Harry kept coming back year after year and by age 18 Harry had taken over 20 stags! His Dad Jack is a bit of legend in the hunting world having spent over a decade hunting full time all across the globe collecting all the animals you've never even heard of! So it was only fitting that Harry came to guide for us and this will be his 3rd season on the team. He also wrangled in Alaska with Midnight Sun outfitters.

Matt Galyer - guide

Aka "Matty G" because there is always more than 1 Matt! He is the quintessential kiwi bushman! He was guiding Alpine hunts for Tahr and Chamois for several years until falling off a cliff and being rescue choppered out. His main passion in life is pig hunting, he has been breeding his own line of pig dogs since he was 12 years old (don't get him started unless you have time to talk)!  Matt is full time with us helping run the ranches in the off season as well as guiding during the season, he is a real asset to the team known and the 'can do' anything man!