HILUXURY – Hawaii Luxury Magazine

Photo courtesy Parker Ranch

At Parker Ranch, hunters can explore more than 130,000 acres of open range and wildlife land.

Photo courtesy Parker Ranch

Hunter Micah Schlumbohm scored a wild turkey in the Makahalau section of Parker Ranch

WHILE THE BIG ISLAND IS BEST-KNOWN for serene beaches and tranquil landscapes, Parker Ranch in Waimea offers a different kind of experience for outdoor adventurers. The ranch spans more than 130,000 acres of open range and wildlife land, which makes for some serious hunting excursions.

Parker Ranch’s “Hunt Hawaii” trips run all year. Big game animals, wild birds and even turkeys reside in the pastures – a surprising array of feral animals at which to take aim.

“What’s really great about it is the diversity here on the Big Island,” says Nahua Guilloz, administrative executive at Parker Ranch. “The habitat is really good for animals. That’s what makes it so fantastic.”

Guilloz, who has been on several hunts, explains that the Parker Ranch hunting experience begins with an assigned guide talking to the “hunter” to evaluate his or her skill level and what animals he or she is interested in pursuing. From there, the guide advises the hunter on appropriate clothing and equipment to bring – hunting is done at higher elevations, so warm clothing is recommended – and all go off to scout for a good site. Along the way, Parker Ranch guides give the hunter some cultural and historical tidbits about the property.

“It’s also about the whole experience,” Guilloz says. “The ranch is 160 years old and it has a lot of history – you can find out how cattle came to Hawaii, about the water system, etc.”

Once a hunting spot is selected, the guide sets up the best place and position for the shot. The animals are called, and the adventure begins. Parker Ranch provides registered firearms and ammunition; hunters, however, must purchase either a three-day or seven-day Hawaii Preserve hunting license ($50 and $95, respectively). Those who wish to bring their own guns must have them registered with the Hawaii County Police Department before going on the hunting trip.

Hunting season for typical big game (pigs, goats, wild boar and cattle) is all year round. Prices for big-game excursions range from $525 per animal on a meat pig hunt, to $2,250 per animal for wild cattle. Spring turkey season runs in March, and wild bird season begins in November ($475 for a half-day of hunting and $750 for a full day). Parker Ranch is the only place in the U.S. where people can hunt for the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, a bird that is more commonly found in Northern Africa and southern Asia.

The ultimate hunting trip is the Grand Slam, a two-day hunt for Polynesian boar, wild goat and wild cattle, which costs $3,500.

“If you want an adrenaline rush, hunt for the Vancouver bull,” Guilloz says. “That’s an adrenaline rush. They’re very smart.”

After a hunt, Guilloz says Parker Ranch has a list of taxidermists on the island available for mounting game. For those interested in donating their catch of meat to local farmers, that option is available, as well as the possibility to freeze the meat and take it home.

Parker Ranch hunting tours are for all skill levels. Guilloz says the ranch also will soon try out “photo hunts” for those interested in “shooting animals” in a different way – through a lens. Regardless of what hunting experience is chosen, guests will get to enjoy a unique side to the Big Island and Hawaii’s culture.