I just returned from an enjoyable hunting trip on the island of Lanai Hawaii. Spending time in Hawaii in the middle of winter is a treat, but add world-class big game hunting to the mix, and the trip becomes truly memorable. The hunt was hosted by The Lodge at Koele, owned by Castle & Cook Resorts (www.lodgeatkoele.com (808) 565-3981). The Lodge is a five star resort property boasting every amenity one could desire from a traditional vacation, including horseback riding, mountain biking, archery, sporting clays and shooting range, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and beach activities in association with the sister property, Manele Bay Hotel, as well as a golf course that is consistently ranked as one of the ten best in the world. But the hunting operation is what sets this operation apart from other Hawaiian resorts. Situated on the old Dole pineapple plantation, The Lodge properties are ideal habitat for upland birds, specifically pheasant. Both the ringneck and blue species abound here, and with the occasional francolin rising from a point, the bird hunting is fantastic. But the big game opportunities are what caught my attention. Lanai has an abundant population of both mouflon sheep and axis deer that inhabit the thick terrain of the volcanic mountains, and the hunting can be a real challenge. Introduced over one hundred years ago, mouflon and axis were used as a source of protein for the workers of the pineapple fields. When Dole moved its operation to the south Pacific, the free-ranging animals numbers grew to a point where sport hunting become a necessity to protect the rare flora of the island. Today, The Lodge offers an attractive package that is likely to satisfy not only the hunter, but the spouse as well. As about seventy percent of the island is privately owned, hunting is open year round. Trophy mouflon sheep are always available, however, most axis bucks cast their horns by December, so the best time to look for a big deer is June through November. The hunter should be prepared for a physical challenge, as this is a much different experience than most “exotic” hunts in the U.S.. Deer and sheep inhabit the sheer cliff and deep valleys left by volcanic upheaval. Depending on the wind and the sun, the hunt is either conducted from the “top down”, valley floor glassing high, or the “bottom up”, glassing from the edge into the canyons. Either way, it is spot and stalk, and you may be in for some serious climbing. As the igneous rocks are relatively new and sharp, quality mountain boots are a must. Top-flight optics are an absolute necessity, and a quality spotting scope and rangefinder can come in handy also. Camouflage clothing and a long range rifle in 270 caliber or higher, topped with a premium scope are also advised. In a nutshell, approach this as a sheep hunt, and you will be fine; less preparation could spell trouble. The three day hunt is $3500, and includes three nights’ accommodations for two at The Lodge at Koele. A spouse or friend can come along as an observer, or perhaps, sleep in a bit and enjoy the resort facilities while you are hunting. Breakfast and a field lunch are also provided in the package, but the evening meal is the hunters’ responsibility. The hunt includes 1 x 1 guide service, island transportation, and field and trophy preparation. Success has been 100% on both species, with the trophy quality of the mouflon being very good, as many horns are in excess of 30 inches. Bigger axis bucks can be found in Texas and Florida, but the largest antlers recorded on Lanai are 38 inches, with many heads in the 30 inch range. The $3500 fee is for either animal, and if you tag out early on your sheep or deer, the second species can be added during the remaining hunt for an additional trophy fee of $1000. Also, half and full day pheasant hunts can be arranged for one or more members of your party. A non-resident Hawaii hunting license is $112.50, and you must have a hunter’s safety card to make application. This hunt is not for everyone. Theses species can be had elsewhere for less money. But for those of us who are interested in a first-rate hunting opportunity under the guise of a family vacation, it would be hard to find a better place than Lanai, and The Lodge at Koele.