PGG Wrightson Southland deer specialist Ben Beadle said terminal wapiti were in demand at the four sales in Southland and Otago this season.
Regular buyers paid fair prices for the good, consistent animals on offer, he said.
There had been good clearance rates this season but average prices were down "a whisker" on last year.
Lochinvar Wapiti owner Ross Carran, of Te Anau, said he was happy with his sale results.
"They all sold so that’s good."
The average price was back on last year, which was understandable considering the market for venison, he said.
Clachanbun Deer owner John Falconer, of Ranfurly, said the average price at his sale was up on last year and he was happy with the result.
"It was a fair sale — the prices were reflective of the deer and the marketplace.
"Some years the buyer wins and some years the seller wins but this year it was fair."
The $10,000 top price for a bull was "the best we’ve had for a number of years".
The bull was bought by regular buyer Argyle Station in Waikaia.
"They buy a number of bulls off us every year and they use them on the hill country and they seem to be doing the job."
