Thanks gentlemen.
The rifle is indeed a Ruger M77 MkII RSI in .308, topped with a Leupold 2-7 x 28 Ultralight compact scope. The load consists of a 150gr Sierra ProHunter at a modest 2750fps, the ADI starting load, and invariably produces pass-throughs with side-on rib-cage shots.

That rifle is very handy for the hills, although I desperately need to build a rear mount for the Rigby .275 in my gunsafe and fit the little 1920s Mignon scope I acquired a while back. The Ruger can then return to its normal role as my CPM culling rifle.

It never ceases to amaze me that a rutting stag, black with piss and absolutely stinking, can produce such good eating venison. That stag was relieved of his back-straps, rumps, leg-roasts and blades as well as the head. We had the tenderloins for dinner that evening, yumm! What we didn't eat in camp was lodged in my Dad's freezer in Brisbane.

Also shot a yearling hind for a bit of extra meat in the second week.

Back in Darwin now, flat-earth country, and already missing
the hills. The stags are probably roaring their heads off down there in the Brisbane Valley by now. Good luck to those of you heading out over the Easter break.