Well done Mick on the Vic hunt.

I was surprised to see a vehicle in the Wonnangatta, as they used to lock the gates for Winter. Maybe that is still happening and to come in June or later?

Good to clear out of Vicistan before the border walls went up again. Even better for you not to be gulaged trying to re-enter the NT!

I hadn't thought of a sambar trip in May. Maybe worth a try next year. In the past used to hunt in August or similar. But never have hunted the Wonnangatta. You had very decent success there with three sambar. Considering the old Vic stats from years ago, where the average non hound hunter saw 0.8 of a deer per hunting trip. I assume that included weekend trips. So four deer seen and three shot in perspective is very good success.

Other than my first trip, in a not very productive area, I always saw deer, three in one spot running away, a dozen or more feeding on the side of the road! Photos only. not shooting. With Gryphon and his special areas, a handful or more per day. His dog proved more than useful in locating deer, we might otherwise have walked past. I remember on time, the dog indicated to the right, so we went to the right instead and two sambar over the hill.

I hope my "little" fellow, Donder, a GSP, already 25 kgs at six months, might be useful for sambar. But impossible to train him for sambar a days drive away. Some training on fallow might do it. He does love the fallow, and on my property can often be found when loose by the deer paddocks, sitting staring at them. A good sign.

Of course no dogs in the National Parks.

Did your share of the sambar venison go North with you? Can I ask how you transport it all that distance, time and potential heat? Freeze it first? Have camp fridges and freezers, such as an Engle or two? Big esky/cool box with lots of ice and replaced as needed? How long does the drive take you? Perhaps less "leisurely" than I do it.

My interest is the need to bring meat South in reverse. If room I sometimes take a second Engel. One being reserved as a freezer for boned out meat for the trip South. The other as space allows. If by myself, the back seat of the Landcruiser can be used for gear and cargo, so a second Engel squeezed into the back.

Good to see the Rigby .275 getting a sambar run.

Thanks for posting your pics and story.