Ozbow

G'day Guys,

Welcome to "The Victorian High Country Hunt" thread!


We already have a number of members who have expressed their
support and/or desire to attend this event. If you wish to view the
series of events that lead to this situation please refer to the
"Shooting the Breeze" forum and check out the thread entitled
"OZBOW Annual Safari and Rendevzous".

I sincerely hope that changing the forum and name doesn't
confuse/annoy too many members, if so I apologise to you.

I'll try to summarise where we're at as briefly as possible.
Members such as Jindydiver, Tracker, Hubris, Mick, Gundy, Sparra,............IMAGINE YOUR NAME HERE....... Myself and
others have expressed a desire to get together for a combined -
Hunt for Sambar deer and other feral species such as goats, wild dogs or whatever. A big shared camp where everyone can "chew the fat", put
faces to names, make lifelong friends, enjoy ancillary activities such as
tying flemish bow strings and whatever and just plain HAVE A BALL
! All members are more than welcome to come, just bring your camping gear and your traditional bows and arrows .

THIS HUNT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT WILL NOT FIZZLE OUT.

The location for the hunt will of course be somewhere in the Victorian High Country. Currently we are investigating the pros and cons of having it in the North East High Country, not that far from Corryong. Jindydiver is checking out possibilities and fesibility right now and will get back to us (hopefully).

We have back up plans and venues in place. What I'm trying to say is - It is going to happen, but we're not totally sure whereabouts just yet, but it will probably be the Corryong option.

The only important aspect that we haven't arrived at a conclusion, is the date for the hunt. It could be as early as the Queens Birthday long weekend in mid June, or we may decide to make it in September or whatever, maybe even next year. Several members have said they are not fussed about dates. If its important to you to make it a certain date to coincide with your holidays or whatever, just let us know, we're flexable at this stage. If I don't get any feedback in this area, we will simply nominate a date.

If you want to get involved, have no fear, you will not be lumbered with any responsibilities or workload, we'll be overjoyed just to see you there.


As far as I'm concerned, I'll be happy to see members post the odd thought or concern on this thread even if its just to say "I'm still coming", that would be great. Any new developments will be posted to keep you up-to-date. As we get closer to the event, you will be supplied with all the necessary directions and maps. They will be sent to you via a PM, as we don't want unexpected guests.

If you haven't already done so, please think about attending what will surely become a very memorable event.

See ya there!


Mick

At the moment I am a little technologically challenged (my computer dropped it’s bundle and I am having to use my son’s until our new one gets here) but when things are back up and running I will put together a dozen or so maps of the area with all the boundaries of parks etc’ marked clearly.

On the dates thing.
I don’t care when it is but there is no reason not to have it on more than one date also. Maybe we can do a get together every 6 months or so, I am sure we can find the places to go if we put our minds to it. We are not going to please every body with whatever date is chosen, so my thought is that once we have a core group of say 6-8 agree on a date we set it in stone and others will either be able to make it or not. There will always be other trips (if we make an effort) and if we try to accommodate absolutely everybody with an interest we will never pick a date.

Myself, I am good to go on the June long w/e. It is still a while away and I am sure many of us can get the w/e free and maybe even a couple of days either side.

jindydiver wrote: On the dates thing.

Myself, I am good to go on the June long w/e. It is still a while away and I am sure many of us can get the w/e free and maybe even a couple of days either side.

Just a point of note....

i dont know if anyone from down that way (vic) goes to the gladstone or hunter valley shoots but, this would be the same weekend.

then again...... i could be an alternative for those not wishing to travel that far? just some porhts, something to consider is all.......

cheers
Buford.

Gaday Fella's...i have to agree with Jindy on this one,Just name a date and people organise themselves for that date.If they can't make it there is always the next one.If you try to keep everyone happy it won't happen.
Having said that im afraid i can't make a June trip because i'll be away chasing pigs with Trophy Bowhunts Australia from the 16/06/05 to about the 7/07/05 but i'll be there in spirit...
Regards..Sparra

Good luck to you Sparra, have a great trip! Thanks for your support and
I look forward to meeting you sometime soon. At least it will give you more time to practice with that recurve .

Mick

Hmm, I could maybe make later in the year or next...

Going overseas in June/July



Erron

Does anybody have any idea what the hunting is like for sambar in Oct'. Is it post rut, or are they starting to shed.
I know bugger all about sambar so maybe somebody with the knowledge on sambar and their habits could give us some clues.

We could always make the date the Oct' long w/e.

I've got a very good book called "Walking Them Up" by Ken Pearce. Its all about Sambar hunting. Although aimed at rifle hunters, it contains a treasure trove of useful information.

When writing about Spring hunting Ken wrote " The early spring sees another peak in breeding activity. The mature stag carries out most of its activity at night and rests up in a convenient and strategically situated bed within easy reach of the hinds for most of the daylight hours. In less distrubed country, he may even be seen feeding with them occasionally in daylight. The weather is generally improving and the bush is at its most colourful. Its a great time to be alive and enjoy hunting"

I take it from this, the antlers of a least some stags would be fully functional still in October.

I know of many very experienced Sambar hunters that prefer September to any other time of the year.

One small point, from mid to late October is a bad time of the year for snakes. My experiences in the Otway Ranges of fending off very agro Tiger Snakes usually have occured at this time of the year. Other times of the year they are much more placid.

One more small point, the public holiday to which Jindydiver is referring to in October doesn't apply to Victorians .

Apart from all this, I would still be very happy to make the date in early October. It would suit me fine. Erron might be happy with this date too.
The weather would certainly be a lot easier to handle at this time of year.

I don't really expect to bag a Sambar, I'd be "over the moon" just to see one, or any other game animal for that matter. I just like being there, doing what I love most.

Mick

I don't really expect to bag a Sambar, I'd be "over the moon" just to see one, or any other game animal for that matter. I just like being there, doing what I love most.

That's exactly it hey, just a chance at a good honest hunt during the day and a good yarn around the fire at night.

G'Day Guys,

We could procrastinate over what would be the best date for our hunt indefinately. I reckon the earlier we decide on a set date the better. It will give us time to organise time off work, ticket of leave from the missus, get our gear organised, and settle down.

Both Sparra and Erron can't make it in June. The nights get a bit cold at this time of the year too. So I reckon we should discount June.

October 3rd is a public holiday (and long weekend) for NSW, ACT and SA. We may have members coming from all these states/territories, so this date would probably suit them. Its also a great time of the year to be in the bush. Also its long enough away for many of us to organise essential requirements.

Without wishing to appear too dictatorial, I hereby suggest that the official dates for the first " Victorian High Country Hunt" could/should/might be 1st -3rd October 2005, (or thereabouts just in case you want to get there early or stay longer).

Is everyone happy with this? If so, that's it, we're organised. Well nearly

Mick

Seems fair to me

Well now seeing those dates I don't think that I'd be able to make it as I don't think the wife would be to happy with me leaving her and teh baby for a whole month. As I am heading North to Queensland for 10 days hunting mid October.
Oh well there's always next year
But I do hope all that do get to go have a great trip. I know I will

Mick

Mick

Hope you have a great time in October. I can see your point, It might be a bit too much to hope for, doing 2 trips in October with the new baby and all. As you said mate, there's always next time, but I gotta say I am disappointed you can't make it.

I reckon your wife is being very selfless letting you go hunting. You're a lucky man. Speaking of luck, and I know you wont need it, but good luck anyway with the safe arrival of your little baby girl!

Hope to meet up with you one day soon, somehow, somewhere.

Mick

I reckon your wife is being very selfless letting you go hunting. You're a lucky man. Speaking of luck, and I know you wont need it, but good luck anyway with the safe arrival of your little baby girl!

Mick S

Yeah the wife is great when it comes to understanding my obsesion with archery and hunting, especially when I can't do to many other sports due to a stuffed back from a car accident 8 yrs ago. Gotta love her for that.

As for buba well all is ok with her so far and she is growing at a rappid rate now the wifes belly is looking much like a beach ball and looking so cute. She no longer walks but rather waddles like a duck.

Mick

Mick

Glad to hear it mate.

Mick

Jindy and Mick,
you shouldn't have any problems with the sambar shedding in Oct, as most of them do this around nov/dec. I've seen hard antler stags as late as xmas. September is one of ther better times of the year for seeing big stags, as they have finished rutting and are feeding in open areas later after sunrise as they try to gain some condition. Some sambar hunters call it the silly season.

Thanks for the info memo. Any chance you might make it to this hunt?
Your knowledge would be handy.

Our October hunt is looking GOOOOOD.

Mick

Essentially I'm just making this post to keep members thinking about this event. Its still happening as planned on October 1st to 3rd. The more people that can make it, the better it will be. Afterall, we've got the whole Victorian Alps to spread out in and to hunt in each day and the cosy camp to return to each evening. What more could you ask for?

I've got a nice big tarp 24' x 12' that we could string up high. It will provide protection from the elements. The weather in October will probably be good for hunting and camping. Jindy tells me there is a nice big camping area next to a creek with all weather access.

I'm not too sure when the trout season opens. If its open at the start of October, theres excellent trout fishing in the area of the event. So bring your fishing gear. Of course contouring around some new and exciting Sambar country will be my number one attraction though.

Even if you don't hunt, there will still be plenty of fun and excitement for everyone. I expect the socialising, making friends and camping aspect of the event will be what everbody remembers afterwards with the most affection.

Don't be put off, thinking I'm just a beginner, or I don't know how to hunt. I can assure you, there wont be many experts there. We'll make you feel right at home. We're probably just as inept as you, or more so. By the same token, hopefully there will be some knowledgeble types there that can teach us all something worthwhile.

So, what's on your agenda in early October this year? Grab your pen and put a circle around the date on your calendar and standby for further developments.

See Ya there!!!!

Mick

Mick S
Will have to let you know mate ,could have a wedding on that weekend (on one of my hunting fishing properties Aye )
Sure want to be there though
Mick
Wish the wife well
We all look forward to hearing how it all goes ,whether she/he be a longbow or Curve shooter
and enjoy the hunt
stace

I would dearly love to come on this hunt. I don't know about the dates yet thoug: I'll have to wait until next semester. If I did come, I wouldn't be hunting deer. I can't afford the license. I'l be sticking to other smaller, more free, game.

If, on the off chance that I can't come, can I have bagsies on any sinew that might come from animals taken on the hunt?

If I can come, this is going to ROCK. (I'm sure it would rock without me, but I don't thin I'd appreciate it as much )

Dave

Mick,
As we've discussed before, I would love to be a part of this hunt. It should be great! By then I'll be shooting nice groups with the new bow, (hopefully) and stalking in on anything, from a bunnie to a Stag Sambar would be a great experience.
Just quickly though, furthering what Yeoman said, is the place we'll be heading to likely to hold other ferals, goats and the like?

Anyhow, can't wait,
Rory

Rory and Dave,

Yeah, Jindy tells me there are wild goats nearby and rabbits along the creek. There is supposed to be quite a few wild dogs in the area as well.
We'll have a great time. It'll be well worth coming even without hunting deer, I reckon.

Stace,

I sure hope you can make it mate! We'd all love to meet you and ET. I know we'll all have a ball.

Hope to see you all there!

Mick

Mick
AND we want to be there as well but will have to see what eventuates
I am pretty sure we have a wedding on the 1st Oct but will let you know

I havent called a dingo in for years ,I just love to hear them answer back it sends a shiver up the back of your neck

Cheers
Stace

Sounds great Mick,
put me down as a definiate starter. Would love nothing more than to spend a weekend with the Ozbow boys and talk some complete and utter drivel and have a hunt aswell
Only 149 sleeps to go

This thing seems to be gathering momentum all the time. That's great! The more people that turn up the better its likely to be.

What are you doing October 1 to October 3 this year? Talk to your wife. Talk to your boss (if its a different person ). Start making arrangements now to be there. It will truely be worth it. Just imagine ..... the smells of wood smoke...the busy sounds of banging in tent pegs...the twang of bow strings...the thwock of an arrow striking...the infectious laughter....all those magnificant traditional bows everywhere you look...the smells of the bush....barbarqued steak smells....smiling happy faces......the thrill of hunting new terrain...the thrill of hunting exciting new species of game...sitting around the campfire enjoying an ale....sitting around the campfire listening to tall stories......early morning bird song and anticipation of whats to come....

WOOOOO HOOOO!!!!!!!!

I can't wait!!!!


Mick

sounds good Mick, except for that early mornin' caper

If you come Matt, I promise you, you'll be allowed to sleepin every morning . I'm sure everbody would respect your right to lay in your sleeping bag till midday............yeah right .

Seriously mate, I for one would be thrilled if you could make it . I'm certain the others feel likewise. Bring some of your footed arrows!

Mick

Well, you've sold me

Erron

Jees mate, I think I sold myself

Mick

you'll be allowed to sleepin every morning

Hubris has a special blunt that he saves for using on sleeping bags that are still full after sunup.