In early July a few mates and I travelled down to Macs Cove, between Mansfield and Jamieson in Victoria, to hunt Sambar deer. It was an ideal trip for Kombi’s introduction to Sambar deer. Upon our arrival it was a tad damp with rain falling and apparent it had been raining for week prior; perfect for silent stalking. After unpacking, I suggested Kombi go downstream of the cabin, while I proceeded uphill in an attempt to push something down to Kombi. The Spypoint Trail Cam was positioned over a fresh rub tree and active trail.
Monday evening Kombi knocked up his superb chilli con carne with Sambar mince and chunks provided by Ben and Bruce. Much Shiraz and Cab Merlot complemented the meal. A shot of Gibson’s 12yo Canadian Whisky (moi) or Tullamore Dew Whiskey finished off the night.
There was plenty of jocularity and light hearted banter around camp. We had a bit joke about the A-Team and the B-Team; both of which were equally armed with a
358W and
9.3x62mm.
A-TeamAndrew; bald, blonde and fair complexion, Remington 700 stainless/synthetic 358W loaded with 250gr Woodleigh PPSNs.
Andy (Kombi); bald, blonde and fair complexion, Tikka T3 stainless/synthetic 9.3x62mm loaded with 270gr Speer HotCors.
B-TeamBen; graying full head of hair and dark complexion, BSA Monarch blued/timber 358W loaded with 225gr Nosler AccuBonds.
Bruce; graying full head of hair and dark complexion, Ruger M77 African blued/timber 9.3x62mm loaded with 250gr Nosler AccuBonds.
Tuesday was uneventful, with no sign seen in the locality we hunted. I went high to the tops to overlook a saddle. To say the breeze was brisk was an understatement as snow covered tops were clearly seen past Jamieson to the southeast. Kombi was hunting midway up the hill and experienced his first Sambar “honk” followed by an explosion of movement in the scrub, but didn't see the deer. That afternoon I went up to a slightly exposed “hide” overlooking a semi open gully. The “hide” structure consisted of corrugated iron cladding, a large glass sliding door and lounge; it was great for an afternoon snooze until the last hour of daylight.
Tuesday evening Ben prepared his superb Sambar curry with all the condiments and pappadums. Again Shiraz and Cab Merlot complemented the meal. A shot of Gibson’s 12yo Canadian Whisky (moi) or Tullamore Dew Whiskey finished off the night.
Wednesday we hunted a different locality. Andy & I were displeased with being dropped off an hour later than we liked. Again I hunted high, and although no deer sign was seen I did hear a faint Sambar honk deep in a gully. Not long after on the rocky ridge, I missed an opportunity at taking down a large orange Wild Dog at ~30m, the safety was off and crosshairs almost got to his chest before he pissed off. It happened all so fast. That is the second Wild Dog I’ve come across and almost taken out there. Third time lucky perhaps. That afternoon Kombi & I went up to the “hide”; I again snoozed for an hour or more. As I expected, nothing was seen in the last hour before dark.
Wednesday evening we drove into Mansfield for dinner at the Delatite Hotel. The pork ribs with smoky BBQ sauce is almost to die for. A shot of Gibson’s 12yo Canadian Whisky (moi) or Tullamore Dew Whiskey finished off the night.
Thursday Kombi and I were dropped off below a saddle to “Tit Hill”. Kombi contoured around from the saddle, whereas I went high. Within 20 minutes of parting ways, a young 15-16" Stag burst from cover at ~45m, the 358W was instantly shouldered but his derriere was silhouetted on the ridgeline by the time had a sight picture. Within 10 minutes of seeing the Stag, I noticed a Fox happily coming down hill from the opposite direction and at 25m was thoroughly reamed out by a 250gr Woodleigh. I quickly notified the other guys over the UHF that the shot was only a Fox and not to get excited. Poor Basil had to be relocated and “beautified” for the photo. Within 15 minutes of blasting Basil, I heard a large bodied animal coming back up the far side of the ridgeline. It could have been the same Stag; regardless the 358W was at the ready. Unfortunately the wind swung around and I heard the rapid sound of a deer departing. Continuing carefully glassing all the way I eventually made it to the “nipple” on Tit Hill. From there I worked a number of gullies heads back down to the rendezvous point. There was sign everywhere, complete contrast from the previous two days hunting. Kombi, Ben and Bruce also experienced seeing fresh sign everywhere, but didn’t see any animals. Ben found a rub and preaching tree down low near the flats with fresh tracks and scat everywhere. Later that afternoon, went up to I retrieved the Trail Cam and was very disappointed to only see the photos of me retrieving it.
Thursday evening we drove into Jamieson for dinner at the Courthouse Hotel. On the way in a docile Sambar Spike was standing in the middle of the road. Back at camp a shot of Gibson’s 12yo Canadian Whisky (moi) or Tullamore Dew Whiskey finished off the night.
Friday we said our farewells and headed home.
Kombi twanging the strings during the trip was far more enjoyable than any FM or CD or iPod 
358W poised at the ready, the saddle is out of the photo to the left 
Pied Currawongs were very active on the tops 
Snow covered hills behind Jamieson 
Typical terrain looking towards Jamieson, mist was over Lake Eildon 
Wild Doggie Lair 
All the streams were charged following a wet week 
The “hide” was a tad exposed. Ideal spot for a quiet uninterrupted afternoon snooze 
Kombi & I in the “hide” checking out shapes and looking into dark areas, then I had a snooze 
The gully that the “hide” overlooks 
The smooth drop of gold from Canada, unfortunately it cannot be purchased in Australia 
Tit Hill from afar 
Ben’s discovery near the flats at the base of Tit Hill 
Reamed by the 358W at ~25m 
The “nipple” on top of Tit Hill 
Satisfied Kombi returning to the rendezvous point after a long hunt 
Kombi 2hrs later 
The morning frost near camp at 3:45pm 
Morning frost still remaining in the gully at 4:15pm, ~300m down from the Trail Cam location 
