General information about SE HUNT
History Herd Management Hunting Condition Guiding Accommodation
Fallow deer were first introduced to the South East of South Australia at the turn of the 20th century, and although no management procedures were carried out, it was considered to provide some of the best trophy fallow hunting in mainland Australia. Unfortunately development, bush fire and hunting pressure had led to their demise in all but the most excluded areas. The original motive for setting up the hunting area was to preserve our local region's wild deer herd, while maintaining and improving upon the link to the deer herds that have roamed the area since introduction. For sustainable management of both the deer herd and environment, a total area of approximately 400 acres is enclosed, comprising of 200 acres of thick original native scrub, and 200 acres of developed pasture land with some thick red gum stands.
For many years we have been taking friends and relatives hunting and for a walk in the bush. We have now been catering for keen hunters who enjoy the bush, hunting, and nature, whilst still suppling meals and accommodation, since 1990.
Our herd management principles can be summarised by a few prioritised points.
Hence the results from this continual herd management style over a number of
years has been 2 fold.
- It has shown that an environmentally sustainable herd of
a suitable introduced species, in a native Australian environment is
possible.
- A significant continued improvement in the overall depth of quality of the herd's trophies
has been observed.
While the predominant natural herd are Fallow Deer, a small number of Red Deer stags are available each year for interested clients. The trophy qualities of these stags are significant, and we are continually sourcing deer from prestige blood lines.
The stalking of a trophy in the area has proven to be nothing less than challenging. All facets of stalking techniques must be used to the hunter's best ability for a successful hunt. As a stalking range, the area provides a great contrast of hunting conditions. Some excellent thick scrub provides dense cover for the animals, and often a big old buck can be found bedded down here. Quite often, still hunting can prove successful here, as after a while the animals will often break their cover. The more open grassy country provides for the best stalking at the break of day and last light in the evening. Whilst the animals are out feeding in the open country, a careful selection of the trophy to be stalked can be achieved with a spotting scope and a good position hidden in the edge of the dense scrub.
All hunts are fully guided by the property owner, who has had in excess of thirty years experience with the deer and the area. All field dressing, caping and skinning for trophy presentation, and meat preparation is also done by the guide. Final scoring of a trophy is done by the guide, who is an ADA accredited scorer, with many years scoring experience.
Accommodation is as house guests of the property owners, with full meals
supplied.
Many people bring their families. Areas of interest within an hours drive for
family and friends include visits to the historic Penola/Coonawarra Wineries
region, the heritage listed Naracoorte caves, the seaside towns of Beachport
and Robe, as well as the famous 'Blue Lake' at Mount Gambier.
Clients can be picked up from the Mt Gambier airport if they do not wish to
drive.
International guests are most welcome.