Company: Shoestring Safaris
PH: Well one enthusiastic amateur
Animals Hunted: Red and Chital deer
Animals seen: Red and Chital deer, hare, an absolute shit tone of wallabies.
Rifles Used: 6.5x55 Swede sporter
Bullets used: 140gr federals

Arrived at the property on Monday morning set up camp and went for an armed bush walk in the paddock near camp.....saw nothing. Had lunch, cup of tea, bit of a read and a little snooze and then headed off down the escarpment to hunt along the creek. This is where the Chital deer hang out and is full of scrub, lantana with a few cleared areas.
Creek line



Didn't see any Chital but I did spot two red deer a little way up the steep side of the hill. Played cat and mouse with them for a bit and took a shot as they spooked and headed off uphill. To be honest I thought I missed but then saw the yearling tumble down the hill.

I made my way up to her and found this-


It was a poor shot with the bullet going up high up though the top of the rear leg and taking out a fair portion of gut. I dragged her down to the creek and cut off as much usable meat as I could.

The next morning I went for another armed bush walk down the front paddock for no result and then helped the property owner fix her wooden cattle yards. A bit of chainsaw work and we had all the gates closing again.

That afternoon I was back at the creek with the owner and as she did a bit of work around some watering points I went looking for some Chital. AND see them I did.....their arse end as they snuck off through the lantana. I did see a sitter as I walked across a clearing, and she saw me. I took an off hand shot at about 50 meters through a gap in the trees and completely missed . The rest of the herd, about 12 animals, that were hidden from me took off up the ridge line and was beautifully silhouetted. I didn't risk a shot however. And that's how that hunt ended.

We had a quick visit with a friend of the owner who was feeding some of his young red stags




The next (last) hunt on Wednesday morning was fruitless. I did see a lot of pig diggings but they were old. Walked up and over some good looking areas and found some deer tracks

The last time I was here I was at my heaviest and I struggled on the steep hills, now walking up and down them felt pretty good as I've lost 34kg since that first trip.
Below are some shots of the country.

Great looking hunting country. Pretty dry by the look.
You were just tenderising that back leg...

quote:

Originally posted by shankspony:
Great looking hunting country. Pretty dry by the look.
You were just tenderising that back leg...

Yeah...I'll go with that . It was a pretty shit shot but it did knock her down quickly.

Nice mate. Enjoyed the report.

No stitches to the face? No pics of Rex?

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
No stitches to the face? No pics of Rex?

Shit no I kept away from the car . Interestingly Glenda had him chained up at the van while we went down to the bottom of the property. I went back to get something and he gave me a look out of the corner of his eyes. Made me pause some I tell you. I'm thinking that when in the vehicle or when chained up he gets very protective of his space. He's a Stumpy Tailed Cattle dog and they are known to be bastards. Off the chain, around the camp he was great. Even around his food.

quote:

Originally posted by Bakes:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
No stitches to the face? No pics of Rex?

Shit no I kept away from the car . Interestingly Glenda had him chained up at the van while we went down to the bottom of the property. I went back to get something and he gave me a look out of the corner of his eyes. Made me pause some I tell you. I'm thinking that when in the vehicle or when chained up he gets very protective of his space. He's a Stumpy Tailed Cattle dog and they are known to be bastards. Off the chain, around the camp he was great. Even around his food.

Well, I feel bad for Glenda over the whole issue. I have a follow up tomorrow with the plastic surgeon in PHX.

Was thinking...you lost half my body weight! Actually I was down to 63 kgs while in Brisbane Royal Hospital.

Glenda feels bad as well mate. Yeah lost about 7kg ish since we had dinner with you guys.

Best of luck for tomorrow

Nice job, Bakesly! I think you need to go back soon and tag another.

Already making plans Ann. Bit different to your deer country hey.

Sure is but meat is good when you get it. My local deer season is happening now. I have not partaken yet, still watching. Soon thought! There is room in the freezer. Yippeee!

You seem to have a lot of good prospects on your place.

All young stuff. No trophies but very good eats. That's fine with me.