Who Attends
Course participants come with a wide variety of experience ranging from complete newcomers to those who have been unable to set eyes on a stag in 20 years of hunting. They include those who have successfully taken trophy stags but have had many lean years since. Some have been consistently successful but realise there is so much more to learn about these Big Brown Deer.
Why Hunters Attend
Students have explained that they can only absorb so much by reading but if a concept is explained in the bush they instantly grasp it. This is known as ‘kinesthetic learning’. Research shows that 70% of people learn much better by actually seeing something demonstrated and then doing it, rather than just reading about it. This is why hands-on training plays such an important role in education today, especially for trades people such as chippies, plumbers, sparkies and builders.
Three Days ‘Hands On’ in the Bush
Consistent with the principles of kinesthetic learning I guide students, step by step through actual hunting scenarios and on most courses we watch unalarmed sambar. I explain why they are there and the tactics I would use to harvest one.
Using their own bino’s – plus bino’s and a spotting scope which I provide – students glass faces where sambar have been seen, including trophy stags. I explain when is the best time to look, where to look, and what to look for. You will be shown key topographical features, including my VIP “Wagon Wheel” concept – the “road map” of sambar movement – and I explain when, why and how sambar use these features.
Courses Are Tailored to Students Needs
Each course is tailored to meet the specific needs of each participant. In particular this includes the special requirements of Bow Hunters.
The training course is based on a rugged and picturesque 2km x 1km mountain forest property north of Swifts Creek, Victoria. It is 1.25 hrs north of Bairnsdale, 1 hour north of Bruthen and 20 minutes south of Omeo. Bairnsdale is about 3 hours from the Monash Freeway Ringwood/Frankston Ring Road intersection in Melbourne’s east. Swifts creek is about 4 hrs from Albury via Mt Hotham and the same via Mitta Mitta/Anglers Rest/Omeo.
Directions: Detailed directions from various locations are emailed to course participants.
Accommodation (if required)
If you do not want to camp, comfortable cabin accommodation is available just 8km from the course.
Accommodation will be available at the “Miners Cottages” near Swifts Creek from 1st July. The Miners Cottages (2 bedroom) are 8km from our block. Ph Sandy at Omeo Caravan Park to book on (03) 5159 1351 or email info@omeocaravanpark.com.au.
They currently manage the Omeo Caravan Park so contact them also for 1 and 2 bedroom cabins at the Omeo Caravan Park if that is preferable.
Omeo is 22km to our block and the Miners Cottages are 8km from the training course property.
Swifts Creek Accommodation Services also has accommodation in Swifts Creek 12km from the training course property. Ph 0488 594 888
Course Size
Each course is limited to 7 people.
Firearms and Ammunition
If you wish you may bring your sambar rifle for set-up evaluation. Ammunition is not permitted to be carried on the course. Rifles and ammunition must be legally secured in your vehicle.
NOTE: Rifles are not carried during the course.
Ammunition is not permitted to be carried on the course. Rifles and ammunition must be legally secured in your vehicle.