THE Definitive Guide to Sambar
Biology, Ecology, Behaviour & Hunting Strategies

Due to great demand we have revised, updated and redesigned Secrets of the Sambar Volume 1 the first book in our trilogy (Hard cover - A4 format - 256 pp).

Contents

Introduction

Discusses the releases of Sambar in Victoria; when, where and how many, plus details about the Bunyip and Pendleside enclosures. Pages 12 and 13 has a double page enlargement of an aerial photograph which has been skilfully overlaid with the exact location of stags taken by my clients, plus other features discussed in this book.

Bunyip and Pendleside Enclosures

These two enclosures were developed for the express purpose of studying Sambar biology, ecology and behaviour. Details about each have been provided.

History of Sambar in Victoria

Drawing on the book, An Introduction to the Deer of Australia" by Arthur Bentley (the late), plus minutes of meetings of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria for the years 1861 to 1891, everything known about the importation of Sambar, including country of origin; where and how many were released. Their dispersal and current range since being released approx. 170 years ago has been included.

Why Sambar are Revered

Quotations from books by British Infantry Officer Lt Col. A.I.R. Glasfurd and Conservator of Forests, India, A.A. Dunbar Brander, describes the elusiveness and hardiness of Sambar and the exceptional degree of difficulty in "bringing a trophy to bag." Their opinions are supported by Australian Sambar hunters and statistics from the Game Management Authority (Victoria) which reveal the extremely low success rate for local Sambar hunters.

Understanding Sambar Behaviour

Using many analogies with humans, that I am certain you will instantly identify with, this chapter makes understanding Sambar behaviour easy.

Antler Comparison for Ceylonese, Malayan, Indian and Victorian Sambar

Measurements of Sambar antlers from each of the above countries are included in tables, revealing the length they reach in each. Measurements are provided for a few exceptionally long antlers from India, one of which exceeds 50 inches in length. A table shows Australia’s Top 75 Sambar Trophies.

Antler Development

Drawing on the three best scientific text books on the subject, plus detailed studies of antler development of captive Sambar stags in the Bunyip and Pendleside enclosures in Victoria, and Orissa in India, the development of antlers in Sambar (and other Cervidae) is clearly explained. Revealed is the annual increase in length; the age at which antlers attain maximum size; the age at which they begin to atrophy; the time taken to grow from casting until rubbing out, and the months the majority rub out, plus the role testosterone plays. Includes a table which shows details of the antler cycle of 5 Sambar stags in the Pendleside enclosure for the period 1975 to 1980.

Antler Casting

Drawing on the three best scientific text books on antler development, plus detailed studies of antler casting by captive Sambar stags in the Bunyip and Pendleside enclosures in Victoria, and Orissa in India, the months in which the majority of stags cast is revealed, plus how many days apart each is cast. The role testosterone plays in casting is also explained.

Australia’s Top 4 Stags & How They Were Taken

Includes full colour enlarged photos of each stag, plus highly educational stories as to how 4 of Australia’s Top Sambar Stags were taken. Includes Geoff McPherson’s and Phil Minogue’s 34 inch plus monsters; David Ingpen’s stag with antlers as thick as fence posts and Ian Lovell’s very even, heavy, Shanghai topped 32 incher. The calibres used by these hunters also tell a story.

Description

Includes full colour photos of Sambar hinds and stags at various stages of development. The live and gralloched weights of three spikers, hinds and several mature stags is provided.

Social Behaviour

The following subjects are discussed. The usual number in a family group; large nocturnal aggregations; are stags solitary; expressions of social intolerance; observations of the behaviour of a family group made over 6.5 hours; why stags follow hinds; information about each class of sambar, plus a table which lists the various social classes.

Signposts

Research into signposting by deer biologists and sex pheromones is combined with "in the bush" observations, the role that rub trees, wallows, preaching trees play in the Sambar’s dominance hierarchy and breeding system is revealed, plus when and how a hunter can exploit these key points of interest.

Response to Weather

The weather determines what Sambar do and where they do it more than any other factor, including hunting pressure. The aspect and elevation which each weather type causes them to spend the day is clearly explained. When this knowledge is overlaid on the hunting area it narrows down where the deer are going to be to just 10 per cent of the total forest.

Stalking Tips

These two pages of tips and tricks can be the difference between success and failure.

Tracking & Interpreting Sign

This 14 page chapter includes photographs of a stags 4 hooves and a hinds 4 hoofs which show the difference in shape between front and rear hooves, left and right hooves, the difference in width between front and rear hooves and the difference in size for a spiker, a mature stag and a mature hind. This vital knowledge enables you to know if you are looking at the tracks of a spiker, a mature stag or a hind. Includes photos of fresh tracks of a mature stag, and tracks that have been rained on. The width of the front and rear hooves of a spiker, a mature stag, a mature hind, a mature fallow buck and one week old Hereford calf is provided. Includes photos of fresh sambar stags pellets, their size and shape and how they differ from those of a mature hind. Explains how to determine if pellets were dropped that morning, 2 days ago, 3 days ago or longer.

Hunting From Face to Face

This chapter uses an actual hunt as an example as to how to hunt from face to face. I was guiding Bob Wilson when we spotted a trophy stag in his bed, but we had to obtain a better shooting angle so we moved to a much better position from where Bob killed him with one shot. The tactics used to find this stag are discussed, as is the equipment which is essential for this type of hunting.

Farm Fringe Tactics

Includes vital information about the behaviour of farm fringe Sambar and tactics for hunting them. Tactics for varying levels of hunting pressure - low to heavy - is discussed, as is how to use low impact tactics to quickly identify crossing points which can be ambushed and how to set up an ambush including the essential equipment. Preferred types of forage are discussed including nutrient content and the stage of growth when each is preferred.

The Stormy Weather Stag

When John Harvey arrived for his guided hunt a cyclonic wind was sweeping through the forest. So I took John to a hide I had prepared for precisely these conditions. Within 20 minutes of sitting in the hide John harvested his first ever trophy sambar with a single shot. It measured 28.5 x 28.5 inches. The reason the evening before a severe cold front is about to hit is a great time to hunt is explained, including the locations this type of weather drives Sambar to, and how to find and hunt these special spots.

Response to Cattle, Sheep and Horses

Reveals the effects of sex pheromones on cattle, sheep, horses and Sambar and other Cervidae, plus the areas grazed by cattle and sheep where Sambar will eat and will not eat. Discusses the effect of horse and rider on Sambar and vice versa, and the interaction between Sambar and brumbies.

Aiming Points & How Bullets Kill

Draws upon research revealed in the books written by Kevin Robertson, an African Professional Hunter and veterinarian, plus New Zealanders Bruce and Matt Grant, which reveals how in biological terms, particular shots actually kill large ungulates such as antelope, buffalo and deer. Whilst guiding I used this knowledge to coach clients and the result was that regardless of calibre - 270 Win. all the way up to 375 H&H - with just one exception, all shots were one shot kills. Aiming points to achieve "The Perfect Shot" from various angles have been overlaid onto photos of mature Sambar stags.

Cartridges & Projectiles

Reviews all the popular cartridges and projectiles for hunting sambar. Includes the "killing effect" of various calibres and various types of projectiles on mature Sambar stags up to 340kg live weight. Projectile types are broken down into three groups. Those with non-controlled expansion features; those with controlled expansion features and solid copper. In particular this chapter busts the myth that high muzzle energy and/or magnum velocity is necessary to instantly kill the biggest Sambar that ever walked the earth with just one shot.

Rifles & Scopes

Discusses how to obtain the maximum accuracy in any rifle; correct rifle set up including the correct length of pull; the correct height for mounting a scope; overall balance and weight. Points out that a silent, ergonomic safety catch is vital, as is a Safari Sling and a bright scope. Explains why a German # 4 is the perfect reticle for Sambar. The difference between controlled feed bolt actions and push feed bolt actions is explained. Instructions for breaking in a new rifle barrel and how to clean it are included.

After The Shot

Points out that every Sambar shot at must be treated as being wounded, even though it ran off without showing the slightest sign of being hit. Everything you must do from the moment the animal runs off, until you recover it, is covered in detail. This includes the sign that a wounded sambar typically leaves at the spot where it was standing when shot at and how to ensure that you find this sign and how to follow it up and recover the deer.

How to Choose the Right Binocular

The vital features that a binocular must have to be suitable for Sambar are listed and explained in detail. Often hunters are not aware of these features, let alone understanding why they are so important. Good quality binoculars which cost less than $1000 are listed, as is the difference in performance between them and binos costing 3 to 4 times as much is discussed.

Equipment - Clothing, Daypacks, GPS, etc

Identifies the best materials to wear in the various types of weather. Points out the huge difference in quality of fleece produced by various manufacturers. Explains the most suitable layering system for hunting Sambar; which materials are most effective at shedding water; which minimise body scent and which increase it. Lists the desirable features to have in a daypack, what safety equipment you should carry, how and where you should carry your GPS.