Behind the Scenes
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The Hunt
There is something really satisfying about introducing children to new aspects of hunting and seeing the joy in their faces as they spy their first deer in the wild.
While Jack has been hunting with us for several years, accompanying us on hunts all around the world, this was the first time he was truly immersed into the hunting experience. It was also the first true mother/son hunt, where they didn’t have Poppy along for the ride.
Jess was able to show Jack how to read a map, as well as how to check for signs of deer in the bush. These are all really important skills to learn that will stand Jack in such good stead when he’s older and actually out hunting by himself.
A few kilometres away at another deer camp close by, Rod was able to take his four-year-old foster daughter, Lily out on her very first hunting experience.
Lily has lived with us for a little over a year now. As such, she had never previously been exposed to any hunting, or even camping.
She was so excited to be sleeping in a tent for the first time, and having some real big girl experiences. And while she had seen deer on a TV screen before, she had never seen one in the wild before.
Thanks to the clarity of the Burris spotting scope, Rod was able to show Lily close up footage of a number of does feeding across the landscape.
The People
The Location
Both hunting camps were located near McGuires Marsh in Tasmania. We are pretty big fans of camping. Not only is it a great way to switch off from technology and the modern world, there’s just so much camaraderie to be had sitting around a camp fire and talking about the amazing hunt you just experienced. Want to discover more benefits to camping?
Animals hunted
The hunt took place during the second week of the Tasmanian fallow buck season, which means that the only animal that could be legally shot was a fallow buck.
We saw lots of does, but unfortunately, no bucks. We also saw some wallabies, but nobody wants to go shooting wallabies during the buck season and risk scaring off one of the only bucks around.
Click the images below for a more in-depth look at both of these species.
NAME
Fallow Deer
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Dama dama
RECOMMENDED FIREPOWER
Firearm - .243 or larger. Bow - 50lbs draw weight
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
WHERE TO HUNT
AUS, NZ, SA, USA, EUROPE, AR
NAME
Red-necked Wallaby
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Macropus rufogriseus
RECOMMENDED FIREPOWER
Firearm - .22LR or larger Bow – Not Allowed
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
WHERE TO HUNT
Tasmania, Australia and South Island, New Zealand
Game Saver Tips
Coming soon.
Gear List
Provide a brief overview of the camo and gear the hunters were using in this episode, along with links on where to buy, and discounts available for these items for members.
Clothing
Equipment
My favourite equipment to take with me everywhere from guns and packs, to binos and rangefinders.
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Episode Sponsors
Garmin make durable devices engineered on the inside for life on the outside. Their products go wherever you go and track your precise location in the process. Go farther than ever before when hunting and finding adventure.
Winchester have been supplying quality ammunition and firearms in Australia since 1967. Other brands include Browning, CZ, Steyr, Huglu, Norma ammunition, ADI gun powders, and Meopta optics.
Burris wide range of optics are built tough to provide a lifetime of reliable performance in the field. The company has so much faith in their products that they provide a lifetime guarantee on all of their optics.
FoodSaver is a leading producer of vacuum sealer systems that help you preserve food freshness and flavor, and limit waste. We use their GameSaver as its built tough for use in the field, and even comes with a 12V adaptor.
Situated in Victoria's High Country, Mansfield Hunting & Fishing stocks a huge array of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. I Am Hunter members enjoy a 10% discount on any purchases made in-store or online.
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