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Beyond the Basics Training Course

Volume 1 Reviews

This is a beautifully produced book, text well balanced with sketches, photos and graphs. Errol’s writing is accessible, blending the technical detail and historical facts with stories and observations that make for a very enjoyable read. Errol’s accumulated knowledge is evident in every page; I don’t believe there could be a better book written on the subject. Your best chance of outwitting the sambar is to read this book. 10/10

Maggie McEwing - NZ Outdoor

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Anyone who wishes to improve their hunting success on Sambar is sure to gain numerous valuable tips from studying this book. This book sets a new standard for the Australian hunting scene with its well-written text, excellent colour photographs, large format and high quality presentation. Every committed sambar hunter will want a copy on their library shelves. It represents excellent value for money.

Ken Slee - Australian Deer

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I have finished reading your book and thought that it was extremely well done. Having hunted Sambar for 55 years one thinks he knows a lot, but like the old saying, you are never too old to learn. And as the great generals used to say, know your enemy. So with our quarry - the Sambar - know your game. Anyone who reads this book will learn a great amount. The hunter wishing to know the life of the Sambar and its habits will surely be enlightened, and the person who likes to read stories as to how great stags were harvested will be captivated along with the photos of these magnificent animals. There is also a section for the trophy hunter with a list of the top Australian heads. Having read most hunting stories of old India on Sambar by the great English authors, I can say that this book leaves them in its wake. I do not think there has ever been a book written with so much information regarding Sambar deer. And for a person to write this book in a country where they were introduced it is nothing short of outstanding. Congratulations, a magnificent book.

Robert Hoggard - Traralgon, Victoria

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I have just finished reading Secrets of the Sambar. Congratulations on a magnificent book easily the most informative and well researched book on hunting that I have read! Will definitely be reading it again as the temperature starts to drop so I can brush up on your helpful tips and observations. It definitely takes pride of place in my bookshelf. Again well done and I look forward to volume 2.

Scott Wilson - Wodonga, Victoria

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Both Colin and myself have enjoyed reading Secrets of the Sambar, Volume 1 and whilst it is the most expensive book I have ever purchased it is more than worth its weight in gold. The information which it contains is priceless. Volume 2 is eagerly awaited and I am sure that it will also be perused many times. Volume 1 is the type of book which can and will be read many times with more information gleaned from the pages every time it is read. This is a book Australian Sambar hunters have needed for many years. Keep up the great work.

Chris Eaton - East Gippsland Branch Australian Deer Association

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I just phoned to tell you that your book is absolutely fantastic. I was actually blown away by it.!!!!!!

Phil Minogue - Kilmore, Victoria

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Errol, you have set a new bench mark for sambar books. This is a ‘must have book’ for all sambar hunters.

Lyle Murray - Hoddles Creek Victoria

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Just phoned to say I have just received your book and its fantastic. This book will be sold out in no time.

Chris Boon - Victoria Arms Melbourne

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I just received your new book. It’s awesome. Well done and congratulations.

Jim Lay - Stratford Victoria

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Congratulations on a great publication. It is a good balance of facts, opinions and actual hunting. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Rifles and Cartridges. Bring on volume 2.

John Rae - Orange, NSW.
Vice President AHI. Member SCI

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While filling out the order form for a copy of your new book I realised that this was an opportunity to thank you for the high-quality articles that you have produced over the years. They have provided me with many hours of reading pleasure and are my most important, and most used, reference source for sambar. Your work stands head and shoulders above Australian and overseas articles on game, and is obviously the result of years of dedication and effort. I am particularly impressed with the empirical approach that you take, where you use observation and experience as the foundation of your articles, and then follow this up with well researched supporting evidence from literature and personal communication. Your insightful observations, with supporting photos, are not only highly educational but also establish a level of credibility that is lacking in much of the “hearsay-based” literature. It’s great to see that the first volume of your work has been collated – No doubt my copy will become as well-thumbed as the many magazines containing your work.

Tony Peterson - Queanbeyan NSW

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I am writing to say how impressed I am with my copy of Secrets of the Sambar Vol 1. You both are to be commended on the quality of your production. I have just finished reading it from cover to cover and I am even more impressed as I found the book to be full of excellent information and written from a very sound practical base. As a hunting guide I have read many other books on How to Hunt for different species but very few of them contain the quality of research and practical experience that you have used to demonstrate the effectiveness and logic of the various strategies that you use. I applaud you for writing about how it really is and not how it is perceived. I would very much like to purchase Vol 2 and if possible have the same number as I had for Vol 1.

Joe Estermann - Perth, W.A., Professional Hunter, Australian Buffalo Hunters

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Just a quick note to tell you how your Secrets of the Sambar column and Secrets of the Sambar Vol. I & 2 have greatly helped my sambar hunting experience. As a Tasmanian I had limited opportunity to hunt sambar, so prior to my first trip I found myself digging up back issues of Guns & Game to re-read your columns on sambar behavior. I now find that I rely heavily on Vol. 1 & 2 of your books. The numerous sub-headings and comprehensive index makes finding info so easy. I have taken 3 trophy stags on 3 trips to Victoria and have always found your advice to be spot on.

Dale Wesley - Ulverstone, Tasmania

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Although I consider myself to be a good hunter I found hunting sambar is not easy to learn. In the past my style was bush stalking or ‘Walking them Up’. It’s only recently - after reading Errol Mason’s book - that the penny started to drop. I would like to thank Errol and his book, Secrets of the Sambar for the depth of knowledge and experience he has shared.... What incredible photography! Inspiring!

After digesting it I now possess a much greater understanding of sambar behaviour, and my hunting strategies have evolved accordingly. I've slowed down, became more patient, and now pass up deer knowing that the dominant stag won't be too far away. I get to know an area, cover less territory and as a result see far more deer than ever before. I can't believe I ever hunted without binoculars! Good luck Errol, I can't wait to get my hands on Volume 2!

James Hackel

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It’s absolutely brilliant. In Australian terms a masterpiece publication. It is without peer.

Rod Barford - Flytreck Australia, Cowes, Vic.

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Dear Errol,

I spent the evening in your company – reading your new book.

Again I congratulate you on this work – for hunters by a hunter.

But it is also more than this.

You have posted a signpost, a landmark in the history of Australian hunting literature.

A landmark because in the long-term it will stimulate hunters to think about the basics of their activities.

Their critics, also, may be prompted to realise there is more than simplistics involved in hunting as an ecological, sustainable public activity.

Would you please reserve me two additional copies?

Kind regards

Max (Downes)

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Just received book (Volume 1) and quickly browsed through it. Cheque instantly on the way for Vol 2. This trans Tasman rivalry looks one sided with such a quality and thorough study of sambar once again coming from your shores. In my experience most in NZ most hunters who hunt sambar still adopt Red deer techniques and get down trowed seriously.

To any young aspiring Sambar hunter Errol’s book is an absolute necessity. Forget hunting irrationally, learn the basics and don’t rush in and educate them because they are Masters of the hunting game.

I wish I was a young hunter starting out 34 years ago on Sambar with all this knowledge Errol has now made available because with a bit of luck I too could have a few more nice heads on the Wall. Keep up the good work.

Regards

Chris Coley - Palmerston North, New Zealand.

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Hi Errol,

I must tell you that I very eagerly went to the p.o.box today and the book was waiting for me. I would like to say congratulations to you. The book is fantastic in every way. Well done! You can put me down for Volume 2 and I will post you the money order this weekend. All the best with the rest of the sales which is a small reward for the amount of time and effort you have invested in those magnificent animals.

Matt Russell

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