Volume 2 Reviews
This beautifully presented 2nd volume on Sambar deer may be visually quite glossy, but the contents don’t gloss over a thing. The text is exhaustive. Section 1 covers the sambar sensory system – vision, hearing smell, - dominance behaviour, mating and the long-term effects of bushfires. Section 2 looks at hunting techniques – by scent, with dogs, around wallows and in the sub-alpine regions. Despite the technical detail presented by the author the book is never dry or boring. Errol encases his information within the personal experiences of himself and many other hunters so the reading is easy and entertaining, the knowledge accessible. There are 150 superb photos and an extensive Index and Reference section. 18 years in the making, with Volume 3 planned for June 2010. This has to be the definitive work on sambar, a truly fine effort.
Maggie McEwing - NZ Outdoor Hunting Magazine
Errol Mason, highly regarded Sambar expert, hunting guide and author, has produced the second volume in his series of “Secrets of the Sambar” books. Following on from the extremely well received volume one, this 252-page full colour hard cover book, includes numerous topics that complement and add to the topics discussed in volume one.
As with Errol’s first book, the information covered is very comprehensive, thorough, and well researched with extensive detail supported by 150 colour photos. Errol has drawn on his considerable experience, as well as the experiences of many others and their photographic talents to bring to life an expose’ of Sambar from the hunter’s perspective, that, at least before Errol’s first book was without precedent.
The stunning pictures of live wild deer, considering the elusiveness of sambar is quite staggering. The cover picture, while a radical departure from and Australian scene is of a Bengal tiger attacking sambar stag, and is perhaps the most eye-catching image of sambar you are every likely to see.
The books contain much more detail than ever was possible in Errol’s Secrets of the Sambar column in GUNS&GAME Magazine, including new photographs and information. This combined with the fact that the book provides a level compactness of information on sambar available in one place, meaning that as a reference source, Errol Mason’s second volume can be highly recommended for all those that love deer, deer hunting and being in the great outdoors.
The book is a quality reference that will be appreciated by young and old alike. Errol mason’s book, “Secrets of the Sambar” Volume 2, completes the package that involves a good bottle of red, a comfortable sofa and many hours of enthralling reading.
Breil Jackson - Guns and Game
On receiving my copy of the book for this review the obvious first question was how could the author possibly write a second volume without repeating what had already been covered in the very comprehensive first volume. Happy to say, the content does not go over old ground and is all new as well as being entertaining, informative and a very good record of recent developments in Victoria’s sambar population.
In discussing a topic the author supports his points wherever possible with references to experts such as Max Downes and Brian Murphy or to well known hunters such as Noel O’Connor. Of particular interest to me was the very comprehensive section on the two major Alpine Fires in 2003 and 2006/2007, which had a devastating impact on the deer populations in many areas, but has also resulted to a massive increase in the food available to the deer so that an incredible number of great trophy stags have been taken over the past couple of years. It is obvious that these fires will influence the sambar population and hunting for many years to come. Another section that most sambar hunters will find of great interest is that on scent and hunting with a companion dog. Prior to the 1970s most sambar were taken over hounds but then stalking was recognized as a productive method of hunting, at least in the more open country. These days it seems that every second stalker has a gun dog and the other half are wondering whether they need one as well. After reading Errol’s book I am very tempted to drag the old Labrador out of her lounge chair next time I go for a hunt!
There is something in this book for every deer hunter. It is profusely illustrated with scores of mostly colour plates and maintains the very high standards set by Errol in Volume 1. It is highly recommended to any sambar hunter or aspiring sambar hunter – although the price is high the quality is excellent and in future no sambar hunter’s library will be complete without a copy!
Ken Slee - Australian Deer
Having read Errol Mason’s new book Secrets of the Sambar Vol. 2 - a follow up to his other great book, Secrets of the Sambar Vol. 1 - I did not think it could it could get any better, but it certainly has. The amount of work and research Errol has put into his new book is nothing short of outstanding. Having hunted sambar for over 55 years I have - along with most sambar hunters -waited for someone in Australia to put together a complete history of their habits and methods of hunting them in this country. This book has something for all, whether you be a hound hunter, stalker or deer enthusiast.
The information readers of these books get – will I am sure - help them in their pursuit of what is perhaps the greatest game animal in this country. So congratulations on a magnificent effort and if this latest volume is any indication of your forth coming Vol. 3, we are in for a great treat.
Robert Hoggard
I would just like to say again how much more I enjoy walking in the sambar hills after reading (and re reading your book/s). The added knowledge is helping me to see many more deer but no big boys yet, and I can now take photos and video of unalarmed deer. I have watched hinds through my binos for up to 45 min, far different to my time spent wandering around spooking them to see them run off. I especially love seeing mum and baby together they are just to cute. Anyway thanks again.
Brian Church
I am a very keen deer hunter, I have read your Secrets of Sambar Vol 1, and currently studying Vol 2. The information I have learnt from these books is absolutely amazing and I cannot describe to you how much these have helped my hunting come along.
Luke Forbes
Congratulations on your truly sensational Secrets of the Sambar Volume 2. Chapters covered are extremely informative regarding technical information, and it’s entertaining to read other hunters stories of success. You have set yourselves a hard task to match this extremely high standard in Volume 3.
I cannot comprehend the amount of time it has taken you away from your family to research and create the behaviour chapters. Keep up the brilliant work. I can't wait for Volume 3.
Glen Monte
Hi Lynne and Errol,
Firstly, congratulations to you and Errol for a first class effort and subsequent publication. It's excellent reading and as far as I'm concerned, it's also THE reference material for sambar and sambar hunting.
Jehangir Devitre
Again I am amazed at the photographs and the detailed information supplied in the book. I am truly privileged to have both volumes 1 & 2. I would appreciate if you would allow me to secure volume 3 in 2010 and have the same edition number.
Ian Taylor
Short Cuts and Reviews
The links below will automatically take you to more information and reviews of each volume.
Secrets of the Sambar - Volume 1
Secrets of the Sambar - Volume 1: Reviews
Secrets of the Sambar - Volume 2
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