LATEST FROM ERROL

A Hunters Campfire Podcast Special #2: More Secrets of the Sambar with Errol Mason

October 20th, 2024

Tonight, we invite Errol Mason to the campfire for Part 2 of his Podcast. Errol Mason is a highly regarded authority on the behaviour and habits of Sambar Deer as well as the author of the Secrets of the Sambar and Hunt Smart System series of books.... read more

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My Hunt Smart ® Course is back and better than ever

With a new format and syllabus

Read all about the updated course here

After reading the Secrets of the Sambar trilogy and The Hunt Smart System books, and it all going in one ear and out the other, I decided to book into the course as I know there is no better way to learn than to be shown in the bush.

So last weekend on 4-6 June I attended Errol’s first course for 2021. After everyone arrived we got straight into it looking over the best optics for finding these deer. Then we examined actual tracks and using the 4 hooves from a 12 year old stag, Errol explained the difference in size and shape between stag and hind tracks, how to identify the front track from the rear, how to tell the left from the right and how to tell the tracks of a young sambar from a mature one... Read the rest of this Hunt Smart course review here

"I learnt more in 3 days with Errol, than in the 15 years I have been hunting them."
Cameron Tull, North East Vic





Errol in foreground with June 2021 participants learning why mini hubs are gold, how, when and why the deer use them, and how to hunt them.


Participant's on the first course for 2021 from left to right: Andrew Coulton, Nick Levanat, Cameron Tull, Joey Coulton, Chris Pegg, Zeljko Torbarina and Ante Pavkovic.

My training course is only $1250.00 for a short time - dates for 2025 courses are running out quickly - book your spot asap

Click here for 2025 course dates

My new book - The Hunt Smart® System - has been released in limited numbers!

Purchase your copy today

Read the Reviews

Click here to read how our new book 'The Hunt Smart System' ® is different to the SOTS Trilogy and our Hunt Smart Course.

Errol Mason's - Secrets of the Sambar®

Sambar are large, elusive, cunning deer, revered for their ability to elude hunters.

Between 2000 and 2006 Errol successfully guided many hunters - some to fulfill their dream of harvesting the Trophy of a Lifetime, whilst the dream of many others was to harvest hinds for venison.

Under their "Shikari Press" banner, Errol and Lynne have also published the definitive Sambar trilogy - "Secrets of the Sambar - Biology, Ecology, Behaviour and Hunting Strategies" - Volumes 1,2 and 3. Between 2012 and 2018 Errol and his wife Lynne, also published 18 issues of their extremely popular magazine - "Secrets of the Sambar and Other Cervidae."

In January 2019, Errol and Lynne released their 464 page blue chip book - "SOTS - The Hunt Smart System." This has been an outstanding success.

Between 2000 and 2006 whilst Errol was still guiding hunters for Sambar and other Cervidae, each year Errol and Lynne also ran several three day Hunt Smart Training Courses.

However, the publishing of SOTS Vol 1 in December 2006 triggered a massive increase in demand, causing the number of courses offered to increase to 12 per year. Currently they offer 8 courses per year commencing in early May. These courses are literally "An Investment in a Lifetime of more enjoyable and successful hunting" and as a result have been fully booked every year.

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Hunt Smart® Training Course

Our renowned Hunt Smart Training Course is an investment in a lifetime of more enjoyable and successful hunting.


The principles of The Hunt Smart System ® are based upon 40 years research into the biology, ecology and behaviour of sambar. Using this knowledge I have devised the most effective tactics for hunting this elusive Big Brown Deer.

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Thank you for your help and the knowledge I gained from your course... I had a very successful season... and the extra knowledge really made my hunting more enjoyable - Luke Myers, Bacchus Marsh VIC

It's now 3 years on since I did the Errol Mason "Hunt Smart Training Course" and my approach to hunting will never be the same - Andrew Rosser

I firmly believe my success... is largely attributable to Errol's course and my employment of his 'Hunt Smart' system - Brett Cooke

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SOTS Magazine Issue 17

Issue 17

Issue 17 - Subscribers copies will be posted on Friday 20th July 2017, 14 Days before it goes on sale in Newsagents and Gun Shops on Thursday 3rd August 2017.

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Secrets of the Sambar Trilogy

After 18 years of endless study including 6 years guiding hunters to the trophy of a lifetime, Errol Mason has written 3 complete volumes covering the biology, ecology, behaviour and strategies for hunting Sambar, arguably the worlds most elusive deer.

Each volume is packed with facts and tips and each includes 150 colour plates of stunning photos taken by the author and other hunters. These splendid books are hard cover with dust jacket and are full colour throughout the 256 pages. Each chapter features numerous easy-to-reference sub-headings, plus a comprehensive index. Outstanding graphite drawings by local wildlife artist Milosh Kraguljac, compliment this three volume set.

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Hunt Smart Course Dates and Availability

NOTE: if on mobile, please swipe the table to the left to see more information.
May 2nd to 4th FULLY BOOKED
May 16th to 18th 1 Position Available
May 30th to June 1st 1 Position Available
June 6 - 8 FULLY BOOKED
June 20 - 22 4 Positions Available
July 4 - 6 8 Positions Available
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