The author, Errol Mason, is well known in sambar hunting circles as a hunter, guide and prodigious writer on all subjects relating to these magnificent deer. As an educator, and a man with a bent for chronological and forensic examination of the facts, and the facts only, it follows that he is a fairly intense individual - this is the cornerstone of his style, his narrative is direct and to the point. However, one of the outstanding successes of this book is the manner in which it is written; throughout the chapters he creates a matrix of sound practical knowledge straight out of the bush. Solid facts become overlays that are presented to the reader in a well-constructed and flowing style - this in effect takes the mystery out of a most difficult subject.

I have been involved in hunting and photographing sambar deer for over fifty years, and during every one of those years I have continually sought to know and understand more, and I remain convinced that knowledge is the real trophy. Here is the manuscript of knowledge, all 460 pages of it, specifically written for sambar hunters - from new to the experienced. Errol sets out to explain that sambar deer have predictable habits and patterns of behaviour, and explores the whys and wherefores behind this predictability - they are not, as often described, ghosts. Every conceivable aspect of hunting sambar is included in the written word, and further supported with photos and precise visual displays - nothing is left out.

The content is wonderfully broad based, and includes a comprehensive cross section of experienced sambar hunters’ personal observations, which in effect rounds out and balances the content, and underwrites the quality and authenticity of the huge amount of information supplied by the author. Errol very successfully blends the above with his own life long experiences, thoughts and observations and skilfully weaves them into The Hunt Smart System ®.

This book is, and will remain, the go to reference on sambar hunting, and it is very unlikely that any other writer could, or would, spend the time and effort that is required to produce such a product. It is lavishly illustrated with high quality photos provided by Errol and other sambar ‘tragics’, and the magnificent design and graphic illustrations greatly enhance the commentary and observations made.

Is a photo, and the manner in which it is displayed, worth a thousand words? Open the pages and I am sure you will agree that it is. The book exudes quality, and the graphic artistry, design and presentation is of course the hallmark of Errol’s highly talented wife Lynne. Being that I come from ‘back in the day’, I have seen a lot of books and magazines, there are none that match, or exceed, the professionalism of Lynne Mason’s work.

This book is the work of a sambar man, a man of the cloth, and it is and will always remain a classic. To all the seekers of knowledge and understanding, this is your book, and it is highly recommended.

Hi Errol and Lynne, you have outdone yourselves this time.

I didn’t think there would ever be a book on Sambar to match your Secrets of Sambar Volumes 1, 2 & 3. Well your new book - The Hunt Smart System ® - does just that and more. It is the most informative and well researched publication I have ever read on any subject.

I can say to anyone that hunts Sambar - or is thinking of hunting Sambar - this book is a must read. As the title suggests, we can all hunt smarter and that is why I also believe in a system based approach to hunting.

This new book is not only the best and most informative book on hunting Sambar I have ever read, it is by far the best book I have read on hunting any species of deer as most of the information in it is can be used to hunt Fallow, Red, Elk, Hog, Roe, White-tailed, Moose, in fact any species you care to mention.

The quality of the photos and the design is simply first class. It really is second to none. The way the book is laid out will give all hunters - from beginners to veterans - a thorough understanding of Sambar behaviour.

The way you have shown how Sambar relate to their environment is unique and quite remarkable. The overlays and the linking of the many outstanding photos is revolutionary and it is a feature that works incredibly well, making the book flow smoothly, easy to follow and a pleasure to read. This format only works because The Hunt Smart System ® is backed up with extensive research coupled with great photos and countless hours of observations of unalarmed Sambar in the wild.

It is just a great book and a must have for any hunter that pursues not only Sambar, but any deer in Australia. The Hunt Smart System ® will assist all hunters young and old as it explains how deer relate to their habitat. This is paramount because if you have a better understanding of the deer’s behaviour then you can get to where they are going - not where they have been - but most importantly, be there before the deer arrives.

It is impossible to summarise the huge amount of soundly researched information in this book, but I will say it is a book I am using now and will use into the future to help me try and work out what happened, why it happened and how to better outsmart Sambar. Once again a huge congratulations to the Team @ Secrets of the Sambar. Errol and Lynne you have produced something very special with your latest book and you should be extremely proud.

Cheers,
Neil Hair

Errol and Lynne’s fantastic new book The Hunt Smart System ® is a great read for anyone that hunts these magnificent animals.

This new book runs through everything you need to know to shoot a monster Sambar stag. It ties together all the information in his trilogy and his course. Because it takes you on an easy path to successfully hunting these deer it is easily Errol and Lynne’s best book yet.

Even though I had taken several big stags I attended Errol’s course where I learnt why they had been where they were when taken. After the course I applied the overlays as taught and my ability to watch unalarmed sambar suddenly soared.

There are countless great photos – the best I have ever seen in a hunting book – plus success stories from other deer tragics. The many overlays in this book show you where the deer will be in the prevailing weather and hunting pressure. Using the highest quality photos as visual aids - these overlays - which include wind, frost, light to heavy rain, snow, warm to hot weather and zero to heavy hunting pressure, are clearly explained. If you follow Errol’s easy to understand instructions you will immediately start shooting trophy stags.

Errol has spent countless hours gathering the information and I know that no one else would put the time and effort in to produce a magic book like this. This book is priceless in the future and when it’s no longer available hunters who didn’t get a copy will be regretful as there will never be another book like it.

Errol and Lynne’s new book will always be The Holy Grail of Deer Information. Quite simply if you want to shoot a Monster Stag you must have it.

Leon Alexander, Churchill VIC

When tasked with writing a review on Errol’s latest book “The Hunt Smart System ™” I was a little overwhelmed. How could I possibly write a review of a study that has required thousands of hours of observation and meticulous research over many years?

The first thing that stood out was that it was an easy read. Errol’s Hunt Smart tactics and concepts were explained in detail and reaffirmed over many chapters. They are backed up by high quality photographs and graphical overlays which thoroughly explain the point being made.

The Hunt Smart System ® begins by explaining some of the inherent characteristics of sambar such as how evolution and constant predation over time has shaped their behaviour and caused them to be so finely tuned to our presence and our approach.

A wide variety of topics are covered which include how to identify prime sambar habitat, bedding areas, home range, hunting big stags and the key factors that influence their location in various weather conditions and habitats.

Errol’s system is laid out so each subject builds on the reader’s knowledge in a logical order so that you can easily understand how you would apply these concepts and strategies for greater success.

Errol’s unique theory “The Wagon Wheel - Road Map of Sambar Movement” is explained in great detail. This “map of sambar movement” gives you a clear insight into how they traverse through their home range and how hunters can take advantage of this systematic pattern of movement.

Their affinity to particular trees and geographical features such as funnels is covered in detail. The sambar’s behaviour leading up to, during, and after extreme weather, and their predictable response to extreme weather is thoroughly explained.

Lynne has spent a huge amount of time graphically overlaying numerous aerial and panoramic photographs with markers which show “the road map”, bedding and feeding areas, game trails and zones of silence and countless other features of sambar behaviour. Various hunting scenarios are explained by markers overlaid on wide angle photographs. They are enhanced further by the placement of a compass which leaves the reader in no doubt as to where a particular reference point or a deer may be in relation to the sun.

Each overlay is explained further by a “Success Story” written by a hunter who used “The Hunt Smart System ™” to take a fine trophy sambar stag.

Errol and Lynne’s latest publication is extremely informative and presented in a logical and easily understood format which slowly but surely builds the readers knowledge of a proven and highly effective hunting strategy.

It has enabled me to fill in the gaps to a number of mysterious aspects of sambar behaviour that I have often witnessed but never clearly understood. I will be taking advantage of this new found knowledge and look forward to applying Errol’s system in the years to come.

I highly recommend “The Hunt Smart System ™” to both new and experienced hunters alike as it provides knowledge which is essential if you are to be able to consistently harvest these Big Brown Deer! Quite simply, if you want to thoroughly understand sambar, this book is a must have.

Good hunting,
Jimmy Lay

I would like to recommend Errol Mason’s new book, which is a follow up to his 3 volumes of Secrets of the Sambar. This book is not only an informative and great read, it is has been beautifully designed by Errol’s wife Lynne. The clarity, the number of photos, the layout and quality of the book is immediately evident.

Errol has spent most of his life delving into the habits and behaviours of the Sambar and documenting it for the benefit of all hunters. He recently spent 2 weeks in the Indian jungle, where the Sambar live in great numbers. He researched their habits in an environment where they developed their elusive survival skills, which are undoubtedly driven by evolution. His writing in this section explains this and is accompanied by the beautiful photos of Sambar and their predators.

The information in the book regarding weather conditions is excellent. It clearly explains why and where the Sambar will be located from the high country to the farm fringe areas in the various weather conditions. There are excellent landscape photos which point out the bedding and feeding areas with logical explanation. This will be a great asset to the new generation of hunter as well as the experienced (old), like me. There are many fine photos of trophy stags with information on how they were taken.

Many hunters have taken part in Errol’s 3 day Hunt Smart Course and many have put Errol’s theories and advice into practice and gained excellent results. There is a section in the book of testimonies, which includes photos and success stories by some of his course participants who have used his theories and methods.

No one has ever written or documented more on Sambar deer than Errol. In my opinion, he is the world’s greatest authority on this subject.

If you are a Sambar hunter, this book is a must on your bookshelf. I am sure that it will be used as a reference book for hunting Sambar in the years to come. The hunters I know who have read this book are in awe of the information, time and effort that Errol has put into research on our premiere hunting animal the Sambar deer.

Well Done to Errol and Lynne on an excellent publication.

Robert Hoggard, Traralgon Vic

Hi Errol,

I just wanted to pass on my thanks for providing yet another top class publication on hunting these Big Brown Deer. I am thoroughly enjoying reading ‘Secrets of the Sambar - The Hunt Smart System ®’! I have previously completed your course, read SOTS Volumes 1 - 3 and been a subscriber to your magazines. Not only has the new book been an excellent refresher for what I have learned in previous years, it is tying everything together in one very neat book with very high quality photography. The use of photos as visual aids throughout the book, assist in so many ways that words simply do not allow.

The Hunt Smart System ® really has been an eye opener for me. Being able to observe Sambar without them ever being alerted to my presence has been an incredible experience. It has opened up a whole new range of possibilities and better yet, as a predominately meat hunter, I can calmly choose which animals I want to harvest.

I believe that I will be learning about these magnificent deer for the rest of my life, but armed with the extensive knowledge I have taken from The Hunt Smart System ®, I know that I have the tools needed to build upon an extensive foundation.

Thanks again Errol!

Regards, Adam Davis.

G’Day Errol

Just read your book. I must say well done. I was wondering how you would top your previous 3 books. But you have managed to do so. In your previous books you gave the recipe ingredients on how to hunt sambar. But in this one you gave the step by step method how to combine the ingredients. In my opinion in terms of the amount of amount of knowledge provided it tops your 3 day course.

The advantage of the course is the hands on experience You know the saying, “A picture is better than a 1000 words.” Well as for your course the experience of actually seeing the bush and being explained, it is better than a 1000 pictures/words in the book. But as the course is only 3 days the advantage the book is that it is more comprehensive and can always be used as a reference.

Well done,

Riyaaz Dawoodjee, Brisbane QLD

Hello Errol and Lynne, 

Upon reading your newest masterpiece of Sambar literature, I am completely blown away with your in depth, comprehensive analysis of each part of Sambar behaviour in your chapters. Your graphically displayed diagrams and maps of Sambar behaviour and movement are very easy to understand and put into context, much more so than what text alone would ever do. Each chapter is clear and concise on its relevant topic, and not once did you venture off and get side-tracked on other topics.

The Hunt Smart System ® is without doubt your greatest text yet. Thank you for being so open and passing on all your knowledge to other like-minded hunters and outdoorsmen. I’m sure one day I will be fortunate enough to harvest a Sambar stag of trophy class, and when that day finally comes I know that it will be a result of your love, dedication and handiwork that has been accumulated through all your literature which truly is ‘the bible’ for Sambar hunters. Thank you so much and happy hunting!

Liam Allan, Lochiel, NSW.

P.S. I purchased the Vixen Artes J 8x42s last year. Brilliant!

Hi Lynne,

I’m about a third of the way through your new book The Hunt Smart System ®.

From the 150 pages I’ve read, I can immediately relate back to a lot of little things I have experienced in my time spent in the bush which I never really thought much into at the time. In a way it’s answered a lot of questions (some asked and some not). I’m sure many other hunters can relate to this. 

I also like how the information is delivered short and sharp and how Errol moves straight onto the next piece of valuable information. This keeps me interested and for someone who is time poor like me, it allows me to read a little at a time but gain a lot.

Overall (from what I’ve read so far) I’m really satisfied with the book and I think it’s a small price to pay for the time, money and effort Errol and yourself have put into it. I’m looking forward to getting through it and applying Errol’s system into areas I already hunt.

Thanks for making this information available to newer hunters like myself and all the best with future ventures.

Kind regards 

Michael Ciavarella

Hi Errol & Lynne,

I would just like to say that you guys have done an awesome job on your new book, Secrets of the Sambar - “The Hunt Smart System ™”. It is a very well designed book, has a lot of excellent photos and the stories and information that will assist hunters for many years to come, so well done to both of you.

Even though I have attended your course and put my experience with what I learnt there, this is the book that puts it all into perspective for hunting Sambar. It has all the detail that would help hunters right from the planning stage through to harvesting their first big Sambar Stag.

I would highly recommend this excellent book for either the new or experienced hunters as it sets out everything and explains it so well. I believe that any hunter who takes the time to read the book will have success on these very illusive animals.

Rod Hart – Fyschwick ACT

FYI - the book is brilliant! I’m 54 years old and wished I’d had this book 25 years ago.

It’s expensive but well worth the price because it’s the knowledge I’ve been needing to achieve a better return on much larger investments in 4WDs, tanks of fuel, hunting clothes, firearms, optics and many kilometres of walking over many days. I’ve even learned why I got my best head, where and when I got him which at the time was just dumb luck.

Brendan Tenison–Woods, Yackandandah Vic.

I love the new book. I’m about 3/4 of the way through it. It’s reinforcing a lot that I learned from the three Secrets of the Sambar books but this new book goes into more detail on important areas. Hats off to you two for all your hard work.

Mark Grenda, Keysborough

I first heard about the secrets of the sambar volumes through a fellow hunter who referred your books as the perfect read for seasoned and new hunters like me. After reading not even half of volume 1 decided I needed all of them – including the new Hunt Smart System book. They are fantastic books and although I am not a reader, I am glued to them and read them for hours on end. For that I thank you for sharing the knowledge and wisdom Errol has acquired, and also for the effort that was required to produce such magnificent books.

Steve Coonan, Berwick, Vic

I have the first 3 volumes of Secrets of the Sambar and now I am reading your new book. I want to tell you that I love these books and appreciate the effort put in to produce what is the premier work on Sambar deer.

Dale Vincent, Jindivick, Vic.

It’s a great book. You two have put a lot of work into it and I’m loving reading it.

Jake Follett, Poowong, Vic

It’s a great work particularly the use of photos.

Paul Luttrell, West Pennant Hills, NSW

I have the other 3 books and have really enjoyed them so when I saw the post for the 4th book on Facebook I knew I had to get one straight away.

Richard Chan, Carrum Downs Vic

Hello – I’m loving the book!!

Tom Singleton, Albion Park, QLD.

I’ve not had anyone to teach me how to hunt or shoot and have only just gotten interested in it these past few years. I’m confident in my ability to target deer instead of just rabbits and foxes. What I’m not confident in is my ability to find a deer. The deer community in general seems very reluctant to share accurate information or tips - just like the fishing community. The feedback I’ve read online about the quality of the images and the written content has been overwhelmingly positive so I’m very much looking forward to reading the book before attempting a hunt myself, and/or engaging a guide/teacher. 

Steven Clancy, Brookfield Vic

Let me first start by saying, congratulations, what a beautiful book!! I’ve been bow hunting for 30 years or so and have taken most feral animals in Australia, as well as some game species, but when it comes to the great Sambar - like you in the early days Errol – I have done a hell of a lot bushwalking, except I’m carrying a bow. As a bow hunter I need to be within 35 to 45 metres to guarantee a clean pass through kill shot on this big animal, and having read your book (twice and on my third trip) there is no doubt I will be better placed to find, stalk and ambush the great Sambar.

Glenn Lockhart, Frankston Vic.

Hi Lynne and Errol,

I came across your book on the Deer Hunting Australia Facebook page, as a lot of people kept saying how great it is. So I had to buy it ha haa!! I read it every week and my knowledge of deer has improved dramatically. Some people I’ve spoken to whinge about the price but I reckon it’s worth every cent as your attention to detail is like no other.

Dean Eklund, Bonbeach, Vic. 

First of all I would like to thank both of you for your wonderful (and massive effort) in putting this book together. I have just started browsing through it and it is wonderful indeed. 

Garry Connolly, Condell Park NSW

G’day Errol, just finished reading your book. Easily the most informative Book on Sambar I’ve read.

Richard Hender

Book arrived and is fantastic, thank you!

Matthew Kris, Davoren Park, Adelaide

Good morning Mr. Mason,

Firstly thank you for your amazing book and sharing your knowledge. I have hunted deer for about 30 years and success has been good in about every 4 trips I would bag one for the freezer. In all my years I have only successfully shot one stag and honestly I think that was pure ass or he was stoned. 

Well I put the wagon wheel, gullies, saddles and ridges in to effect and WOW, wow, Wow. I came across 12 deer in a day and sadly missed a stag bedding and another this morning. My error not use to seeing stags and I think maybe just a bit excited. 

To any hunter long term or beginner I highly recommend this marvel of book.Hopefully next time I contact you it will be a picture of a stag.

Once again thank you so much.Kind regards

Steve Kallitsas

G’day Lynne and Errol,

It was a pleasure to talk to you both today. I’d like to stress that everything I said during our telephone conversation was not a compliment but a true statement of fact.

Your books on Sambar have no equal anywhere in the world, due to the amount of the knowledge (which you convey extremely well), due to the breathtaking photographs and their aesthetic appeal.

There’s only one criticism of the books I can offer. They are too cheap. You’ve undersold your expertise and your very hard work.

Regards,

George Grelak

Just received your book Errol and WOW! Bloody fantastic mate, thanks a million 👌🏼

Joey Tiplady

PO Box 51
186 Capricorn Avenue
Paraburdoo WA 6754
Mob: 0448 150 762

G’day Errol,

A mate lent me all three of your Secrets of the Sambar books and I read & re-read them. They have been the greatest information I’ve been able to find anywhere, and I’m sure I’ll get my own set one day. Then I checked your website and saw there was a Hunt Smart System book for sale, and thought it would be a great addition to the bookshelf.

Hope all is well, thanks for shipping so quickly, looking forward to the book!

Kind Regards,

Jackson Brown

Good morning Errol,

I hope you are keeping well.

Thank you for signing my book, I very much appreciate it and can’t wait to add it to the collection.

Noted RE page 134. Thank you.

I purchased your book for a few reasons.

I am new to hunting and don’t have any family or friends who hunt, so I don’t have any resources other than the internet.

You are very well respected in the industry and arguably the best resource available. A lot of people have recommended your book on Facebook.

I plan on acquiring your other books when funds are available, and will also try and book a guided hunt one day in the future.

Thank you sir,

Daniel Gabriele

Looking forward to my first of many Sambar Stags

Hi Errol,

I am 100 pages into your Hunt Smart book and I’m bashing myself that I didn’t take the advice of others 9 years ago and buy your SOTS books then.

I have learned so much from this point alone that has cemented so many observations of my own already.

I unfortunately live in the Blue Mountains and my main target is fallow, but so much of what you are saying applies here and this gives me confidence that my trips to the Vic high country will be more productive.

My main job is as a Paramedic and I am hoping to rally up a core mob from work that I hunt with to come down and do your courses. Out of curiosity, if I could get a group of 4-5 would you run an extra course to what you normally schedule?

Kind regards,

Patrick

Hi Errol,

Just have to say as an owner of one of your books - The Hunt Smart System - thank you so much for compiling so much wisdom and experience into one priceless resource!

Absolute legendary status!

Have a great day

Luke Burton

Thanks Errol,

I am really looking forward to reading the book. I listened to one of your podcasts which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have a hunting trip to Dartmouth coming up in August so I am looking forward to reading the book in prep for this upcoming trip.

Thanks again!

Regards

Jack Morrison

Good morning Errol,

I got the book last week no worries. Just in time to head to the hills and learn some new things.

The book itself looks amazing, I’m blown away by the amount of research and passion you’ve clearly put into it! It’s going to take a while to soak up all this info!

Thanks again,

Ross Nearpass

Gday Errol,

My son hunts Sambar in the Disappointment State Forest north of Melbourne and I bought him volume 2 when I saw it in a fishing and hunting shop in Wodonga.

This volume is going to be for his 25th birthday on the 29th of April. It’ll be good for him to read the precursor to what he’s already devoured several times.

And as to success, we’ve got a fridge full of roast and backstraps from an outing on Sunday afternoon. He called it a “redneck fridge”. Full of deer and beer.

Thanks for the interest,

Cheers,
Adrian Tait.

Thanks Errol greatly appreciated.

A frustrating hunting trip and a podcast triggered my purchase. I was recently hunting in the Strathbogie ranges and while I got close to some deer I never had an opportunity for a shot.

On my way home I was listening to the hunter’s campfire podcast.

They had a guest on speaking about e-scouting who said that your book is what has contributed to his success.

Having also heard recommendations from other hunters I decided to make the purchase.

Thanks,

Harry Oakley-Warren

Hi Errol,

Thanks for reaching out mate! Appreciate the quick turnaround and the note about the hoof size.

I’ve got a couple of mates who have read your stuff and have read elsewhere that people have pointed out your research so I figured I better jump on board.

I’m from an engineering background so always learning is something that I live life on.

Will hopefully be able to review my success soon!!

Cheers,

Mackenzie Stone

Hi Errol,

Thank you very much for the prompt response and signature!

I was prompted to buy the book after bow hunting for reds in a NSW state forest last week and meeting another bow hunter who had your book lovingly earmarked on the front seat of his car.

He couldn’t stop raving about it.

Your book instantly appealed to me for its stunning photography and both tactical and strategic advice for hunting sambar.

I got into hunting in 2017 after a week in the jungles of Indonesian Kalimantan with the local indigenous dayaks and their 12 gauge shotgun - stalking pigs and rusa.

The romanticism of getting back to an older way of life is a big driver to hunt for me, and your book’s reference to the forests of India and how sambar and chital behave in their tigered habitats also peaked my interest.

With winter fast approaching I am keen to switch from reds to sambar and get stuck into finding some good sign in the snowy mountains.

Thanks for passing on your secrets in this book!

Cheers

Nicholas Dean Chandler

Hello Errol,

My friend Chris Boon recommended that I purchase the book.

I’m learning how to hunt sambar deer and wanted to gain some knowledge on the topic.

Kind regards

Madison Talarico

Thank you Errol I can’t wait

I have been thinking about buying your book for a while now.

I have been deer hunting for 5ish years and have had limited success shooting 3 stags along the way.

I really want to become consistent to the stage where I can confidently harvest a deer when the freezer needs filling instead of just going for an armed bushwalk more often than not ha-ha .

Thanks again. Keen as to read and start learning.

Jake Burke

Good morning Errol,

Thank you for signing & sending your book. Much appreciated.

I saw your ad on Facebook and commented. It was your ad which prompted me to buy your book. I hadn’t bought anything deer related for a while and thought this would be a great book to buy.

I already have the 3 SOTS books and treasure them and I was sure this book would be equally fascinating to read and I plan to take it with me when hunting, read it the night before each hunt and tailor the following day’s hunt to what you recommend based on weather conditions, time of year, terrain etc. and really try to elevate my hunting efforts and success with Sambar.

I read your 3 other books which have been my main source of knowledge.

They allowed me to buy the right gear first time and hit the bush with enough knowledge to be in with a chance, and to recognise sign and some likely hunting methods.

They were my primary source of information and I was successful in harvesting a number of Sambar based on your .

I re-read them sometimes, I try to especially re-read volume 1 in late summer each year to refresh myself on tracking, shot placement etc.

In summary I really want to elevate my efforts to the next level and can’t wait to read about your hunt smart system.

Another reason to buy the book was to support your efforts. You obviously put a great deal into it. I feel I owe so much to yourself and Lynne for everything you have done for hunters and giving me such a great start, so buying your book is a tangible way to say thanks.

All the best for you all for the future and thanks for taking the time to write to me.

Best regards

Mark Blomeley

Hi Errol after a good friend and hunting partner passed away his wife passed the 4th book in the set on to me. Seeing the quality in the book I thought I’m going to get the full set of these books.

Thanks

Terry O’Keefe

Gday Errol

I was listening to the guys on Hunters Campfire (HCP ep58) today.

I did my first unsuccessful but unbelievable Vic high country hunt in August last year. I think there is a lot to learn and keen to read and understand your strategies.

Regards

Jon Fyfe

Thanks Errol,

My brother and I found out about the book through research and consumption of Australian hunting material. He has expressed interest in having the book so I am buying it for him for his birthday.

I’d also like to thank you for your contribution to Australian hunting, we are very much novices but we have been loving the learning process involved.

Kind regards,

Alex Vardenega

G’day Errol,

Thanks for sending off the book. I’m really looking forward to it. I appreciate you signing it, although I think the name might be a funny talking point as my name is Andrew and not Adam. No sweat either way.

I’m more than happy to give feedback on why I bought your book and I appreciate you asking. I’m new to hunting and Sambar are the closest and most prevalent species to where I live. I’ve fished up around Noojee and Blue Rock lake for years and have always seen sign on the rivers that I thought was deer of some type. I’ve even tried to get close on a couple of occasions following them up and been rewarded with a honk or two in close country. That made me buy a Sambar deer caller for fun and I could swear one even circled around me and followed me up on one occasion. Despite this I’ve never seen one. So, it’s time to turn the tables on them.

I went looking for information on how to hunt Sambar and your website popped up. The cost initially put me off so I sought out any podcasts you appeared on and found one. On the podcast you mentioned your 9RAR background and as an ex-infantry soldier and officer (including 8/9 RAR in the mid-90’s) your mention of ‘overlays’ resonated with me. I’d already been trying to create my own overlays simply based on generic deer movement information of food, water, sun, wind and man-made obstacles etc., most of it based on US articles and YouTube.

But after listening to you on the podcast I realised there was a wealth of information I was missing from the picture. Lastly, I ran into an Australian Deer Association bloke at a BBQ recently and I asked about your books and courses and he was very positive.

So in summary, I needed to verify what you were offering and to validate the cost and what you were offering.

The podcast helped me understand the depth of knowledge, experience, commitment and passion you’ve put into these deer and understanding them.

I recommend you do more of them if you can.

Once I understood your efforts I appreciated the relatively cheap cost you’re charging for your book and courses.

I might be wrong but you might also want to explain how the concept of how overlays work without giving away too many secrets.

It’s a common term for me and you with our background but might not be as obvious to other people without knowledge of mapping and terrain analysis.

I hope this helps you move some books along and share the knowledge.

I’m looking forward to the book arriving,

Cheers,

Andrew (Adam)

Hi Errol,

Thank you very much for reaching out to me. I Can’t wait to read the first volume of your series, my good friend purchased the hunt smart system about a year back and recommended that I should give it a go. Our theory is as a team we can purchases a couple of your books each and lend them between ourselves.

I’m honoured that you have taken time to hand sign the book for me, I have been following your work for about three years now. The first video I ever watched on YouTube on deer hunting in Victoria was one of your videos.

I’m hoping to get some more knowledge of Sambar from reading your book. I look forward to having more on the ground in future with a higher success rate. It took me four separate hunting day trips in the space of two years until I got my first on public land and filled my freezer (not bad in my opinion).

My first trip was to Omeo with my Pal where we bumped the first deer I had ever come across. Very cold camp at night but managed to read a lot of the sign. There seems to be a lot of Sambar there in my opinion. You are very fortunate to live in that region as I found it very beautiful.

Second trip I decided to book a guided hunt with my mate. We booked with alpine wolf (Kent) in Bright. I found it very helpful that he had a lot of knowledge on the Sambar but we were unsuccessful, the wind was not in our favour. Still I am grateful for all the information he gave us on Sambar.

Third trip I travelled to Eildon with my wife and it was a great day together. It was nice to share a passion of mine with somebody. She seemed to enjoy it and is keen to do more hunting in future. We found a bedding area with lots of sign.

Fourth trip I went back to that same area. I scouted a different spot in the morning and ended up hurting myself trying to cross a log over a river. The log snapped and I feel over 6ft, hitting my chest on a boulder, scratching my gun and scope in the process. I made it back to the car feeling like going home. While eating lunch with my mate he encouraged me to head back out with him, so we made our way to the bedding area I had found on my third trip. As the birds stopped chirping and the wind felt still my friend whispered to me that this is what Errol Mason would call a zone of silence and that we should be very quiet now and move in very slowly. Not long after we were walking through a patch of waist high ferns when a young stag popped out under ten metres away from us. My first shot I sent a pill into his rear end as he was running twenty-ish metres away. The deer ran another ten metres or so and started turning around either in panic or pain, so I sent another projectile from my 30/06 Mauser into his shoulder blade. The deer ran out of sight between two large boulders. The Blood trail was very strong and we found the deer not long after. That when the real work began at 14:30 until 20:00 hauling him out in pieces. A tale I’ll never forget.

Since then all I have wanted to do was head back out there. With deer meat in the freezer still and I’m terrified of snakes in the warmer weather, I’m just waiting for it to get a little cooler to head back out again. Although this year may be tough as I am expecting my first child to be born within this next week.

In the meantime I have chosen to educate myself on hunting, whether it be reading, listening or getting out and exploring. By listening I found the podcast you did on the hunter’s campfire podcast very interesting, probably the best podcast I have ever listened to. That’s why I brought the fox 40 whistle and the new safari sling. I don’t want to spook and shoot if I don’t have too.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this as I’m sure I will enjoy reading your books. Thanks for being such a great influence to the hunting community.

Warm regards

Benjamin Andrusiak

Hey Errol

I’ve always read your books I have the other three.

I’ve been hunting sambar with a lot of success, by means of hound hunting and stalking for a number of years now.

I’ve always loved your books.

I often refer to sambar at the king of our forests.

Would love to come do one of your courses one day.

All the best

Jack Dixon

Hi Errol,

I guess a few reasons for me getting the book. I’ve been deer hunting for 10 years and I’m pretty obsessed with it. I get out in the bush whenever I can. I’ve got young kids so I definitely don’t get out as much as I’d like and when I get the chance, I want to have a better understanding of what the deer might be doing.

I’ve shot 9 deer, 1 being a decent stag, but I feel like it was more luck and covering a lot of ground than me knowing where they were most likely to be and why.

And the last reason is when I can’t be out in the hills; I like to be reading/researching about the deer.

Cheers

Nick Gorman

Thanks a lot

Myself and my partner have been hunting our whole lives but recently have put our attention into sambar. My wife was talking about ways to learn so I thought this would be a great start

Simon Scott

Hi Errol,

I’m very new to hunting (last 2 years) always been into fishing & outdoors!

Always wanted a firearms license, but saw my dad give all his firearms up in the 90’s and I thought it was all too hard. I didn’t even know you could get a game license.

We bought a property in Tarwin lower 3 years ago, both me and my wife got our firearms license to deal with a rabbit problem that has been affecting the business we are setting up. I have access to properties out this way through my landscaping/excavation business, I knew there were deer around & started hunting them 2 years ago. (Then realising private property is not really hunting) subsequently started looking at public land both local & in the high country. I’m now totally hooked!

Through researching sambar deer as they seem so much more elusive then every other deer species, your name keeps coming up.

I just listened to the hunter’s campfire podcast, two days ago.

I bought your books straight after listening. So much of what you say makes so much sense.

I’ve only successfully been able to observe sambar once out of about 10-12 trips to the bush.

Fallow and reds are different. I feel like I can observe them a lot easier.

But sambar really are very smart. Can’t wait to read your books.

I’ve got one really good area in east Gippsland that I’m hunting fairly regularly, I’ve shot one stag 18months ago there that I completely arsed, since haven’t fired another shot as there is a really big stag that I’m trying to get an opportunity on.

Thanks for your email

Kind regards

Burt Loenen

Thank you for your prompt service.

I’ve been wanting to purchase these for a number of years and am now in a position to do so.

I’ll be ordering the others over the next few weeks.
Thanks again 
Darren