Close Range Rutting Sambar Stag 20 m - rare footage with preaching

This is a video I took in 2019 while scouting some new country. While casing out a high peak I heard this rutting stag making noises over the apex of the mountain and stalked into this great encounter, preaching as well. He was worked up while he came in close through the fog to challenge me. As you can see his pre-orbitals were pronounced and he knew I was there checking as he got closer. His tail flick and demeanour allowed me to read him as I pushed him to see what happened. It was great to film and pass him up leaving with some great footage. 'Walking Them Up' title with permission from Ken Pearce.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Any Questions? Just FYI I have setup an email address to 'Walking Them Up' ([e-mail]) where you can send me any hunting related questions you have and I will be happy to try to answer them for you. If your new to hunting or not sure on anything please feel free to email me and hopefully I can help. Thanks for all the positive feedback! Matt

[@MegaPoxie]

Far more impressive to have close video footage of a magnificent live stag than antlers on a wall.

[@andyphillips8862]

What a great video of Australia’s number one most elusive game animal

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Andy

[@christianhuntersaustralia8768]

Wowsers what awesome footage Matt, love watching deer do their thing nearly as much as harvesting them for their beautiful bounty of meat and skins and pure joy of the hunt....so great you were honored by Ken Pearce to use his famous book title...and soo great you have set up an email for questions...I might hit you up sometime as I'm just getting into Sambar hunting, (when this lockdown permits of course) keep up the great videos buddy, God's blessings and peace...

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks mate - yes Ken has been a long time friend and I’m glad to support the title and the belief in the walking them up! Cheers mate happy to help anytime 👍

[@TheEnufzed]

Bloody A W E S O M E and amazing photography you must have the patience of Job.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jase22]

Very nice Matt great job and great encounter

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Jason

[@mfatcat1978]

Excellent....and your last coment sums it up....great vid pal

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Mick

[@1Cushie]

Keep up the awesome work Matt - bloody amazing footage. Gave me the shakes just watching the video, so must have got your heart pumping! They are such awe inspiring animals

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Cal, your dead right, close range is where hunting is all about hey Cheers mate

[@rockranger3037]

Mate, hands down the best footage I've seen. I'd give it two thumbs up if I could. Thanks for putting this up, truly inspiring

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Rock appreciate your comments, glad you enjoyed it

[@gordonfreeman3450]

Great stuff hope to see a lot more

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Gordon plenty to come

[@jason1302]

Well done 👍 excellent footage mate

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Jason

[@g0jsm]

Fantastic Got my heart going

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers John!

[@jekobe11]

Great footage mate!

[@kgrigby]

Great video Matt. Gets me really pumped for my first Sambar hunt later this year.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Keith hope your hunt goes well!

[@joeocallaghan4129]

Brilliant bit of footage and a beautiful sentiment 👌🏼 thanks for sharing

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Joe, appreciate your comments - your welcome

[@katbabstravels5549]

What an awesome encounter Matt well done great work.

[@erniemayo3274]

Incredible footage mate. So gripping. Couldn't stop watching now Im late for work!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Ernie

[@bearalexander7368]

You never learn anything when their dead, Sometimes we can capture special moments, most hunters wouldn’t see that in a life time, thanks for sharing, Happy hunting 🐻

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

cheers Bear

[@fishhunt_cook411]

Don’t you just love there reaction when they wind you. Excellent footage mate.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers, like he hit electric fence, yet moments before he was right next to me in the open. Scent is the decider. 100% confirmation

[@fishhunt_cook411]

Matt Merrick Videography 'Walking Them Up' see how he moved his head and had another sniff right on the scent line.

[@jamesmanallack1134]

Great encounter that one. Looks like after you got his attention and he couldn't make you (as a deer or otherwise) he has circled to cut your scent. If he can survive a few more seasons it looks like he will really grow out well. Thanks for the footage!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers John

[@sammyjames9743]

How awesome was that to watch. Thank you for sharing!! :)

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Sammi

[@patbaskett8557]

Thats brilliant mate Great self control Your one of the best Aussie sambar hunters

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Pat, likewise mate

[@solosambarhunter]

That was really cool mate, love those close encounters!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Glad you enjoyed it mate.

[@bradleytyrrell4417]

Some of the best sambar footage I've Eva seen congrats mate can't wait for more.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheer Brad hope we can get out camping soon!

[@bradleytyrrell4417]

@@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105 hope so mate

[@MrMinni87]

That video was just incredible mate specially when he hit scent line👍great footage

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Rocker!

[@jonathandavies2931]

Very cool mate. I learned a lot from that. I will watch it a few times!! Thanks for sharing that.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Jonathan, glad it was helpful!

[@scottthompson9220]

Awesome video and better than shooting him good work again mate 👌🦌

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Scotty

[@danielbaker4989]

Very cool video mate.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Dan right time right place

[@bobm5500]

You didn't ask him his name . you were close enough to shake hands with , well done .

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Bob cheers think he muttered Sam lol

[@richo9142]

That vid made my day, gr8 work Matt👍🏻

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Richo!

[@bondjasonbond]

Great work matt! Love your what your doing and how your doing it. Cheers

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Jason, hope your enjoying being able to hunt again finally!

[@lavramop]

That was an awesome experience for me watching this bit of footage. Love your work

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Louie glad you enjoyed it

[@pedropoulos718]

absolutely sensational... edge of my seat stuff!!!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Pedro!

[@rexwillmer759]

Great work Matt , terrific stalk it ticked all the boxes, pity the breeze busted the encounter 👍🏽

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Rex

[@davidorsini3818]

Awesome footage mate, I'm in the process of learning as much as i can before i start chasing them. I knew wind direction and scent was important but seeing him hit your scent the way he did and the complete change in attitude was a huge eye opener. Thanks for the content mate :)

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks David, best advice i can give is go bush and learn to read the sign as best you can and don't be in a hurry. Grab a set of fresh marks and follow them. A deer made them so you will eventually 'Walk him up'. You will make mistakes but that's part of the process of becoming a hunter and they are important and take time. When you finally take one in the right manner you will appreciate that feeling from all the hours of learning and doing it hard. If you ever want to chat let me know happy to help. Cheers

[@davidorsini3818]

@@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105 thanks for the encouraging words and advice mate. Been waiting to get a deer rifle for a while now so im looking forward to be putting in the effort out bush with a purpose and the right tool for the job. Ill enjoy the learning curve along the way.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Do you know what calibre your after? The old 30-06 is one of the best all rounders! All the best mate, still go bush without a rifle just take a camera and bino's.

[@jeffrypagden9613]

Mate absolutely awesome stuff...thanks for sharing.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

My pleasure! Cheers Jeff

[@84iroquois]

Great video Matt!! Thanks for sharing!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers mate

[@1968krug]

That’ll get your heart going Matt, thanks for sharing

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers mate

[@Adam-cw6eu]

I wouldn't have been able to keep my finger off the trigger! Great vid!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers, he was little uneven so was great to watch and film and let grow for another day 👍

[@Adam-cw6eu]

Been stuck in WA for a few months now, can't wait to get home and hunt! This kept the dream alive 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gurgshunter]

They are the best,well done Matt

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

cheers

[@wattienewton5447]

Thanks for the video's man Better than the shot Great viewing.Cheers for that

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Your welcome glad you enjoyed it Wattie

[@bigjohnsjigs]

Brilliant!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks

[@denniswells9340]

There is a lot to be learned in that footage mate. Good stuff

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Dennis, always something to learn when it comes to sambar hey

[@denniswells9340]

Matt Merrick Videography 'Walking Them Up' that’s why we hunt them mate. Never stop learning and challenging us

[@matty8438]

Its amazing just how close you can get to these animals time and time again. By far the best deer hunting footage comes out of your channel. Keep it up mate!!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Matt, I'm glad you like it and appreciate your comments. Hope your hunting is going well for you!

[@johnmacleod7789]

Your stag footage on this and other captures is truly magnificent with apt covering soundtracks to match. How do stop yourself from shaking behind the camera?

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks John - I rested the camera on the rifle for this one but also was sitting down. Gotta love the shakes means something if ya get the shakes 👍

[@robbiefishing]

That was epic footage.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Hey Robbie, thanks mate! All the best

[@danstevens2204]

Awesome footage Matt 👍

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Dan

[@bensbees9761]

That was brilliant ! Love it !

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@serverlan763]

Never thought you would see them in open country...

[@stephenheadey8606]

Good stuff, Matt! Really enjoyed it, as did my wife.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Stephen! Thanks

[@matthewwarren4109]

Great bow opportunity that one. Perfect situation

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Definitely a good bow opportunity cheers Matt

[@theobeggs83]

Awesome video matty...never see this before

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks mate great to hear from you!

[@gazzore7339]

Awesome footage Matt 👌🇦🇺

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Gaz 👍

[@cato7669]

That was such an amazing video, I really want to learn how you get so close to the deer, I'm new to hunting trying to learn as much as I can. I haven't shot a deer yet but hope to soon👍🦌💥

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Matt, drop me an email on the pinned info at top of comments and happy to help

[@intothehighcountry]

Unreal footage mate. Impressive that you can continue to get so close to these animals.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks mate

[@divefishhunt]

Spectacular footage mate, the fog just made it even more dramatic! ha, also VERY lucky with the door knocking - done my fair share but never been invited on the property then and there - any secrets?

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks mate. Yer give us a call sometime and happy to help

[@aaroncrosby374]

Unreal mate, you have an unbelievable knack and skill that sets you above most others in hunting Sambar, the only problem with your videos is there not long enough and not coming out to us daily ha ha😅 🤙🏻

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Aaron, appreciate your comments, yes I need to get in and make some more videos I agree. Watch this space ha

[@emrysplane7354]

If you have an encounter once in your life like that you should count yourself very lucky .

[@doytbag]

Nice

[@waltershumate5777]

Sambar stag eh,... ?. You sorta looks like the deer and the ELk have been getting along famously!

[@ebbtidetackle]

Amazing footage man

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Much appreciated

[@HillDogTV]

Ripping footage! 🤙🦌👌

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers bloke

[@4thehounds383]

That was great mate! What did you rub the tree branch with ?

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Andy, just a handy limb off the ground

[@emrysplane7354]

Awsom !!!

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers bud

[@amandatyrrell9463]

When do samba deer shed there antlers

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Hi Amanda, Anywhere from Dec through to February is the norm but often there is a stag in hard antler at anytime of year. Any other questions please feel free to email me on the email pinned at top of comments.

[@amandatyrrell9463]

Ok thank you

[@yerbeautymakeup9969]

Nice fat and healthy sambar. Great footage no doubt

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheer Rob

[@Danger3512]

Cool video, especially when he scented you !

[@therickpound]

Nice stalk bro, chur

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

cheers Rick

[@RichardBellRookie]

Rutting? I didn't think Sambar rut.

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Cheers Richard, by rutting I mean sexually active/worked up. You can see him displaying all the signs of marking, rubbing , preaching, pre orbitals out etc. Sambar can mate at any time of year if the females are cycling but there is a main peak activity later in winter. Cheers

[@roscoadventures2194]

Hi Matt some rare footage always nice to see I've being watching yor links over time get in close learn about deer not 500mtr junk 👍

[@mattmerrickvideographywalk3105]

Thanks Rosco, appreciate your comments and yes agree with other sentiments mate 👍