SAMBAR STALKING WITH REG GORDON JULY 2001

During the early 1990s, Long Spur was excellent Sambar hunting opportunities. We were conservation hunter's and mindful of the situation to conserve the quality of deer population in this secluded area and to learn as much as possible about the inner most secrets of the Sambar behavioural patterns.

[@highcountryrob5534]

I dare to say “the good old days”,was a special time for us older hunters.Your extensive footage will go a long way towards helping old and new Sambar hunters alike to help grasp the mosaic of hunting skills required when chasing the majestic Sambar deer.I believe that you learn more about your quarry by studying it rather than harvesting the first animal that you come across.Continued good health to you and plenty more days up the bush.Cheers, Rob.

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Rob, spot on with your thoughts about what ethical hunting was like back in our era. I was fortunate to be able to film and document these times because my passion for photography. My old footage must have struck a cord with your memory of those bygone days. Nowadays I still go out about looking for the Sambar. The cameras we have to today are amazing to photograph and film wildlife in 4K resolution.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Another fantastic production Reg. I am sure everyone appreciates you sharing these experiences via video. I for one love them....

[@reggordon4982]

Yes they were fantastic times and so many fond memories but very challenging. Perhaps the Sambar wasn't our primary objective nearing the end of our hunts. Just to get out of this rugged environment unscaved was a feat in itself.

[@lukegoss5111]

Hey Robbo, can you get Mr Gordon on one of your live stream chats...I say Mr Gordon out of complete respect from watching your work. You clearly have a massive amount of experience and knowledge which is probably an understatement and I would love to hear you do a live chat with Robbo on how to get as close as you do or anything really on Sambar. Thanks so much for posting.

[@BoltActionProductions]

@@lukegoss5111 if I ever fire up the “Tech Talk” again I would love to have Reg on along with many of the legends of similar era

[@freeslime9502]

As a young guy growing up watching all your DVDs over and over again,definitely an inspiration for me and the deer hunting community!! unfortunately things have changed with easier methods Great watch like all your stuff reg 👍

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Leigh, yes hunting is a unique skill that doesn't come easy! I do enjoy hearing about the younger hunters using their instinctive skills to hunt a magnificent animal without resorting to using technology. Then claim it as hunting under fair chase? 🤔😔

[@danozdirect3749]

Some of the greatest footage of sambar Reggie Cheers for sharing

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Danoz, it has been an amazing journey to hunt the elusive Sambar deer. But fortunate to be able to capture some special moments through the lens of the camera!🦌🦌🦌😊

[@danozdirect3749]

@@reggordon4982 And how well you do it all Thanks again

[@andrewgrimsted7947]

another great show mate.

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks, Andrew. It's great to be able to showcase all my old video footage that would perhaps be stuck on antiquated computer hard drives and lost forever? Yes, it's a bit of a battle trying to keep up with the new camera technology, but it encourages me to keep on trying to capture something unique through the lens of my camera. Actually, l thrive on those challenges to better myself as a conservative hunter that respects the Sambar deer. Cheers Reggie😊👍

[@patbaskett8557]

Magnificent footage , before the electric age . Many today carry more batteries than bullets

[@salbriganti4880]

That is so true. Sambar hunting was like finding UFO's or ghosts only 25 years ago. I thought I was pretty hi-tech with my Garmin GPS, ICOM UHF, Mini Maglite and compass. I used them sparingly to conserve battery life over 3 or 4 days, and I still do. Some hunters sound more like computer scientists these days Nowadays there is thermal imaging and people shooting Sambar with telescopes and long range missiles. Keep it simple I say.. Get closer ... Stalk in... It's called HUNTING.

[@reggordon4982]

Those were the days my friend, I thought they would never end.

[@rexwillmer759]

Absolutely epic footage and an historic account of your elusive sambar- thanks for your years of effort in bringing your adventures to life for us armchair warriors Regards and stay safe-Rex

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Rex, I did a hunt yesterday! But I didn't see the big boy in velvet! He must be somewhere else?

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Rex, you are a learned person in your own right. Your skills are still there mentally but time makes it difficult as you get older. Keep on keeping on Rex. Hopefully l will see you soon🤔 I want to come down to the SSAA Deerstalkers early this year. I still have Carl's magic deer hunting boots😇😉

[@theogorgorinis7418]

I could watch this all day Reg , thanks for sharing mate , I remember coming to your house for the night talking all things Samba many years ago , congratulations my friend truly inspirational. 🙌❤️

[@reggordon4982]

Beautiful words Theo, l don't know much generally but l do understand the Sambar and the bush environment. Once again Theo this is why I enjoy posting my archival Sambar footage for those people like yourself that appreciate my time and effort filming the magnificent Sambar!

[@adambentley6577]

Superb video Reg, thank you!! Certainly a very different approach to hunting. Having the patience and forethought to study Sambar and only take what you need is truly a credit to you!!

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Adam, there's an accumulated 38 years of learning. Even when I first started hunting the Sambar, it was frustrating times till the penny dropped. But I never lost my respect for the cunning Sambar. There's isn't a better feeling than a one on one challenge with a mature stag that knows his territory. Many a time l have been done good and proper which only makes you try harder to better your hunting skills. Soon I will be releasing a video about the ossification process with Sambar stags. I think it will create some constructive comments.

[@adambentley6577]

@@reggordon4982 I’ve subscribed so can’t wait to see it Reg!!

[@danielsimpson5046]

Thanks for sharing. One of the best Sambar hunting films I have seen in years. Can only truly be appreciated by a Sambar hunter. As a modern of 'big spur' it is amazing to see its history .

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Daniel, my aim is to educate people about traditional hunting and respect for wildlife and the environment. I see a few videos on KZbin now, that are sending the wrong message about ethical hunting. A majority of the videos are self promoting and send the wrong message😔🦌

[@rockranger3037]

Can't understand why there are only 230-odd thumbs up? Thanks for posting this up, I really enjoyed watching

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Rockranger, after 40 years of hunting the Sambar. It's nice that some people appreciate the present and archival documentation about Sambar hunting! Yes hunting was challenging in those earlier days because Sambar deer weren't as numerous to what we have today🦌 Covid-19 is testing everyone's mental at present but it's great l can get out and about so close to where l live without breaking the lockdown regulations 👍

[@andreaslundindotcom]

Brilliant as always Reg, I am searching the Internet for information as I have just drawn the 2022 Snake island ballot. Never hunted hog deer so need as much information as I can get to better my chances. I appreciate the information.

[@h-dubandy3900]

Incredible footage 👏 well done mate. Good to see you hold such massive respect for these deer 🦌

[@salbriganti4880]

Well Done Reg. Tremendous footage and commentary.

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Sal, yeah just old archival footage what Sambar hunting was like from a conservation hunter's prospective.

[@salbriganti4880]

Nice work. We bumped into you 20 years ago in the bush on a track just before Licola. Keep up the great work Mate !!!

[@craig9950]

Fantastic footage Reg & great knowledge to learn thank you , a pleasure to watch again & again.

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Craig, thanks mate glad you enjoyed the video. I will be posting another video later on today. Just finalising some of my grammar errors at the moment.

[@ahuntersjourney3422]

It's a whole new world for some like me. I so appreciate you sharing your information and footage. Thank you

[@reggordon4982]

Hunter Journey, You can't actually draw comparisons to what hunting was back then till now. We weren't as modernised as today with the equipment. But I did see the subtle changes later on. Hunting stays basically the same with the pursuit and the skills involved with a one on one challenge. Mobiles phones are compact cameras, gps and a communication device rolled into one device. Equipment is so superior to what it was 10-20-30 years ago.

[@kevinsimmons6342]

Great stuff Reg, you've bought a lot of memories back. Thanks

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Kevin, we had excellent opportunities back then! I will be releasing another video very soon on the ossification process of Sambar stags.

[@mattkris2685]

Unreal footage. Thank you for sharing

[@BlueTJay]

Thanks, I remember those days like yesterday. I hunted Mt. Selwyn, Mt Beauty and Mt. Feathertop! Keep informing the younger hunters!

[@reggordon4982]

ThanksTom, yeah amazing memories and great times. How was the deer hunting at Mt Feathertop? I did a bit of skiing at Mt Hotham. Always seen the tracks in the snow whilst skiing.

[@BlueTJay]

@@reggordon4982 Hi Reg, I lived in Wodonga and skied both Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek. Feathertop and Mt. Beauty area got a lot of pressure from Albury/Wodonga and Myrtleford/Wangaratta as did Wonnangatta, (seemed every one wanted to go there)! Mt. Selwyn was a long drive and not uncommon to see 3 to 6 does in groups. I had a few secret spots with easy access in my old Patrol, which were hidden from the passing public. The long gullies were always full of fresh sign and productive. Did not have to walk too far up the hills. Those were the early days, in some ways lot easier now with Fallow and Reds also spread into the bush. Living in states for now, but coming back home soon! Plan to make my winter base at Dinner Plane...Ill let you know when I get there.

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Tom, yeah l have spots relatively inaccessible to other hunters. No road access and very thick in parts. From now and then l do post some recent footage up. The ethical guys don't pose any problems, but my main concern are the blokes using this thermal shit to shoot deer. The poor deer have nowhere to hide now. I seen 14 deer in a group a few months ago and I went back there last week and only seen three. The deer are constantly on the move as soon as there is pressure is put on them.

[@BlueTJay]

@@reggordon4982 I used to love to share information with hunters, not anymore. Drones, thermal vision, long range shooting, the attitude of modern hunters is more target shooting, dropping the deer over cliffs and taking only the backstraps. I prefer to take the whole carcass home, let it cool and then cut it up at home! the way IT SHOULD BE DONE! The neck meat tastes really great when it comes of the bone easily when cooked right in a stew!

[@reggordon4982]

Totally agree with your thoughts. This government turns it back on ethical hunting. The GMA doesn't do enough to combat the illegalities within our sport of hunting. Being a photographer l do own a drone that l only use for photography purposes. But you are 100% right that drones can and most likely be used for all the wrong reasons.

[@AlsAllAussieAdventures]

Really love this old footage mate, thank you for sharing. Cheers.

[@harryandtrigger]

Great video Reg, i really enjoy watching them, thank you for sharing

[@justinwhite2547]

Thanks again Reg,very appreciated 👍🏻

[@reggordon4982]

No worries Justin, they were important times and memorable history spoken about around the campfire by those older hunters back then.

[@gametrailfilms2067]

Some awesome footage Reg, thanks for sharing

[@danmamrotmusic8463]

Truly legendary, thanks Reg!

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Dan, legendary means when you are getting too old. Lol

[@danmamrotmusic8463]

@@reggordon4982 Ha! I reckon you've got plenty left in the tank mate. Please keep these videos coming, they are incredible.

[@trevorbarlow2251]

Great footage Reg thanks for sharing some really nice animals there

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Trevor, yeah it was a time where you become more selective with the animals you seen and the hunters mindset was to allow the stag reach maturity. A far cry to what we have at present. I blame the present government for their irresponsibility with aerial culling and thoughtless game management that doesn't exist. It will be tough times now for the next generation of hunters. They were amazing times and excuse to put on a pack and trek into rugged country.

[@danstevens2204]

Incredible footage! Greatly appreciate you sharing it 👍

[@aaroncrosby1956]

Great footage Reggie, I think you’ve definately seen the best of it in there back in the day mate, sadly now there’s a trail of empty water bottles and rubbish scattered everywhere, pretty sad really, seems to be the human way these days!...Another great vid well done

[@robertshuttleworth]

Outstanding photography well done

[@reggordon4982]

Thanks Rob, l find it more challenging to photograph and film wildlife these days.

[@robertshuttleworth]

@@reggordon4982 cheers Reg myself as well I payed off my house shooting meat in the 70s and 80s in the mountains of NZ shot some awesome Trophies But now in my 60s the Camera gets more air cheers Rob

[@NoelHunterAus]

Well done Reg top bloke for sharing 👍🦌👌

[@reggordon4982]

More to come Noel, l speak about the Ossification Process with Sambar stags! Editing as I'm messaging you.....

[@benlaw6826]

amazing footage!

[@gryphinity]

A great video RG that captures a shit load of everything but doesnt show the sights that you have witnessed off camera,those would be real treasures also....the things you have seen....

[@reggordon4982]

They weren't thought back then! Technology wasn't advanced and there were only a few of us filming in 1990s to the early 2000s.

[@HillDogTV]

That was the Best! Legend Reggie!

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Ras, that was how it was back then. We had room to move because areas weren't exploited like it is today. You can't draw comparisons to that time to what we have today. Amazing times back then.

[@morningtonautomotivespecia2811]

Another truely great video Reg Reg if I may ask a question If you had a son who want to start hunting now with so many hunters about and a immense amount of technology been thrown in there face would you be hunting in a different way or have a different game plan I hope get the idea of my question Cheers Don

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Don, great question! Yes l have a Son and he is a great quy but wasn't interested in hunting but love his AFL football and golf. My Grand Daugther's show more interest in animals and hunting at their early stage of their life 11 and 8. Perhaps some of my DNA, poor things? That era in time when hunting was basically unhindered by technology. My main concern now is this present Labour Government sided with the Greens are doing everything in their power to cease any forms of hunting. Their abhorrent beliefs to take away the very animal we passionately hunt with aimless/stupid and expensive culling. I do believe in game management and culling when necessary. But this government has gone AWOL. We vote again in November 2022 and I'm just hoping the people show their dislike to what's happening to our freedom to hunt and fish.

[@billbobaggins1897]

Great footage reg! Love the old footage when hunting was actually getting out and stalking and getting to know the area and deer your hunting. What is your thoughts on the deer calls for sambar and in your time in the bush have you heard sambar make and calls?

[@reggordon4982]

Nice name Billbo! yes the Sambar need to be managed in certain areas where they are a problem. Yes the Sambar are curious and will come to a call. Those deer callers imitates a calf elk and will also bring Sambar in, under the right conditions. Myself I've been calling Sambar in for 30 years but very limited because my voice can't broadcast out far enough. My voice effectiveness is about 100-80 metres for the Sambar to response. Whereas these Elk Callers can bring in the Sambar from a longer distance. I have footage of two Sambar spikers friendly jousting making noises that sound like a pod of dolphins.

[@TheRutthunter]

Great vid but Ray would of been better of using a sharp rock ? Have to be the bluntest knife Iv seen .

[@reggordon4982]

Yeah we had stone age equipment back than! It was tough going than, but fantastic memories 😉👍

[@SuperLislis]

great to see , how you been Reg ? are you still getting out for a walk

[@reggordon4982]

Yeah I was filming deer yesterday. Got some interesting footage that I will post on KZbin later.

[@SHIKARI_DNA]

All i can say is THANK YOU for such a great insight. 👏👏👏. is there any chance you do some kind of teaching course about sambar. I am highly after some real knowledge🙌🙏

[@BlueTJay]

Go bush man, spend the time, learn from the signs! You are your own best teacher! Just do it!

[@denniswells9340]

There is a lot of history there

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Dennis, yes it's a pity they can't turn the clock back. It was amazing times and unforgettable memories. But too much farting around the camp by Greggie and Mark!!!

[@divefishhunt]

Have a bloody go at some of those heads! Oath!

[@MartyPhil]

Thanks for sharing Reg, what a time to be alive that would have been. Definitely born in the wrong ere Cheers Marty

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Marty, it's a good era now! You really can't compare the past with the present. Being a photographer/videographer it's fantastic now. The camera technology to do higher resolution and image quality stabilisation is remarkable. Pity this technology wasn't around 30 years ago. Those earlier days were fantastic times because we were young blokes that had plenty of energy to burn. Hopefully I will release another video soon on the ossification process with Sambar stags. Cheers Reggie

[@MartyPhil]

@@reggordon4982 thanks Reg, I’m in my prime I think now being 35 haha I can’t wait to slow down abit, I’ll probably see more deer 🦌 and have more opportunities. Can’t wait for the new video mate

[@davidharrison1572]

is that young Mario

[@boxz12]

Where is long spur

[@reggordon4982]

Long Spur is in the Victorian Alpine National Park near and adjacent Mt Kent.

[@boxz12]

@@reggordon4982 thanks Reg I'm new to hunting . Mainly around the Mansfield area and struggling to find a spot to hunt, don't know how you goes go about finding new spots but it sure is a challenge.

[@reggordon4982]

Yeah there's plenty of country out there! I'm not familiar with the Mansfield region but I have been told there's plenty of Sambar deer. Are you member of a deer hunting association? Otherwise I would speak to property owners and local deer hunters that will freely put you on the right track and Good luck!!!

[@boxz12]

Thanks Reg good idea yes a member of the ADA central Branch . However I'm yet to go to a meeting but I plan too in the future. Cheers

[@marchodges8381]

Absolutely magic, thanks for sharing some of the best footage I have seen.