Winter Solo Camp & Fly Fishing in the Snowy Mountains

[@ScottysGoneWalkabout]

Alright, as expected, it seems that my views on the issue of wild horses (Brumbies) got a few people riled up. What I said in the vid is only a fraction of what I think on the topic as a whole. But as I was walking I didn’t have the time to say everything I wanted to say. So here’s my thoughts: 1. Yes, the horses have an important role to play in our modern day heritage. It's not their fault that they're here and it's a bloody shame that we have to cull such a beautiful animal. I would much rather see these animals re-homed than killed. But at the same time, the number of horses are exploding (the reason I even bought up the topic was because I saw close to 100 horses all within 1km from the car. That's a lot of horses.) We need to do something to keep the numbers in check, otherwise they will just keep expanding with no natural predators (except us). As Aussie’s, we should want to promote our unique native wildlife rather than introduced species that exist elsewhere in the world. Would you let pigs/foxes/cane toads/ feral cats etc go unchecked? Probably not. So why horses? 2. I love the old stockman culture of the High Country, and want to see that heritage carry on. Kosciuszko NP still allows people to bring their own horses to go riding/camping, or you can go on one of the guided horse tours through the park. So the culture is still essentially living on (especially in the surrounding communities) we just don’t need the thousands and thousands of feral horses roaming the park. 3. I’m not oblivious to the contradiction of me going to fish for non native trout. I would much prefer these rivers to have native fish such as Murray cod. 4. Yes, we humans do way more damage to the environment than the horses will ever do. Just look at the Snowy Hydro system and the ski resorts in the park. Nothing is perfect. But if we see an issue (feral animals in the park) and have the means and opportunity to control it, then we should. 5. Playing devils advocate, given that feral animals are here in Australia and most likely not going away, should we consider them apart of a changing ecosystem, soon to be considered native, just like dingoes? I don’t know. Perhaps. Perhaps not. But if we do allow them to stay, then we still need to keep their numbers in check by allowing people to hunt them, even in nationals parks, as we are the only apex predator. 6. Lastly, quite a few people love to point out that I’m not from the bush and grew up in the outer suburbs of Sydney (I didn’t get to decide where I was born). At least I'm getting out there and enjoying the bush now and I have a strong passion for this country and the way it’s managed.

[@frumencioreyes4654]

Estoy de acuerdo con tus puntos de vista en cuanto a las especies invasivas, también aquí en Chiapas tenemos los apicultores enfrentaron la invasión de abejas africanas introducidas por humanos. Saludos

[@elizabethscott7660]

The problem of excess numbers was solved in Guy Fawkes NP by allowing capture and re-homing of the horses after a disastrous and inhumane eradication program. The dedicated team that keep, train and sell them on are simply amazing. The horses make amazing rides and I can't see why the same strategy won't work in Kozi NP. Their plight is the fault of humans and they deserve a chance at a good life, not indiscriminate slaughter.

[@djames1345]

Nungar Creek ?

[@Cortezerino]

I was born and raised in the high country and I agree with everything you said

[@melissagoode151]

I don't disagree with you I just find it wild that you'd rather see kangaroos which are also pests that cause lots of damage

[@laurencetilley9194]

I have spent a lot of time in the bush, and I am with you Scotty, the brumbies, pigs, goats, and deer have to be strictly managed or they have to go. The destruction they cause to the bush is horrendous. Thanks for sharing.

[@rodgeorge7244]

If there's one thing I've learnt after 50 plus years of fishing and camping in that country don't take any notice of the weather forecast ,thanks for taking us along again Scotty to a beautiful part of our great Country.

[@tianikane3312]

I'm totally with you Scotty on the feral horses issue. We need to get rid of the 'brumbies' word and call them what they are. Feral horses. There are plenty of other places for them, not the National Parks. Horse culture is only the last few hundred years of Australian history, whereas the other animals represent thousands and thousands of years of our natural history

[@popbear1976]

Hi. Why are they called brumbies?

[@popbear1976]

@HerrKapitanSebas hi, thanks for the info. The more you know...

[@paulcox9366]

Shooting them from a helicopter and leaving them half dead isn't The answer tho

[@cameronprior6190]

​@@paulcox9366I'm with you but what do you prepose they do?

[@djames1345]

TK Have a comment when you have been to the exact location I have - there is minimal damage Bet you live where the was once a paddock. Your dwelling is damage to the environment - but bet you feel deserving to own it and do want you self deserve If your not a first nation people, you’re non native

[@linzimacdonald1580]

Pretty impressed you drive all that way for one night camping in the freezing cold to film a video. 👍🏽

[@wm6882]

a measured well thougtht out opinion that considers all angles will always get backlash from folks who run on emotion and not reason.... keep up the good work mate.

[@jeffgreene911]

Great that you spoke out on the feral animal issue that rages across the landscape. The horses, pigs, dear have no place. When I saw you videoing the horse's I was hoping you would say something. Well done.

[@djames1345]

The first nations people want the same Are you and your family history immigrants / non native - reflect on yourself and be honest to yourself / opinion post Do you have a place in australia

[@MrEnroh]

​@@djames1345mate that is not in the same ballpark. Get off your figurative high horse and take your combative comments elsewhere.

[@ERIKOFFTRACK]

Hooking the dead cat was classic mate, thats about my level of fishing lol. 100% agree about the feral horses, its a shame the issue has become so polarised. Also a shame we dont hear more recognition of or interest in the rich indigenous history of the high country which goes back many more thousands of years.

[@Greg-oq5vc]

Great video Scotty. Totally support your comments on the feral animals. The large brumby population is devastating to the fragile high country environment, especially around watercourses as you depicted.

[@danielcheffins3666]

Good on you for bringing up the subject of brumbies. A polarising subject that no one seems to have an answer to. Given the amount you counted on one plain, the overall population most be huge. Yes they have a place in the snowy mountains but the damage hard hoofed animals do to our fragile ecosystem is devastating. We have similar issues in Victoria with deer.

[@zackleclair5195]

Seeing you camp in one extreme brings me joy. I'm from Canada and have spent 4 days camping in 3 feet or approximately a meter of snow at -45 Celsius. Your videos are amazing.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That's CRAZY ! It never gets below -5 in 95% of Australia !

[@mickwatson2177]

If you must remove the horses, trap them by mustering. As for pigs and deer allow Sporting Shooters Association Australia members into national parks to control this vermin. I am sure it wouldn't be that hard to set a permit system up that only lasted 2 weeks for example. We can't even carry guns in these parks. Perfect haven, no shooters. Need I say more? Cheers 👍 🐕 🤠

[@thefloodtower4866]

Very respectful statement of your views on the horse issue.

[@mozdickson]

Agree 100% on your comments re proliferation of horses in what is supposed to be a National Park. Beautiful filming thanks.

[@jenesisjones6706]

I agree wholeheartedly about the brumbies!

[@tleej26]

Love seeing the Brumbies, but like over here with Thar and deer they do have to be managed🏕🇳🇿

[@elijahk357]

I had no idea this time of landscape existed in Australia, either with that high altitude or with consistent yearly snowfall. It's stunningly gorgeous, thank you for making me aware of its existence! It reminded a bit of the Highveld in South Africa or the higher elevations of the Southern Appalachians, where I live in the US. It's a shame about the horses. We have a place like this in Virginia called the Grayson Highlands where there are wild horses. I totally understand the need to remove them due to the fragile Australian ecosystem. Preserving that should definitely the first priority.

[@ColinMcCormack]

You're right about the feral horses. We need them culled in the NP

[@tjbrunson]

Love to see a Benchmade in an Australian video! I'm from the hometown of Benchmade and I've been using that exact same knife for so many years!

[@nessday1821]

I agree with you on the hot brumby topic. Our native flora and fauna do it tough enough. Our alpine and sub-alpine regions are so sensitive and are not designed to cope with hooved feet. Sadly, they are not helping our national parks. I love all animals, but our natives struggle with the threat of extinction already, without extra habitat damage. Much love 🙏

[@christinesouth547]

Definitely think we've grown to understand just how much damage the brumbies have done to the environment (and of course the feral pigs, deer, foxes, rabbits etc). Unfortunately when the conditions are great animals flourish, and it's the same with feral animals. Definitely a difficult conversation, but when it's an introduced species vs a native animal facing extinction we know what the right choice is. Great video. High country definitely looks like it is worth a visit!

[@andytweed5651]

I went walking through the National Park over easter and the damage from the brumbies was immense. Over our 4 days we saw literally hundreds. The mountains if horse scat really ruined parts of the experience! The only feral animal protected in a national park in the world!

[@simonford3970]

I have never "commented" on social media in my life though you pretty much just summed up the brumby issue for me.

[@ChrisIsOutside]

catching that deadcat was amazing! i have one too and I really understand the precision behind that

[@bushtherapy7655]

I grew up with horses and I love them They saved my life when I was a kid from a broken family

[@Nitroso_0]

Love your vids right before bed, great way to wind down after a long day. Appreciate all you do to make these vids.

[@brianbuzzen]

The still shots near the fire are so beautiful, Thanks for this, great work.

[@rachelhilfers6953]

agree on the brumby issue, no predators except humans to kill them so there is no natural way to keep their numbers low enough to keep the feed available for the rest of the wildlife going forward, not to mention being hard footed animals they will overtime degrade the land.

[@qksmith]

So sad seeing those creeks so dirty. They should be crystal clear. No surprise with all the pigs and horses

[@elizabethscott7660]

I love winter camping and it has been most of the camping I've done. Often during hunting and pig capture and eradication on local properties. There's nothing quite as beautiful as winter's crisp air, clear night skies, bathing in ice cold creeks, and meals around the fire. Rabbit fur lined gloves are the best for keeping hands warm. I'm going to watch this video more than once. You're the best. Thank you.

[@OldGoatStillGoing]

A poor day fishing is still better than the best day at work:-)

[@robertcroll6546]

What a pleasure watching you. From bushcraft to UL, your growing love for the Manaro and the high country.

[@masodimontagna3771]

Wow what a spectacular nature, animals, very beautiful and diverse vegetation ☺👍🙏

[@fiona1963]

Thank you Scott, for showing the feral problem.👍

[@KenmeriCaptain]

hilarious catch at the end! as for the non native animals, probably a bit controversial but I think they need to do a total cull. part of the problem is that the Aus gov has made it SO difficult for private hunters both in regards to firearms and in onselling to butchers, have mates that used to do roos but the rules and regulations are now so overbearing that it's not even close to profitable. would be even worse with brumbys cos who's gonna buy the meat. anyway great vid as usual

[@scottashley3830]

Yep Scotty feral horses must go!!😮

[@seven7is430]

Remember Scotty trout are feral animals too and compete with the Aussie species - I still like to spend a few hours trying to outwit them with a fly.

[@josephharding1327]

You always pick a beautiful place to camp. We’re so lucky to see your videos. Thank you

[@gavinpeters6402]

We should be trying to rid this country of all pest and introduced species and bring back our amazing natives, bring back our landscapes to how they should be. Great video.

[@djames1345]

The first nations people want the same Are you and your family history immigrants / non native - reflect on yourself and be honest to yourself / opinion post

[@gavinpeters6402]

@@djames1345 I am quite familiar with what First Nations people want. I am also quite familiar with what has been lost over the past 250 years. Maybe you could reflect on yourself,

[@OG-Paul-Valentine]

In the winter when the water temps are colder your best bet for catching fish is going to be nymphing right on the bottom. Most fish will be holding deep in the deepest runs and pools. Use a strike indicator with a heavy beaded Nymph. Skip the dry dropper. Unless you see fish rising or flies coming off the water a dry fly isn't going to be effective.

[@iJoel00]

Totally agree - eating Kiwi with the skin on is the only way to do it! So tasty! I find that people that refuse to do it can’t get over the mere idea that the skin is fuzzy… to each their own 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@susanalbone5101]

Thanks again for sharing. Take care, be safe. ❤ Dorset, UK

[@jackmac2252]

Your a good fella scotty. If more people had an umderstanding of ecosystems they may understand your view on the horses.

[@stephenlloydco]

I agree 100% on the feral horses. Shouldn't be there, or in Barrington Tops.

[@hanfiball4136]

Your videos remind me to think about the important things in life, the little adventures along the way, and not to fokus on societies burdens like school, uni, work etc too much

[@jasonmcnamara1745]

In the last couple weeks iv seen more copper heads then anything else. I been fishing eucumbene 7degrees and seen 2 snakes almost stepped on one

[@seanharwood974]

Great clip and I agree with you 100% on the feral animal issue

[@grantohalloran1667]

Great video mate - u have inspired me to get back out there

[@kevinho9544]

Beautiful photos. Thanks Scotty.

[@GoingSoloOutdoors]

Great video as always. Can’t go wrong with the bugout. Such a fantastic lightweight knife!

[@patsimon12]

Great to hear some Josh Garrels in the sound track!

[@ladyadventurer5095]

Scotty, you just have the magic, man.... I truly love watching your magic, so beautifully put together, so professional. You are indeed a ambassador for Australia. Dead Cat blues, eh? Haha! Cheers!

[@Joshhhdoddd]

We need to be across the board with feral animals. If it’s good enough to cull deer it’s good enough to cull horses, that also goes for trout, they’re non native after all.

[@timandkylie6651]

That is a very interesting point. I will say that poison should have no place in feral control

[@kathmorris3979]

Love your vids Scotty. There are feral pigs everywhere at the moment. Our governments have dropped the ball on feral animal management. The brumbies numbers need thinning big time too. There is evidence of stream and surrounding ground damage. Personally, I don't agree with non-native animals in our national parks.

[@MrBodhysatva]

❤❤love Australia with snow 😊thanks for share mate

[@shannonkatereadsstuff]

Where we are in the western desert the feral camels cause so much damage. Feral animals australia wide need better management/culling.

[@dazheathcote4590]

Yes we need to remove feral animals from all national parks really . There’s not many corroboree frogs left , you can see how hoofed animals can damage their lives and habitat very easily . Another great adventure you have shared with us , thanks mate

[@4x4andfishing]

Not sure when you did this but egg patterns are the go this time of year. Still a great little adventure

[@booboobingbang]

Good advice. You're a star.

[@allang1990]

You’re welcome for that barbell recommendation 😉

[@paulgreenwood3219]

Does' not matter where you are born you can still enjoy what we enjoy doing anywhere and that includes the camping hiking fishing adventures such as yours and also have an opinion without someone roasting that person for where they come from Not very inclusive or tolerant I say Keep up enjoying what you do Scotty as we also do.

[@scottishalwaysdixie1638]

Beautiful only thing at the end was missing the rain however enjoyed that frm Scotland UK

[@sleepydutchie]

Music was amazing. Thanks Scotty for the new tunes.

[@lenlemaic7849]

Scotty don't know whether that small stream is classified as fly fishing only, if it isn't, try a few worms on a bubble float and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. In my heart the Australian high country is a religious place. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@OldBenjaminKenobi]

Just love these videos mate, feel like I’m alongside for the journey in everyone.

[@daneedwards81]

Interesting thoughts on the brumbies Scotty. I’m with you on the fact they shouldn’t be in the national park, but neither should the trout. I don’t really say much about either of them because I spend most of my time in the snowies chasing trout.

[@stevjosco.adventures]

Good point on the trout. Native fish are very rare in our waters now, thanks to trout and carp.

[@EmceeZippy]

Love the addition of your photography in the vids Scotty! Awesome vid as always

[@Andyb2379]

Fear not Scotty the days soon will become longer & hotter for you, as we in the UK begin our course to another winter. Beautiful country, the high country. So fortunate to explore these incredible places. Thanks for sharing buddy & take care out there.

[@daffman1]

Awesome video Scotty! Love the photos 👍

[@testimonies1000]

Mate new subscriber, not here ti debate your oppinions on anything but i absolutely love yoyr videos. I am a newbie with hiking. Your content is so inspirational and the most professionally put together, the best ive seen. The places yoy go to and allow us viewers to catch a glimps of your experience and just how magnificant our land is, is truely awsome. Personally i want to progress to doing overnighters, ( alone). I guess id like to ask how you felt the first tine doing overnight camp out there in the elements alone? Personally, ur Tassie hike was breath taking and could really see your passion in this. Thanks again for the content man, and i rekon som educational content would bevawsone for keen newbies like myself!! Cheers!

[@cz287cj]

australia is so beautiful

[@tevoro12]

No roasting here, @scott. Totally agree with the Brumbies sentiment.

[@swingsloth]

Nice video, Scotty. Almost enough to make me get off the couch again myself.

[@ramboj7924]

Tesco would make delicious beef burgers with those horses

[@teeeff5179]

another good one Scotty, thank you. loved the stills of the night sky! 👍✌🖖

[@christurner68]

The non native trout have been culled! 😂

[@frankvehafric5062]

Starting to look like a proper fly fisherman now. It's addictive.

[@ewengillies9826]

Couldn't agree with gou more on the brumbies Scotty and those ferral pigs that destroy everything. Wonderful area tremendous photography mate. You are becoming a bush legend. Bushyboy Oz

[@Mitch624]

Awesome video Scotty, that was a beauty! These high country trips are my all time fav, they are just different in such a good way! Was out recently down there and you never want to leave, an alpine country fire sure hits differently! How a blooper awesomely made the whole video, that was absolute gold! Great stuff keeping that in 😂

[@atcay81]

Top notch upload as always Scotty 😊...Grab some hand warmers to chuck in your sleeping bag at your feet and all around if needed 🙌

[@stevensclongberg6266]

Same horse problem in Barrington tops unfortunately

[@tcadz]

Nice vid Scotty. I have explored the high country for 20 years and always enjoy seeing the brumbies.

[@timandkylie6651]

First time watching your channel. Great vid. Loved it. Josh Garrels 👍 very nice touch.

[@djames1345]

Scott is fishing Tantangara Creek or just very very nearby. One view in the vid you can see what appears to be Tantangara creek Go there and see the damage horses aren’t doing - its very minimal compared to what the human can do Remember theres approximately 300 horses up there and 3 million people enter that national park a year. The human proves to be selfish by wanting access but keep what they want out

[@ScottysGoneWalkabout]

Not you again. There is waaayyyy more than 300 horses in the high country. If you think that's true then you're delusional haha. I saw close to 100 on this trip alone. Also, this wasn't Tantangara Ck.

[@michaelreppion5]

Hi Scotty. I know the region you were talking about. Nungar Ck . I also have tried and found the fishing tough here. The upper Murrumbidgee nearby plus other tributaries can be easier. I agree the destruction of the river banks in the upper M is horrendous. The horses feed in the river itself and destroy the banks. Tough issue and a problem around Tantangara is the commercial horse trekking and the brumbies are a major attraction. The mythology stands against the reality of feral horses. Love your trips.

[@scottashley3830]

Your an absolute legend Scotty, keep up the good work ❤

[@samtimms4560]

Awesome to watch mate. This is in my backyard now and hope to get out amongst it. You make it look so easy. Cheers.

[@conexaooutdoor616]

Pelo menos pescou um microfone 😅. Mais um excelente vídeo, pra relaxar . 👏👏

[@jimf1964]

Fishing a little stream like that, they can see you. Stand back a bit, maybe even get on your knees behind that grass. Drifting a fly is tough too, because the line can turn them off. You should mend your line to keep it out of the way, while drifting at a good speed. As for the horses, people who have never been around them always think they’re so majestic etc…. They’re big, smelly, beasts, that do not belong there. Invasive need to be controlled. Maybe leave a few for cultural reasons, but that’s it.

[@Jimmcgregorphotography]

Well at least you caught something Scotty. Lol. Bad luck mate. Still a wonderful location, thanks for sharing

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Love that music from Josh Garrels, thanks for introducing it 🙏

[@nathantaylor41]

Awesome videos mate :) please keep it up :)

[@Intermax.Camping]

Wow, what beautiful scenery, I can’t wait to get out to the vic high country

[@scottevers9780]

Yep 100% with you on your views re. Wild horses. They are desecrating the river systems & natural habitats in the Snowies.

[@marto_sauce9564]

Someone already said it but eggs and nymphs are the go this time of year unless u see fish rise. The cooler months they tend to eat subsurface. Awesome vid as always Scotty!

[@nickmaguire4914]

He had glow bugs in his fly box

[@jasonreid611]

Those nighttime photos alone were worth checking in.

[@TimRumble]

Barbell jerry and billtong is pretty good. But trust me get some wagu billtong from a place called Meat Co in Mackay. They'll send it to you. It's pretty amazing. Haha. Love ya work

[@liamsaunders7851]

Top stuff as always Scotty!! Thanks again for taking us along on another adventure!! Yewwww!!! -Liam 🇦🇺 🤙🏿🤙🏿

[@mspager6756]

Love your work Scott

[@chrishayman1747]

Beautiful long exposure shots Scotty!

[@MartindAvoine-xu4jh]

Awesome episode ❤🇦🇺