A week in the high country hunting Sambar with Chris has opened my eyes to what hunting is really about.
It really is a great challenge in an even greater setting. The country is covered in remnants of bushfires of summers past which is in stark contrast to the crisp icy mornings. The scenery is spectacular with valleys and cliff faces running for miles. The deer are just a bonus.

Without knowing what to look for one may think the high country is a somewhat barren landscape, however Chris’s expert knowledge of the area and the deer soon has you spotting rub trees, wallows, footprints and other sign not to mention the deer themselves. What appeared to be a barren landscape turned out to be an area of incredible diversity which held large populations of Sambar.

Overall an incredible experience that is worth doing for both the beginner to expert. You will definitely take an incredible amount of knowledge from a trip to the high country with Chris.

I’ll be going back again!

James

Last year I finally decided it was time to get down to Victoria and do a Sambar hunt. After talking with Chris I booked a hunt for early July 2009. Previously I had lived in Vic and hunted Sambar without success for 5 years.

The hunt with Chris was very memorable for several reasons. The hospitality and wealth of knowledge that Chris passed on was exceptional. The number of Sambar we saw and the unusual habits that one group displayed was incredible. Chris opened a small zip on his pack and from 300mts with a slight breeze blowing across our front two pair of ears had the heads turning and locking straight onto where the pack was.

 We saw over 20 Sambar in 4 days. 3 of which ended up in my freezer. The second animal was a good 27” stag. In my previous Sambar hunting I had only ever laid eyes on 3 now in just one trip I had 3 down. I hit all the deer through the shoulder and all 3 ran, only a short distance but it just demonstrated their tenacity for life.

I have to say that I had a truly exceptional time with Chris that is unlikely to be repeated in the number of deer seen but if you are thinking of a guided hunt after Sambar I cannot recommend Reedy’s Safari’s and Chris highly enough.

Greg Hocking

Wow, what an amazing experience this sambar safari has been! Whether you are an avid and experienced deer hunter or an amateur, I have no hesitations in recommending ‘Reedy Safaris’ for a true sambar hunting experience.

From the time of pick up and all throughout the duration of the trip, everything was conducted and organised in the most professional and experienced manner. While the overall purpose of my 4 day getaway was to come away with a deer in hand, it also served to greater increase my understanding and appreciation of the bush, as well as gaining priceless knowledge on the movements of sambar deer, their habitats and also their general behaviour. This knowledge can only come from witnessing a true professional at work first hand, and that is what you will get from your guides with Reedy Safaris.

Chris, thank you for the time, dedication and constant patience that went into making my sambar safari one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences. It has more than fuelled my passion for deer hunting and I no doubt that it will do the same for many others. I look forward to the next time!

Jennifer Nakamura

Having used the services of different guides I found Reedy Safaris to be most professional in their approach ensuring that my requirements were met.       

To actually see a sambar deer is an achievement in itself but to return home with enough venison to fill my freezer and the memory of such a well planned hunt will definitely see me walking the sambar hills with Reedy Safaris again.

Shane Tyrrell

I was invited many times to hunt with a member of the Reedy Safari crew and after finally finding a spare weekend and getting my act together, which included the purchase of a new rifle, I was on my way to Melbourne to meet my Guides Chris an Anthony. 

Reedy Safaris have a rifle range 100m – 300m, which we tested my new rifle on before heading out. We hunted all day into the late afternoon, and although there was plenty, and I mean plenty of signs, we did not sight a deer. 

I was lucky enough however to have a mob of feral goats (one of the many other game species available) pointed out to me by Chris and after setting myself up and with both guides assistance; I took a long cross gully shot of 280 metres and nailed a young billy. 

Without being given this opportunity by Reedy Safaris I can say that I would have probably never seen let alone shot a feral goat in Victoria. 

My experience with them was 1st class. I learnt more in that afternoon with them, than I had in the time I had been going on my own. 

A very hospitable, and great bunch of blokes to meet and deal with. I look forward to my next Reedy Safari.

Mick Dalgleish