Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Sambar Deer--St. Vincent Is, Fl

I got drawn!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> St. Vincent Island hosts a three day hunt for Sambar deer. 135 hunters are allowed.(last year they only killed 6 deer). These are big deer, 300-500lbs. Primitive weapons only, I will be taking my bow, most others black powder. I know nothing about hunting these critters or hunting St. Vincent Island. ANYBODY got any experience, it would be greatly appreciated--Thanks--Bill

That's awesome!!! I've never hunted them so i can't give you any GOOD info.

I'm hoping to see some pics of you with a nice stag!!

Good luck.
Paul

Sambar deer are the elusive monarchs of the mountains in Victoria. Very hard to hunt and are the most successful deer species in Australia. Large stags are 700+lb. A good representative head is 24" and up. The Australian record head for Sambar is 40"x 40"x 40".

Legal minimum calibre for Sambar is a 270 with 130gn projectile, but the practical minimum is a 30-06 with a 180gn projectile. Bows, crossbows and muzzleloaders are permitted, but restrictions apply.

Due to the nature of these beasts and depending on the foliage, a stag will lay in wait until a hunter walks by, then will either quietly slip away or lets out a loud "honk" (soiling the hunter�s pants) and tears off onto the scrub like a locomotive. Most shots at Sambar in the scrub are around 50m.

They like the high ground too. Best if you can get to the high ground an hour or two before sunrise. The big stags graze in open flat country during the night then start moving to high mountain gullies before sunrise. Get high and glass the gullies below.

Then again I have no idea what the conditions, terrain and foliage are like on St Vincent Island. I will have to look at Google Earth.

Good Luck.

Taint no high ground in Florida.........but there are a BUNCH of sand dunes. When are you going? Good fishing around there.

Two hunting pals of mine also drew first-time ever Sambar permits on St. Vincent. Sounds like a real challenge -- you have to bring everything in with you -- water, ice, camping gear etc... And a ten- mile boat trip to the drop point.

1B

Billg,
The important thing to watch when sambar hunting is to keep turning around and looking behind you.

Sambar are the most difficult deer to hunt on the planet and a seasoned hunter can still take several years to take one, an only is he hunts often enough. They are the only deer that count as a trophy when a hind is taken and you will still receive kudos from the knowing hunters in your group.

They dodge tigers for a living and a man is peanuts to deal with.

When you stop for a nature call, look around first, watch your back trail, look for fresh tracks and pellets, then unzip.

The stories you hear of world hunters who get off a plane and go out with a guide for a day or so and bag a trohpy are BS. Those animals are set ups. The "mighty sambar" is called the "mighty sambar" because he is smarter than a man.

He has no peer in the cervus family.

Thanks for the input--Here's what I got so far--There will be 135 hunters on the island for the three day hunt. the ranger office will open at sunrise the day before the hunt. You can check in, set up your campsite and scout and hand your stand. Hunting times will be 30 min before sunrise until 3pm each day. The only transportation allowed is a bicycle, however, I hear the island is so sandy riding a bike is problematic. There is a restricted area close to the campsite area and with just a quick map recon I would bet most of the Sambar are going to be in this area. Finding the right spot somewhere along the edge of this area will be crucial. The island tries to maintain a herd of 75-100 Sambar. The average annual kill with 135 hunters is "6". The limit is two of either sex.( from the average kill stats, there may as well be no limit!). They also allow you to kill hogs, so that ought to spice things up a bit. Pretty much going to be a logistical drill with having to bring in all potable water, food and ice. Also some sort of transportation arrangements. I'm thinking Hennesy hammock/MRE ,Ice chest type hunt. I'll be with four other guys, only one of which I've met, I'll be the only one in my party bow hunting, which is probably a disadvantage. Anyhoo--Should be a learning experience. If anyone knows someone who has actually done this hunt, I sure would like to pick his brain--Thanks--Bill

billg

Congrats on the draw. I moved to Mexico Beach (just west of St Vincent Is) back in Feb. I'm going to school at Tyndall and graduate in May, so my tenure here will be short lived. Anyways, I put in for the sambar draw and I guess I didn't get my name pulled, since I haven't heard anything.

I've heard positive things about the whitetail hunting there. I may have to check into that once the season nears.

Congrats again on the tag.

The "backdoor" trick is well used by Sambar, maintain a vigil behind you if stalking as they will allow you to walk within meters and sneek off behind you. Look for the large table-tennis sized ears and orange-brown butts, they stand out if you know what to look for. Often when spotted they will stand on the edge of cover facing away looking over their shoulder until your identified. Your basically hunting a Shetland pony on much longer legs so be prepared for a large animal. They generally wont be in a herd setting, solitary animals or small family groups, if you get spotted by a hind and she honks and bolts, dont be surprised if a stag is nearby either watching or silently sneaking away. Boy are you in for some fun...
Cheers...
Con

Con- thanks for the input. I doubt I will be stalking. With 135 other hunters. my gimbly butt will be up a tree! My basic plan will be to get into the thick stuff and let the movement of the other hunters push something by me. Right now I'm trying to get as much first hand info that I can so I can narrow down the 20% of the land that holds 80% of the game. But with as many hunters who will be there to only expect to kill 6 deer, I gotta believe most of the deer are in the restricted areas. Still trying to find that guy out there who has actually done this hunt before and does'nt mind sharing info.--Bill

My hunting bud & I also drew Sambar tags & we are first time hunters on the island also. I called the Chamber of Commerce & was faxed a list of boat captains that provide transportation. Looks like about $100+ to $150/per person round trip. Waders are needed to bring gear from shallow water to shore. Bugs are expected to be a big problem & a dining canopy W./netting may be beneficial. Many hogs & some are reported to be decent size. Red Wolves are bred there & are free roaming. Tree stands preferred-no moving in early morning. Temp. averages about 60+ at night & 70+ in the day. All the snakes you want. We may schedule a fishing trip the day before going on the island. This is a low success hunt for Sambar with boar as a bonus, but it appears to be a lot of fun. When I tie down a boat, ect. I will advise. My hunting bud is in Scotland shooting deer now. Good Hunting.

TB--Good deal! Look forward to maybe making your aquaintance on the Island. I've pretty much figuered out there's got to be a pre-hunt scouting trip. This has the makings of either a memorable trip or a chinese fire drill--Bill