A MORNING WITH MOOSE

Most weeks, as the first rays of light peek over the horizon, I prepare for my favourite ritual: a morning stalk. The crisp morning air and the earthy scent of the bush has become a familiar and comforting presence, although the sting of multiple hunts this year still linger in my mind.

I had watched deer vanish into the dense forest, leaving only a trail, and a deep sense of frustration. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find them, and the disappointment gnawed at me.

Hunting sambar has taught me the importance of perseverance. These deer are incredibly elusive and cautious, making them difficult to track and even harder to hunt. Many times, I've spent long hours in the forest, only to return home empty-handed. However, these challenges have reinforced the value of persistence. Each hunt, successful or not, has been a lesson in determination, teaching me that patience and consistent effort are crucial in achieving any goal. This mindset has extended beyond hunting, influencing how I approach various aspects of my life, from personal challenges to professional ambitions. The pursuit of sambar has shown me that perseverance, even in the face of setbacks, is essential for growth and success.

Determined not to repeat recent experiences, I decided to bring Moose, our loyal German wirehaired pointer, on the next hunt. Moose had yet to prove his skills as a deer dog, though I hoped his keen nose and sharp instincts would make a difference following up a deer.

In the cool, crisp air, the forest was alive with the sounds of birds and distant howling wild dogs. Moose, with his boundless energy, trotted ahead, his eyes scanning the underbrush with excitement.

As the morning light filtered through the trees, the thermals rolled blankets of fog through the gully. Moose suddenly froze, his body stiffening, tail straight as an arrow. He looked down the gully and back at me. After a solid 10 minutes attempting to locate anything through my binoculars, I managed to capture an eye and radar-like ear flicker. There it was: a stag, barely visible through the thick underbrush, unaware of Moose or myself as it slowly grazed its way up the gully floor. Moose twitched with excitement and, much to my amazement, he didn’t bark or, worse yet, run after it.

I raised my rifle, heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and pride in Moose. Taking steady aim, I focused on the stag. A single, sharp crack echoed through the bush as I squeezed the trigger and the stag fell gracefully. Moose stayed perfectly still; his eyes locked on the spot where the deer had stood moments before.

“Good boy, Moose,” I whispered, patting his head. His tail wagged furiously. Together, we walked down to the fallen stag. By this time, the distant howling of wild dogs had gone from faint to what sounded like the head of the gully above. The howls close enough to raise the hairs on the back of my neck.

Not long after, we returned to the house to collect the family for what was going to be an amazing experience for my partner Rebecca and two girls Aubrey (10) and Lenny (7). My girls, having never been witness to the process that provides their favourite schnitzels, were in for an eye-opening experience…one I secretly hoped would spread like wildfire throughout the schoolyard upon returning home.

The sound of laughter and excited voices carried through the trees as the kids walked the game trails, eager to join in the post-hunt ritual. Their eyes were wide with excitement and curiosity. Moose, proud and happy, circled around them.

“Did Moose find it, Dad?” my youngest asked with admiration for our faithful dog. “He sure did,” I replied, smiling. “He did an excellent job.”

We set to work, teaching the kids the age-old skills of field dressing and butchering the deer. They watched and helped where they could, learning the importance of respecting the animal and the sustenance it provided. Moose stayed close, occasionally nudging the kids with his nose as if to say, “I’m part of this, too.”

As we finished up the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a glow over our little clearing where we had field dressed the deer; the perfect morning! The kids helped carry the game bags, camera, and GPS, taking turns and working together under Moose’s watchful eye as we packed out home. His first deer had been a success.

Back home, we celebrated with stories of the hunt, grateful for the experience we had shared as a family with the girls requesting venison schnitzels for dinner. Moose, exhausted but happy, lay by the fire, his eyes half-closed in contentment. As I looked at him, I knew this was just the beginning of many adventures to come and a testament to the partnership between a hunter and his faithful dog.

For me, hunting sambar goes beyond just being a sport. It's a meaningful way to connect with the wild and show respect for the animals that inhabit our forests. Seeing the kids learn, respect, and appreciate the harvest is even more rewarding. Every hunt is a unique adventure, filled with excitement and challenges, helping us appreciate these magnificent creatures even more.

Through hunting, I’ve met incredible people and forged lifelong friendships. The Australian Deer Association’s efforts have been crucial in supporting and preserving these experiences, allowing us to continue creating memories in the great outdoors for what I hope is generations to come.

“A single, sharp crack echoed through the bush.”