Joe.358win

Too many hunters, trail cams, and other bush users. If they were around they would be found.

Working gullies. Well, several ways to do it. Jumping gullies at the gully heads from first light. Deer will be coming to bed so will be coming up. They don't look up like we do so a good chance of seeing them before they see you. A good way to hunt tight gullies. Working up on the shady side on frosty mornings hoping to catch deer in the sun is also good, tuck up under some shade, it gets cold but the deer will want to be in the sun getting some warmth. Working from the bottom up in the afternoons trying to intercept them on the way down on spurs or contouring just off them. Working up the creek line of gullies and keeping an eye above you. You need to know what the wind is doing and then set a plan. I get the wind direction the night before, then work it out from there. I don't cover a heap of area like some people do, I hope to intercept them. I am to lazy and heavy footed to cover heaps of ground. And remember, they are where you find them. My last stag was shot on a wollow at lunch time on the flats of the Wonnangatta, in the open. He was only 18 inches, had a fighting wound on him as well. I did him a favor other wise the dogs would have found him eventually.

Everything, and I mean everything in the bush makes noise when it moves. The wind, trees, and the animals. Nothing can walk around completely quiet. If there are wind gusts, move when the wind does, stop when it is still. If it is noisy underfoot for you, it is noisy for everything. Deer are inquisitive, they don't like to move unless they see you or smell you. I have had deer brake off after I have passed them. I have had deer run at me. Stags rub trees, shake a bush every now and then and see what happens. We have 2 legs, that is what is distinctive about the way we move thru the bush, it isn't a normal sound. Move slowly, and then even slower when in the hot zone, but don't try to hunt every inch of land you cover, it is too hard. Your concentration will go and you will just get frustrated. Take a break, 15 minutes to sit down and listen to the sounds around you. Work gullies, spend some time glassing, then go to the next. If you bump a deer then you are on the right track. The trick is to see them before they see you. You don't learn if you don't make mistakes.

A result worthy of quality. Well done RT and look forward to hearing of updates after 12 months.

I bought one from a brand called Tuff Arse. They only sell online. It weighs more than other, but super comfy

I would like to know more. Did the guy on the bike survive( a mental kill shot)

Look at the badlands packs as well, zips are awesome and they are comfy as.I have had 2 goats in my 35L pack with ease. Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Yeah I've herd they can struggle on the big calibre.I want to put it on my 223rem Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Not sure yet.Have wanted to do it for a while, for redcoats and bunnies .The price and my ability to get out and use it have stopped me from doing it until now. Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

After some info for mid range thermal price of around $4000 to $5000. Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

As for clothing Summer time keep it light,comfortable Winter,dress in layers. Nothing worse than being to hot or to cold. As for brands,some are better than others,some are rubbish and some are the bees knees. Good starter kit from Ridgeline will het you out their,I prefer Stoney Creek gear,slightly better quality but also a little more expensive.Swazi is another step up again.SamHuntVic has a good range,and is a member of the site Sent from my SM-J250G using Tapatalk

Forget the insect repellant,any animal will smell that from a k away.Insects and spiders in the bush is part of life.Snake proof gators,probably overkill,just don't stand on them.Dunny paper is always Good,their is something about fresh air and the bush in the mornings.Carry a lighter to burn the paper off when your finished.Nothing worse than seeing funny paper half way up a hill.GPS is always handy.Head torch.A couple of knives.a couple of old pillow cases to stash meat in and keep the flys off. Small first aid kit.Keep a piece of rubber in your pack to start a fire.You could carry so much crap with everything that is advertised these days,but you are best off keeping it light Sent from my SM-J250G using Tapatalk

That just means I need to arrange another range session so I can have a look Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Mine is just a hike pack.I use a black wolf McKinley 75L.I have been keen on a moroka for a while but dont get out enough to justify the cost Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Just got back from New Zealand at 1.30am this morning.All I can say is harden up.Your feet will get wet and so will your boots,do get used to the idea of putting in cold wet boots in the morning.And as for socks,I like bamboo type.They take ages to dry,but they warm up very quickly and are super comfy whether wet or dry.I would chose to hunt mostly in thermal pants and shorts when in NZ,simply because they DON'T have snakes.Over here a set of gators and shorts would be ok in summer.Lets face it,if a snake is going to strike and bite the top of your leg,then even long pants aren't going to help. If you fill your pack with cheap lightweight gear then expect an uncomfortable trip.You don't have to spend big either,you just need to chose wisely.Layers seems to be all the go these days,but I find a light top under my stoney creek bush jacket pretty dam good for me.Sure I sweat a bit in it,but I am always warm and comfy.I wouldn't wear polar fleece outer wear on a pack trip,but I know others who do. And make sure you tape your feet,nothing worse than blisters when you can't do bugger all about them. Keep an eye on the weather as well.We had a bizarre weather pattern this week.Joel and I hiked into a block in heavy wind and rain on Sunday,by Sunday evening it had become a blizzard.It was below zero and the wind chill was making my ears burn.Next morning it eas blue skies amd by 8am I was sunbaking on the deck in a pair of shorts. Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk