This is a family owned and operated business. Collectively the family guides have over 80 years guiding experience, successfully guiding hundreds of hunters from over 25 different countries. For over 30 years, this outfitter has been a leader in Australian hunting. They have the some of the best free-range and estate hunting anywhere in Australia. They hunt from the top of the Great Dividing Range to the wilderness of the tropical outback. Their team has the knowledge, skills and experience to give you a first rate and hassle-free hunt.
They have developed a reputation for growing upper echelon trophies, and providing high-quality hunts. This is no accident either. They have been in the business for a very long time, and their reputation is important to them. They are serious about quality. They hunt their areas exclusively, and manage their herds. They limit the number of trophies taken each season, allowing young males to grow to their full potential, and selectively remove poor genetics. All of this is reflected in the number of trophies taken with us that are high-up in the record book. Also, as has been noted by our clients who have tried other options, it means a “management” trophy with Kingham Safaris is better than many full-priced trophies elsewhere.
The main hunting area is uniquely situated in a remote mountain-valley at the head-waters of two major river-systems. It is close to Brisbane International Airport with daily access to LAX and DFW as well as many other international destinations, yet it is hidden from the outside world by the surrounding 100 000’s of acres of national forest. It is made up of lightly timbered rolling hills and a moderate climate that are ideally suited to all the Australian deer, and is the breeding ground of the world’s largest rusa, plus 11 other species including sambar, hog deer, buffalo, moluccan rusa, axis, red stag, fallow and blackbuck antelope. You will see lots of kangaroos, wallabies and other Australian native animals including, if you’re lucky, the reclusive koala or platypus.
This particular profile is outlining their Hog Deer hunts. The Hog deer is the smallest deer in Australia and are very rare. Their common name derives from their low, heavy build and their pig-like running style. At some times of the year the males may show spots along their back which will fade after a few months. As is suggested by their Latin name, they are a relative of the Axis deer (Axis Axis). Mature bucks can have long, slender antlers with multiple points, making them prized trophies for hunters. Bagging a trophy-quality hog deer is a significant achievement and a source of pride for many hunters.
Hog deer are native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In Australia, they are found in limited numbers in certain regions of Victoria and New South Wales. Hog deer prefer dense, swampy habitats near water sources such as rivers, marshes, and wetlands. Hunting hog deer typically involves stalking or still hunting in dense vegetation near waterways where the deer congregate. Hunters may also utilize tree stands or ground blinds to intercept deer moving between feeding and bedding areas. Spot-and-stalk hunting techniques can be effective in open marshes and grasslands.
Hog deer hunting presents unique challenges due to the species' elusive nature and preferred habitat. Dense vegetation and limited visibility can make spotting and stalking hog deer challenging for hunters. However, the thrill of pursuing this secretive and prized species, combined with the opportunity to explore remote and picturesque wilderness areas, makes hog deer hunting a rewarding and memorable experience. They are also primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk or at night. Their tendency to bed down in dense vegetation during the day and move cautiously through their habitat makes them challenging to spot and approach. Hog deer are sensitive to disturbance and may quickly flee or go into hiding at the slightest sign of danger. Human presence, noise, and scent can all alert hog deer to the presence of hunters, making stealth and patience essential for a successful hunt.
They are an excellent game animal and a small and difficult target. Alert and wary, they can quickly disappear into thick cover or tall grass. Hunting is best done from a stand or hidden vantage point. Like many tropical deer species they have no clearly defined rut.
This area is also close to some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Australia including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, the Croc Hunter’s zoo and the Great Barrier Reef. There are a lot of things to do before and/or after the hunt, as well as observers/non-hunters that want to be entertained while others are hunting!
Weight: 36-45 kg’s (80-100 lb’s).
Height: 70 cm (28”)
Antlers: 3 points a side with the second tine on the inside of the main beam.
Trophy size: Representative trophies range from 12 to 15 inches in length.
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