Hunting Season | Rifles | Equipment & Clothing | Travel | Photos

Watervalley, in South Australia, is a working cattle and sheep ranch of 300,000 acres. The area is relatively flat with gently rolling hills. About 25% of the area is covered with thick scrub. Six species of deer were released onto the property 17 years ago. All deer within this area are wild and free. There are no internal restraining fences. Your guide is highly experienced in this area and knows where and how to find the biggest trophies.

4WD vehicles are used to access the hunting areas where spot and stalk hunting methods are our favored hunting technique. While reasonable amounts of easy walking are required, physically challenged hunters can enjoy hunting on this property.

While hunting our accommodation is a modern and comfortable cottage, right in the middle of the ranch. We supply high quality family type meals with cold beer and wines.

Your guide will meet you at Mount Gambier airport, which has commercial flights connecting with both Melbourne and Adelaide international airports. He will return you to Mount Gambia airport following completion of the hunt. We can arrange commercial flights into Mount Gambier for you if your agent cannot get the connections.

 

Hunting Season

Red stag, Fallow and Axis bucks are in hard antler by the beginning of February while Sambar and Rusa stags are out of velvet by end of April. The best time to hunt all of these species is April until July.

We have however taken outstanding Sambar and Rusa stags with hard and polished antlers in February. The deer are often seen and heard right from the cottage accommodation on the property.

 

Rifles

As longer range shots are often required, flat shooting rifles like a 7mm mag or 300 magnums are our choice of caliber. Sambar deer are notoriously tough to kill and heavier magnum caliber scoped rifles with heavier premium grade bullets are most desirable.

If you want to bring your own rifles and ammunition to Australia, we have to pre-arrange your entry permits before you depart for your holiday with us. We require suitable lead time for these permits. Permits will not be issued for pistols or semi auto rifles to be imported into Australia. We have excellent quality suitable rifles available for hire if our hunters prefer this option.

 

Recommended Equipment & Clothing

Good quality binoculars are essential.

The climate at Watervalley is described as dry temperate. This is grape and wine producing country. During February, daily maximum temperature will range up to 85 degrees F with cooler night time temperatures. In June, which is our winter, daily temperatures will range up to 65degrees F. The rainy season is from July to September, but it can rain at any time throughout the year.

During our summer hunts from February until April, lightweight darker pattern cotton camo is most suitable with a light jacket for early mornings and late evening hunts.

During our May to July hunts, American fall hunting warmer clothes are more suitable with warm hat, outer jacket and gloves for very early morning hunts. Comfortable easy country walking boots are most suitable.

 

Travel

If you decide to travel to the South Pacific, we highly recommend that you contact our travel agent (Brooke Taylor - Harvey World Travel). Brooke knows this region intimately and Harvey World Travel has won the "Best Travel Agency Group of the Year" for Australia 2 years running. Please email btaylor.charlestown@harveyworld.com.au for further information. I am sure that she will be happy to assist you in arranging flights, accommodation, electronic visas, travel insurance and touring if required. Just tell Brooke that Hunt Australia sent you and you will receive VIP treatment.

Other South Pacific Hunting Opportunities

Hunt Australia conducts hunts for all species available throughout the South Pacific, along with our unique Culling and Shooting School programs. Our operations span Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. If you require any further information regarding any of the hunts that we offer, please contact us.

 

 

Photos from Watervalley Game Ranch