Sambar are an Asian species, imported into Australia around 1861 - cervis unicolor - came in from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). A large stag could reach 800lbs, but typically they attain 650lbs, the hinds (females) naturally smaller at around 450lbs.
Their antlers are simple, consisting of 3 tines on each one, - a brow tine and inner and outer tines at the terminal fork. Most stags cast their antlers in December or January, and in hard antler again by April or May, but there are always regional exceptions.
Anything over 30 inches/200 Douglas Points is a real trophy.
There is no well-defined breeding season, but hinds come into season at regular intervals (like cattle), and individual stag's rutting activity appears to be a response to the hinds coming into season. Most coincide with the majority of hinds in season around May - June, and again in September-November.

They are regarded here as the hardest of all deer species to hunt - the basic rule of thumb is that if you can successfully stalk Sambar, you can hold your own with any deer worldwide.

They're very difficult to see in the bush, being a dark brown colour, with lighter shades around the belly and rear. Emanating from a tiger-dominated jungle environment, they instinctively live very secretive lives in small family groups. Indeed, they are so difficult to observe, that many experienced bushwalkers are amazed to learn that deer actually exist in good numbers in some of their favourite walking areas.
Nocturnal feeding is normal, with most animals bedding down around 9am, rising for a quick nibble around 1pm, then down again until rising again around 4.30pm for the evening session.

Most Sambar are intercepted in early morning as they make their way to the bedding areas, or in the evening while looking for a feeding area.

It's legal in Australia to hunt Sambar with hounds - up til recently you could hunt them with Foxhounds, but the 'Green Mafia' (tree-huggers, bleeding heart brigade) forced a government revolt that led to banning Foxhounds and reverting to either Beagles or Bloodhounds. I'm a stalker myself, so couldn't care less. (31/8 - should have said "... am unaffected by this." Tks Seadog!)
I do know one thing though - ever since some 15,000 foxhounds have been taken off the hunting scene, there are a LOT more deer around!

Anyone who hunts deer should really have Sambar among their personal Grand Slam ambition, as they are one of the greatest challenges on the world deer scene.



"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. "