Beyond The Divide

Rob travels to South Australia to meet up with local hunter Morgan to hunt fallow deer. It is late March and the peak of the rut, in which the fallow bucks voice with their characteristic deep grunting. During this time, with skillful stalking, the bucks can sometimes be stalked at close ranges in thick scrub, which makes for very exciting hunting.

Part 1. The Brisbane Valley is the traditional home of Red deer in QLD. The Ridge Group is a non-for-profit organization that provides balloted public access to quality red deer hunting on private land. Rob draws a block in the ballot then meets up with good friend, hunting guide and RIDGE Group president Clark McGhie. During the “Roar” or rut, the red stags voice with a deep roar and if all goes well, they can be called in to close range. As hunters arrive for the start of the rut, Rob documents the RIDGE group’s ballot procedures and briefings, then gets into the bush for a very exciting week, hunting roaring red stags.

Part 2. After the success of the first few days, Rob & Clark continue on the hunt for a mature trophy red stag, and as the roar progresses the vocalization of the stags is incredible to hear and the action gets closer and more intense.

Part 1. There is nothing like hunting in remote wilderness, and nothing like hunting elk in the bugle. Going in by horse on a drop camp hunt is an experience in itself and on this hunt Rob, Greg and Andrew are off into the spectacular Rocky Mountains for 10 days, hunting bugling elk with the bow.

Part 2. Following the amazing events of the first two days in the backcountry, Rob Andrew & Greg continue their hunt for a trophy Bull Elk. The unit has produced some great numbers of animals and finding Elk is now not the problem, however getting a shot is proving extremely challenging. In the latter part of this episode the boys load up the backpacks and push further into the wilderness and the result is quite spectacular.

Part 1. It had been 10 years since Rob had hunted Sika in New Zealand, and he was looking forward to once again hunting these challenging little deer, and also tasting there beautiful venison. The North Island is blessed with some fantastic hunting opportunities on public land and in this episode Rob joins Aaron Kent from Hunting Downunder, helicopter pilot Chris Crosse, and the head of DOC Sika deer management, Dan Herries. Witness the spectacular scenery of the Kaweka Ranges as well as a great example of the huts available for hunters, the challenging stalking, and the fitness required to hunt in the terrain.

Part 2. The first few days of our hunt in the Kaweka’s had been a great success. In stage 2, we relocate to hunt the alpine tops, a beautiful environment, but subject to sever weather extremes. We’re in for some quality action up in the tussock, but not before we battle with a Nth Island Eel, and finally glass some Sika on the move after the bad weather. For the last few days up high we are joined by DOC staff member Dan Herries, who gives us a fascinating insight into the groundbreaking strategies of sustainable deer management in the Kaweka Forest Park.

Part 1. Immortalised through the writings of Ruark and Capstick, the Cape Buffalo is a powerhouse of brute force, arguably tougher, meaner and more vindictive than any animal on the planet. On this adventure Rob journeys to The Caprivi Strip in northwest Namibia, to hunt with Omujeve Safaris, one of Africa’s most prestigious safari outfitters. The Caprivi is an unfenced wilderness that covers over 30,000 square kilometers, and the story that unfolds truly is, a unique insight into wild Africa and also Namibia’s world class game management and conservancy system.

Part 2. Our first few days hunting in Namibia sure took some twists and turns. After responding to a call for help from a neighboring conservancy that had been an issued a problem animal permit for a dangerous bull hippo, Rob again returns to the floodplains to try and track him down. Later in the hunt the buffalo hunting continues amid lions and thunderstorms, and finally after 10 days and 5 failed stalks, he gets a Bull in his sights.

Without doubt, the premier game animal of the South Pacific is the mighty sambar deer. Introducted into Victoria 150 years ago, they have now colonized the South Eastern section of the country and are a much loved part of the landscape in the Victorian high country. One on one, the sambar represent a stalking challenge unlike any other in the world, and in this episode, Rob travels to the iconic Wonnangatta Valley to hunt them in the spectacular Alpine National Park.