The ADA Victorian Hunter Education Course is a residential program conducted over a full weekend at spectacular Forest Edge in the heart of sambar country.
Participants enjoy a mix of theory and practical sessions covering an introduction to Australia’s deer species, hunting and the law, firearm safety, firearms for deer, bushcraft and survival, animal welfare, deer tracking, stalking sambar, carry out and break down, an intensive full afternoon field trip into deer habitat, hunting with hounds, hunting with gundogs, caping and trophy care, meat care, deer management and considerations of the future of Australia’s wild deer and deer hunting.
The Victorian Hunter Education Course is Australia’s longest-running, most successful and best-regarded deer hunter education program. The course remains the benchmark for deer hunter education in the Southern Hemisphere.
Costs are “all-inclusive”, so all you need to bring is yourself, sleeping equipment and appropriate clothing for the field trip. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if requested.
Click the video below for highlights from our 2023 course.
Our Hunter Education Course is continually advancing and offers a comprehensive experience, catering to both novice hunters and those with years of experience. But don't just take our word for it; here's some valuable feedback from participants who attended last year's course.
"Very well organised, and very informative, I am sure hunters with a lot more experience than myself, would have gained some more knowledge… never to old for that."
"That it’s definitely worth it. I’ve been hunting for almost 10 years now, hound hunting for thepast couple years and have shot a few deer so wouldn’t really consider myself a beginner but I found some useful, meeting great people and learning from them. It's not often we get so many great peoplein one place. It made for a very enjoyable and knowledgeable learning experience."
"Very comfortable and informative, It was great to be around and learning from so many fantastic people."
"I felt they were put together very well all things considered. The walk through to different deer sign, the caping and breakdown and butchery were all very helpful"
"I’d tell them it’s worth every cent, that you’ll learn a hell of a lot from different people that,while they may have varying opinions on certain things, are incredibly passionate about deer and introducing new people to their passion."
"The practical sessions were so well planned, it made made for a very enjoyable experiencefrom which I learned so much"
The course spans 2.5 days, commencing with arrivals and registrations at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, and concluding around 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 5th, 2024.
The course is fully residential and fully catered.
We’re not camping this weekend; accommodation is bunk room style, participants just need to bring pillow & sleeping bag (or similar).
If you leave on Sunday afternoon hungry, you just didn’t try hard enough. A great group of volunteers in the kitchen ensures that everyone is kept well-fed and watered throughout the weekend.
NB: special dietary requirements can be catered for in most instances, ensure you fill out the dietary requirements template when it is sent out.
Accomodation
"Nobody expected five star, it was neat, well maintained, and most importantly, clean."
"Great place to stay and very comfortable"
Food
"Meals were good, better than expected"
"Unbelievably good and generous servings. I didn't think that I would put on weight. Well organised and very friendly staff."
Strictly NO firearms, ammunition or bows.
Click on the link to register and secure your spot.
Or for more information please email events@austdeer.asn.au