Welcome to the Deer Hunter's Paradise !

Barham - Quiet service town on the Murray River

Located 823 km south-west of Sydney and 80 metres above sea level, Barham, the largest town in Wakool Shire, and its twin town Koondrook (combined population 1217) sit on opposite sides of the Murray River.

Although in NSW Barham is twice as far from Sydney as Melbourne and is therefore economically and culturally oriented to Victoria. It is Aussie Rules rather than Rugby League which excites the most interest here.

Barham is surrounded by rich river flats and picturesque red sand hills. Timber, dairying and citrus fruit are the main produce of the immediate area. Irrigation is supplied by the Murray River which is, not surprisingly, an excellent spot to dangle a line for Murray cod, golden perch, carp, silver fish, catfish and yabbies.

Known as the southern gateway to Golden Rivers Country this pretty riverside town is situated upon land thought to have been occupied by the Wemba-Wemba Aborigines. In 1843 Edward Green acquired the lease of an unoccupied land grant of 114 656 acres. He named the station 'Barham' after his wife's maiden name.

Victorian selectors began to occupy land on the southern bank of the Murray as Victoria's gold rush-era came to an end. Koondrook developed in the 1870s as a service town to the Murray River paddle steamer trade. As there was no bridge across to Barham it was settled more slowly. However this situation changed in 1904 when road traffic was enhanced by the construction of a lift bridge with a central section that was raised to allow paddle steamers to pass through on the way back and forth to Echuca. It is one of the oldest surviving bridges on the river.

Citrus fruit was first planted at Barham in 1911 and the Barham Packing Co. was formed in 1930. The Barham-Koondrook Show is held on the third Saturday in October. And this is the place where you will find the greatest range of deer to humt.

The Hunt

This hunt takes place on private property in south west New South Wales, which hold many mule deer. The hunt provider guarantees each and every hunt to be totaly satisfying to the hunter. Beginning in 2004, this property will be a Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit with hunting as early as June 1 or as late as Nov. 10. Bow hunters, black powder hunters and rifle hunters are all welcome.

Some hunters have seen 35 or more bucks in a day. Most hunters in the past three years have taken bucks in the 24 to 27-inch category (610mm - 685mm), and there have been some really big animals seen but not taken.

We think this hunt is an excellent bet for hunters seeking a good representative 3x3 to 5x5 buck with a possibility of taking a great buck. A 30-incher and a 36-incher (760mm - 915mm) were taken three years ago by bow hunters on a small parcel that borders the ranch. A man who patrols the property has seen four or five excellent bucks in the past year, and he thinks that a couple of them were big enough to quality for the all time Club record book. Last year a hunter missed one of those bucks several times.

Hunter success

In 2002 eight rifle hunters got six bucks, and the two hunters who did not score both missed (one took 16 shots). In 2001 all six of the rifle hunters and three of the four black powder hunters killed bucks.

Trophy size

Most hunters have taken bucks 23-27 inches (610mm - 685mm) wide. A handful of really big bucks have been seen and missed in the past four years, including two bucks that might have made the all time Club record book.

Price per person and guide ratio

AU$2,500 + GST guided, with a guaranteed kill, bed and breakfast.

If you are looking for a heart pounding, nerve jarring hog hunt or a chance to encounter a buck that shows the rewards of an excellent management program, Barham Sarna Estate can make it happen. We offer action packed rifle, bow and pistol hunts. Guided and sem guided hunts in various packages suited to fit your needs.

After a full day of hunting, you can kick back and relax in our comfortable lodge while the staff prepares the meals. Our western style lodge offers modern, spacious accommodations that can sleep eight hunters comfortably. After a full day of exciting hunts and some great Australian cuisine, bring your day to a close with stories around a camp fire, or warm your bones by a blazing wood burning stove inside the lodge.

Rules

No ATV's except in mid-day for retrieving harvested game. Camping in designated area only. No scouting without permission. No open fires without permission.

Transportation

Guided hunters are met in Barham, NSW., or you can be picked up and dropped off at the Kerang Bus stop for AU$110 (round trip including GST.). Meat and trophy shipping is not included in the price of the hunt.

Meat and trophy care

Guided hunters will have their deer transported to a butcher or taxidermist upon request. Taxidermy and butcher fees not included in the price of the hunt.