Wilson’s Prom – CPM Hog Deer Shoot
Date: 13-15th May 2016
Attendees:
- Alan Norman and Ray McGill, Dave Green had to pull out due to work commitments
- PLUS: ADA Members
Friday 13th May
Arrived at the Stockyard Camping area around 2:30pm to find I was the first one there.
Ray arrived around 3:15pm, followed by Rhys Coote {SSAA CPM Manager}.
Set up camp and hung around chatting until other members of the shoot arrived.
At 7pm we attended a meeting organised by PARKS VIC.
We were introduced to the “Trunk” radio which is also a GPS.
Explanations were given as to what would be happening, when and where.
We had 4 designated sites:
- Oberon Bay Camp
- The Blowout – located approx halfway along the beach, over the dunes
- North Oberon Beach
- South Oberon Beach
Saturday 14th May:
Rise and shine at 4am to be at Depot by 5am to be driven to the Pick up/Drop off point by PARKS VIC, then a hike to our designated locations by 6am.
I was fortunate to draw Oberon Bay Camp first up. It was the closest to the Pick up/Drop off point.
I had no problem finding my position in the dark.
Ray was designated at South Oberon Beach.
Members from the ADA were at the other designated sites, of which one member had trouble finding.
Once everyone was in place, we were to radio in.
It was frustrating having to sit and wait until everyone was in position, but there were no deer sighted during this time anyway.
With the winds coming off the water at 35-45kkph we were up against it.
These steps were repeated on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday morning, but no deer were sighted by any members during these times.
There were deer sighted along the roadside morning and night.
Sunday 15th May:
By 8:30am it was decided to pull the pin on the shoot. The wind had well and truly beaten us.
We all attended a debrief and had a BBQ at Ranger headquarters.
All in all, a disappointing outcome in relation to the hunting trip, but a step in the right direction so far as CPM Shoots go.
NOTE:
Have been told that there will probably be another CPM Shoot organised at Wilson’s Prom somewhere around August 2016, where the park will be totally closed to the public. Will keep all involved posted, once we find out what is happening.
Alan Norman
CPM Co-ordinator
SSAA East Gippsland