The Association produces the prestigious journal Australian Deer keeping you factually informed on the Australian deer-hunting scene.

Extract from the first editon:

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Rather more than a century ago, for the first time in Australia, a remote, long-forgotten gully echoed to the belling challenge of a sambar stag. Somebody in those distant days heard it and thrilled to the call, because that wild sound signalled the sambar's successful introduction to our bush. Through the changing circumstances of those who had worked so assiduously to establish them, the sambar and our other deer species were abandoned and left to the whims of legislators at a time when very little was understood about the management of game. A dark age encompassed the deer for about fifty years. Shortly after the Second World War, men heard the sambar's roar again and there began a movement to lift the deer from its position as a barely tolerated creature of the bush to the place of esteem it enjoys in every advanced country of the world - a species of universal appeal, ,a game animal without compare. To bring together all people with the welfare of the deer at heart, whatever the aspect of their particular interest, was a cornerstone of Australian Deer Association policy since its formation. Consequently the Association's membership includes a high percentage of Australia's most experienced deer enthusiasts, hunters - houndmen and stalkers - conservation workers, breeders, photographers and many people just plain interested in deer. With such experience and enthusiasm available to it, the A.D.A. has been prominent in all aspects of deer management work. It was no mere chance that the title `Sambar's Roar' was chosen for the Association newsletter, for the sambar embodies all those qualities of strength, grace and irresistible challenge with which all men associate the deer species. Today, the Association's newsletter, format and title, is superseded by `Australian Deer' the official publication of the Australian Deer Association. There will be those of us who will miss the familiar buff-coloured duplicated sheets, others will be glad to forgo the stencil cutting, collating, folding and the stuffing into envelopes associated with the old ‘Sambar's Roar’. ‘Australian Deer’, although primarily intended for Association members, is published for the information and enjoyment of anybody with an interest in Australian deer. We are proud of ‘Australian Deer’ Vol l. Number 1. because it, too, signals success. From the narrow viewpoint it tells of a growing membership which warrants a printed newsletter, an expertise within the membership which enables its production, and an overall indication of progress. The wider view is even more encouraging. The appearance of ‘Australian Deer’ - a periodical solely for the deer-minded, without supporting features of other interest, would have been a very doubtful proposition just a few short years ago; today it can be done. Throughout the eastern States of Australia people are involved in deer management work, often with direct government co-operation. Deer projects whether recreational, environmental or commercial, stimulate an ever-widening public interest; each project worker also, influences his immediate circle of friends. In Victoria, this tide of interest is running very strongly indeed; in other States it has not yet been felt to such an extent, but, inevitably it will come. With the publication of ‘Australian Deer’ we reach yet another kilometrestone on the road to our ultimate goal - the total acceptance of the deer in the Australian environment and the successful management of the species for the enjoyment of all sections of the community. Happily, we are not sand mining, building a freeway or wood-chipping a forest; our work is in concert with the mainstream of reasonable thought which holds the safety of the environment to be the most important issue confronting mankind today. The contribution ‘Australian Deer’ can make to the cause of deer in Australia is incalculable, therefore I appeal to every member of A.D.A. to do everything possible to widen the magazine's circulation by introducing a new member to the Association or encouraging others to take out a magazine subscription. ‘Australian Deer’ is under the guidance of an editorial panel the role of which will be to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of all matter published. There will be no space available for distasteful comment. The aims of ‘Australian Deer’ are identical with the aims of the Australian Deer Association which, put concisely, are to promote all things which, being in harmony with the environment, will benefit the deer.

Arthur Bentley