First time stalker
Moderator: dromia
Forum rules
"The Dromia Rule"
Deer Stalking… reliable word of mouth recommendation from someone you know has undertaken such stalking being offered by a specific syndicate is best. Like other walks of life, stalking has its scammers. E.G., make sure there is deer, of the species sought, on the land being made available; that appropriate insurance is in place; that there is recourse for recompense if it all goes wrong. In addition, obtain and understand terms and conditions; consider the implications of allowing a syndicate leader to be a FAC mentor; make sure ‘coaches’ are suitably qualified; consider the quality of deer management, the construction & execution of a shooting plan and safety; determine if the land is over-shot.
If in doubt, contact BASC or similar.
http://www.basc.org.uk/
Anyone considered to be a scammer will be banned without warning.
"The Dromia Rule"
Deer Stalking… reliable word of mouth recommendation from someone you know has undertaken such stalking being offered by a specific syndicate is best. Like other walks of life, stalking has its scammers. E.G., make sure there is deer, of the species sought, on the land being made available; that appropriate insurance is in place; that there is recourse for recompense if it all goes wrong. In addition, obtain and understand terms and conditions; consider the implications of allowing a syndicate leader to be a FAC mentor; make sure ‘coaches’ are suitably qualified; consider the quality of deer management, the construction & execution of a shooting plan and safety; determine if the land is over-shot.
If in doubt, contact BASC or similar.
http://www.basc.org.uk/
Anyone considered to be a scammer will be banned without warning.
First time stalker
No, I am not watching you!
I have never shot a deer before, my 'hunting' was limited to rabbits and the occasional bird many years ago, and I only shot what we would eat. I would like to go out stalking with someone just to see how I get on with it, maybe spend 2-3 days as a short break somewhere, anyway I have some questions.
Do I need a DSC to go out on an accompanied deer stalk with someone?
What is the going rate for a days shooting?
What happens if I get lucky and shoot something, is it mine to keep or do I have to pay more for the meat?
Can I use my own rifle given that I do not have a permission to shoot outside of ranges?
Can a second person accompany me as an observer but not shooting?
Where is a nice place to go?
I have never shot a deer before, my 'hunting' was limited to rabbits and the occasional bird many years ago, and I only shot what we would eat. I would like to go out stalking with someone just to see how I get on with it, maybe spend 2-3 days as a short break somewhere, anyway I have some questions.
Do I need a DSC to go out on an accompanied deer stalk with someone?
What is the going rate for a days shooting?
What happens if I get lucky and shoot something, is it mine to keep or do I have to pay more for the meat?
Can I use my own rifle given that I do not have a permission to shoot outside of ranges?
Can a second person accompany me as an observer but not shooting?
Where is a nice place to go?
Re: First time stalker
not always
can be exspensive
depends
may be not sure , need to check
may be
where there are deer
can be exspensive
depends
may be not sure , need to check
may be
where there are deer
- dodgyrog
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Re: First time stalker
I was out yesterday, my plan almost came together!!! I got within 25 mtrs of 4 does and could not take a safe shot. You really do have to work at this game - which is why I love it so much.
Purveyor of fine cast boolits.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
- Mike357
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Re: First time stalker
Ovenpaa, if you fancy a short break up in Scotland then I'd be more than happy to point you in the right direction so you don't get ripped off.
Didn't mean for that to sound as patronizing as it does, sorry
Didn't mean for that to sound as patronizing as it does, sorry

It's not the pace of life that concerns me, it's the sudden stop at the end!
Re: First time stalker
Do I need a DSC to go out on an accompanied deer stalk with someone?:
Not at all. You don't need any type of qualification , however you will need relevant insurance if you intend to actually pull the trigger. You've most probably already got insurance so read the fine print and you'll likely find that you're already covered.
What is the going rate for a days shooting?
It really depends upon who or what organisation you approach. There are many supposed 'professional' stalkers who frankly take the p*** and will charge plenty. However, approach a recreational stalker with access to their own ground or the local branch of the British Deer Society and you'll likely be invited along if you offer to buy the pints afterwards or contribute to the petrol.
What happens if I get lucky and shoot something, is it mine to keep or do I have to pay more for the meat?
Again, it depends upon who you're with. There are times of the year when i can't get rid of the meat quick enough so am only too happy for someone to take the carcass away. However, if out with a 'professional' stalking service then make sure you confirm a price beforehand. Most will charge what they'd get from a dealer for the carcass if you want it.
Another good reason for confirming the carcass price is if you screw up the shot and render the carcass worthless to the game dealer through a badly placed shot. You'll definately be expected to take it away with you.
My general rule and that of many stalkers is.'You drop it, you drag it.' And i don't charge you for the meat. I'd much rather introduce another stalker into stalking.
Can I use my own rifle given that I do not have a permission to shoot outside of ranges?
Nope. Essentially yo need your rifle to be cleared for deer stalking and also permission to buy, aquire, keep and use expanding ammunition. In the unlikely event that you were actually given this permission without restrictions, it would likely be for that stalk - between 2 dates or in the company of a specific person.
I have assumed the role of mentor to a couple of inexperienced stalkers and as such they are prohibited from using their rifles and expanding ammunition unless in my company. These restrictions are usually lifted as soon as the stalker achieves DSC1 and/or permission to stalk on their own ground.
Can a second person accompany me as an observer but not shooting?
Bring as many as you wish, but with each additional person your chances of stalking into a deer successfully diminish significantly.
Where is a nice place to go?
Anywhere with plenty of deer and nice scenery. I'm biased but i think there's nothing that comes close to hill stalking in Scotland
Not at all. You don't need any type of qualification , however you will need relevant insurance if you intend to actually pull the trigger. You've most probably already got insurance so read the fine print and you'll likely find that you're already covered.
What is the going rate for a days shooting?
It really depends upon who or what organisation you approach. There are many supposed 'professional' stalkers who frankly take the p*** and will charge plenty. However, approach a recreational stalker with access to their own ground or the local branch of the British Deer Society and you'll likely be invited along if you offer to buy the pints afterwards or contribute to the petrol.
What happens if I get lucky and shoot something, is it mine to keep or do I have to pay more for the meat?
Again, it depends upon who you're with. There are times of the year when i can't get rid of the meat quick enough so am only too happy for someone to take the carcass away. However, if out with a 'professional' stalking service then make sure you confirm a price beforehand. Most will charge what they'd get from a dealer for the carcass if you want it.
Another good reason for confirming the carcass price is if you screw up the shot and render the carcass worthless to the game dealer through a badly placed shot. You'll definately be expected to take it away with you.
My general rule and that of many stalkers is.'You drop it, you drag it.' And i don't charge you for the meat. I'd much rather introduce another stalker into stalking.
Can I use my own rifle given that I do not have a permission to shoot outside of ranges?
Nope. Essentially yo need your rifle to be cleared for deer stalking and also permission to buy, aquire, keep and use expanding ammunition. In the unlikely event that you were actually given this permission without restrictions, it would likely be for that stalk - between 2 dates or in the company of a specific person.
I have assumed the role of mentor to a couple of inexperienced stalkers and as such they are prohibited from using their rifles and expanding ammunition unless in my company. These restrictions are usually lifted as soon as the stalker achieves DSC1 and/or permission to stalk on their own ground.
Can a second person accompany me as an observer but not shooting?
Bring as many as you wish, but with each additional person your chances of stalking into a deer successfully diminish significantly.
Where is a nice place to go?
Anywhere with plenty of deer and nice scenery. I'm biased but i think there's nothing that comes close to hill stalking in Scotland
Re: First time stalker
Cracking answer to my questions Scotsgun, thank you for such concise replies, and also for your offer, I have a good excuse to visit some new unknown places.
You have some nice scenery there and a good looking dog as well.
Christel can you turn Scotsgun's reply into a sticky as it is the sort of thing people thinking of starting will need to know.
You have some nice scenery there and a good looking dog as well.
Christel can you turn Scotsgun's reply into a sticky as it is the sort of thing people thinking of starting will need to know.
Re: First time stalker
I know that it's an old thread mate but did you ever get a stalk done? If not the offer of a stalk is open to you from me. Doe season soon.
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