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How to get into Deer Stalking


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Hi all just after some advice I have been shooting for a number of years now both shotgun and rimfire rifles and over the last number of years I have thought about getting into deer stalking. As a complete novice what advice can deer stalkers give me to get into stalking and how should I go about this. I live in northen Ireland so there is not much stalking available here so I wouldn't mind making a trip to Scotland to shoot. What sort of money would you be looking at to shoot deer in scotland and do I need any qualifications before I look any further. Any information about guides and estates in Scotland would be great. Many thanks in advance.

 

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You'll have to do a DSC level 1 to get a licence for anything bigger then .243 in Northern Ireland. There is a number of people running this course in northern Ireland at the minute from Basc and Sacs to private individuals who are now qualified to teach it. You don't have to go as far afield as Scotland. Northern Ireland is in the middle of a deer boom. Where abouts are you from??Atb Mark

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Well i'm from Fermanagh. Cant go out through the door without seeing fallow. It's got to the stage now that they've spread to so many farms that there becoming a real pest to many farmers. Also shoot down in Galway sometimes with a few southern lads and its the same of worse down there!! Sika are also growing in numbers but there more patchy.

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My advise if you want to get into stalking in Scotland, is to rob a bank mate. You`ll need the extra dough. Min £100 every time you pull the trigger. Thats on roe.With no trophy fee`s

 

Shoot a stag and expect that to be nearer a grand.

 

Hopefully you`ll find someone to help you out without going through the Deer money machine up here.

ATB

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Hi all just after some advice I have been shooting for a number of years now both shotgun and rimfire rifles and over the last number of years I have thought about getting into deer stalking. As a complete novice what advice can deer stalkers give me to get into stalking and how should I go about this. I live in northen Ireland so there is not much stalking available here so I wouldn't mind making a trip to Scotland to shoot. What sort of money would you be looking at to shoot deer in scotland and do I need any qualifications before I look any further. Any information about guides and estates in Scotland would be great. Many thanks in advance.

 

If your interested I can make arrangements to take you out stalking in Dumfrieshire accompanied by qualified guides

You could catch the ferry over to Stranraer and be stalking in a matter of hours.

 

Local accomodation can be arranged.

For further details view my Website at www.deerstalking-uk.com or click directly on my logo under and it will take you there.

Also there is a dedicated forum for deerstalkers.

 

Cheers

Stuart

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To actually get into deer stalking you need primarily money. You will need to do the DSC1 which is about £300, you will need to go accompanied stalks, looking at over £100 a day not including extra fees, then if you can get some permission otherwise you will have to pay for land or join a syndicate which will be hundreds a year.

Then you need a rifle which will cost you at least £500 and scope extra, unless you can find one second hand. Then ammunition and storing beasts if you want to sell them to a game dealer and a way of moving big beasts, a quad.

Maybe you could do days here and there where you use the estate gun and don't need the DSC1.

 

I have probably missed something out, but you will need money and land.

 

Good luck.

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I think you should give it a go as a guest of someone like Stuart first. Its not everyone's bag.

Most experienced folk are happy to share their skills and knowledge.

 

I think the most important things if you want to take up stalking thereafter are patience, honesty and integrity.

 

Land isnt going to come overnight, but be patient, do what you say on the tin, dont rush or 'beg' . If you put the word about in a responsible manner it will come.

You need to learn your trade, don't expect to turn up, pull the trigger and go home for tea cakes (By the way, I am not suggesting you would) however, there is a plethora of etiquette, law and good practise that needs to be understood.

 

You need to prepare yourself for disappointment. If every stalk were successful there would be no deer left.

If you are prepared for disappointment, you can celebrate the little victories... Such as the ability to get in a shooting position, without even pulling a trigger... Or seeing a youngster with its mother ( I was lucky enough to see this last night).

 

Whilst out stalking we have competitions as to how close we can get to rabbits before we are busted etc.. its an excellent test of skills.

 

Assuming you gain the abilities, tools(Rifle etc) and the land, you will still need to prepare yourself for the first kill. Personally I don't sell deer unless I have been part of a cull, where it would be impracticable to handle the volume of meat...

For myself, the best part of stalking for the recreational/vermin control stalker, is the bounty after the kill and the sights and sounds of nature you see being out and about in 'sneaky sneaky' mode.

We aim to use the whole carcass, which takes many years to perfect, with knowledge share and companionship with like minded people..

Sausages, burgers, steaks, hams, salamis, mince, casseroles, and the recipes that go with it..

 

Its just not about the kill for us.....

 

 

Best of luck to you in your quest.. :victory:

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Seconded on that Mattydski - I find stalking rewarding in a much broader way to other fieldsports, don't even to have to shoot something to learn something new or enjoy the trip out. Its not for everyone though and barriers to entry seem very daunting at first so Stuarts kind offer is an excellent opportunity.

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