Hello to all,
Before you set upon me with the dogs, I'm a newbie!
Where I now live is not where I grew up so I don't know the land, the area, the people that well. I am only a vermin shooter (with rifle .177HMR) and always been more into guns with two barrells.
So, back in the day while out with the rifle or shotgun I have seen plenty of local wildlife in my homeland in the SW of England.
Now I am in the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland area in Lancashire (North West Engalnd). I want to start to learn the art of stalking proper. (I've joined this forum as one inroad).
My first question of many to come is this;
What is the best way for me to start to observe the local wildlife in its local environment?
I have only seen Roe Deer in my past yet I believe this area has Sika and maybe other. I do not know their habbits (I will be reading up on it as I write). What I guess I am getting at is, can I just pop out whenever I get an hour or two and walk the area with bino's? Is there an etiquete? I know there is the 'Right to roam' but I know this is controversial and I don't want this thread to become a debate about it. I just want some honest opinions on what I should do, how I should start? I have a couple of small permissions for rabbit but I feel I want to get into the forests. I don't want to get shot (accidentally), shouted at etc and then ruin my relationship with local land owners, syndicates etc but I don't know where the farms are, who owns them, who has rights etc.
I think you have the answers I need.
Thank you in advance.
Richard
Before you set upon me with the dogs, I'm a newbie!
Where I now live is not where I grew up so I don't know the land, the area, the people that well. I am only a vermin shooter (with rifle .177HMR) and always been more into guns with two barrells.
So, back in the day while out with the rifle or shotgun I have seen plenty of local wildlife in my homeland in the SW of England.
Now I am in the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland area in Lancashire (North West Engalnd). I want to start to learn the art of stalking proper. (I've joined this forum as one inroad).
My first question of many to come is this;
What is the best way for me to start to observe the local wildlife in its local environment?
I have only seen Roe Deer in my past yet I believe this area has Sika and maybe other. I do not know their habbits (I will be reading up on it as I write). What I guess I am getting at is, can I just pop out whenever I get an hour or two and walk the area with bino's? Is there an etiquete? I know there is the 'Right to roam' but I know this is controversial and I don't want this thread to become a debate about it. I just want some honest opinions on what I should do, how I should start? I have a couple of small permissions for rabbit but I feel I want to get into the forests. I don't want to get shot (accidentally), shouted at etc and then ruin my relationship with local land owners, syndicates etc but I don't know where the farms are, who owns them, who has rights etc.
I think you have the answers I need.
Thank you in advance.
Richard