Deer stalking elitist?

After living abroad for a good while now, and also hunting and fishing in a few different countries, I feel that both deer stalking and fly-fishing in the UK has quite a prominent air of elitism to it. According to one online stalking source, it seems that deer stalking now goes hand in hand with fine wine, sports cars and cigars. Compare hunting in the UK to that of North America/New Zealand, and the social differences are gigantic.

Driven game shooting I can understand. I've been there and done that.

I do however feel that deer stalking could really do without the elitist aura that some like to attach to it.

Discuss?
 
Well its a little diff here,we have a tough day in the bush then grab a beer and sit down and bhullshiit our heads off.
No top hats or canes.
 
I do however feel that deer stalking could really do without the elitist aura that some like to attach to it. Discuss?[/QUOTE said:
Not the case at all in general & where it exists in the form you mention I feel it's a marketing exercise by referencing the historical class origins of shooting & fishing as a means of creating an atmosphere to sell expensive guns, rifles, wines, cigars, clothes, safaris, lifestyles etc. to the nouveau riche & the gullible.

I don't own a rifle or shotgun that cost more than about £1200 & my shoot & stalking syndicate subs add up to about £800 a year. I could afford more if required but it's not necessary.

There are indeed some that would consider these costs a considerable extravagance but if you're on an average to middle income & don't drink or smoke then they don't seem it to me (our children still have a roof over their heads, food to eat, clothes to wear & shoes on their feet).

As an antiques dealer I'd have thought that you might be on shaky ground accusing others of 'elitism'. I'm a photographer specialising in the arts & antiques business & I spent a lot of time making antique furniture look like it's worth a million bucks (or more than the asking price, at least) so I have a pretty good idea of how that market works & it's not too different to how shooting 'lifestyle' products are sold.
 
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I do however feel that deer stalking could really do without the elitist aura that some like to attach to it.Discuss?

Perhaps it's there on one or two of the 'Poshest' estates but I've never come across it. All those I know are just ordinary folk who may treat themselves if they book a week on a commercial estate in the Highlands.
Elitist? Nope!
 
I think one of the great things about stalking is the huge mixture of people involved. Some guys are not on big money but use whatever they have left to pay for the sport they love. Absolutely nothing elitist about it. Go on some BDS days and you'll soon see.
Good hunting.
 
I think one of the great things about stalking is the huge mixture of people involved. Some guys are not on big money but use whatever they have left to pay for the sport they love. Absolutely nothing elitist about it. Go on some BDS days and you'll soon see.
Good hunting.

As above. I've been deer stalking and rifle shooting for approaching 40 years and I have never experienced any sort of elitism in the UK or abroad. In fact just the opposite. In my experience UK stalkers couldn't be more inclusive and friendly.
 
Hi AgincourtArcher

What you probably referring too, is that very small percentage of very wealthy people, that go around and snatch the sporting rights, by dangling silly amount of cash, in front of farmers, so we end losing our permissions.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of "Guide/outfitters" that they are becoming very rich, due to charging silly money for STALKING and WILD BOAR hunting...a couple are on this site, when we know, how much they are charged by the farmer or land lord, for the permission itself.

I agree, Deer Stalking, its slowly becoming elitist, due to GREED


 
good post highbird, you get to odd guy actually buys a wood or 2 then gets all ...I own everything round that wood now ....and gets a bit green when you shoot deer that comes out of the said wood on to your permission and trys to buy into the surrounding land simply because of jealousy and greed ...yip money talks ok ..just that iv never got it long enough to hear what it says
 
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I think you find elitism in all country's within shooting communities, but it tends to be a minority, as for fine wines, I have drank some fine ports with squirrel hunters in the mid west, some even owned sports cars and smoked cigars, owned fancy rifles, but non of them was elitist, they would give you the shirt off there back.
 
Stalking elitist? No. You meet all types in the stalking world, the good the bad and the ugly. I got my stalking when i worked in agriculture and working spaniels and beating on pheasant shoots.
I often think that just because people want to do something they think its their right. Unless you are lucky to have your own ground to stalk on then you have to open your wallet.
I've just got back from stalking in England and paid for the red and sika stalking. The cost is relative to what you want to pay or what you can afford.
Stalking is just like any other hobby. If you can't afford it then get another hobby.
I've only ever been a ordinary working man who loves hunting. I now own my own ground here in Sweden to hunt on. But I've never been a moaner just got on and made it happen.
 
Agincourt you're mixing with the wrong people mate to get that impression.

You are probably familiar with rough shooting. Well I would describe myself as a rough stalker. :lol:
Incidentally I think nearly all the guys that I have run up against on this site are about the least elitist and the most down to earth guys and girls that I have ever met. Real salt of the earth types regardless of background or income.
 
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After living abroad for a good while now, and also hunting and fishing in a few different countries, I feel that both deer stalking and fly-fishing in the UK has quite a prominent air of elitism to it. According to one online stalking source, it seems that deer stalking now goes hand in hand with fine wine, sports cars and cigars. Compare hunting in the UK to that of North America/New Zealand, and the social differences are gigantic.

Driven game shooting I can understand. I've been there and done that.

I do however feel that deer stalking could really do without the elitist aura that some like to attach to it.

Discuss?

Nonsense. Like in any hobby/sport their is an elitist element and also a large 'working class' section.
 
I have to say that as one of Highbird70's beaters, shooting is terribly elitist. We have to prostrate ourselves in front of him at the beginning of the day! :D :stir:

Sorry couldn't resist.

Never found the world that elitist. Can't comment on driven grouse but had a go at a bit of the rest and one of the biggest attractions is the huge variety people you meet.

David.
 
Stalking is elitist just like cars are. Which is to say, some are, some aren't. Guess which gets featured in the lifestyle magazines? It isn't Bob with his old rifle sitting in the one highseat on a small permission at the back of a farm down the road, and it ain't my beaten up old Toyota.
 
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