Unfounded sniping
My first time on a forum. First impressions? There is alot of unfounded and untested opinions getting fired around the place. Could this have anything to do with the fact that the authors are man enough to make comments from the conveniently unidentifiable forum names like redstag, .243 and other originals of the like.
Referring to BASCs stalking scheme (in Arran), I have been twice for hinds. It provided a brilliant chance for someone like myself (and evidently one of many in the same boat) to have a crack at a red deer (or any deer), unaccompanied. I saw numerous deer on each occassion, and could have shot a lot (and did), and mutterings from the other groups said likewise. The only reason why some folk didn't shoot/or even see a great deal (as the partner whom I was assigned with on the 1st week experienced- and whom I didn't have the heart to tell, NB I was with him at all times) was that they either didn't see the deer when they were there, or they made very sure the deer weren't going to be there to be seen. The deer were there alright, and very shootable. It just wasn't a fenced deer park, or a computer game. 'Tis the real thing!
The second week the majority of people complained there were no deer. It took a no nonsense (most importantly non-whining pommy type) South African pair to make headway with the cull. Myself and partners accounted for nine, behind folk (blocks rotate every am/pm stalk loosely) who adamantly declared "there were no deer there whatsoever - waste of time." Granted we were maybe lucky, but the general consensus was that we were "just jammy bastards - the deer weren't out when we were". You often make your own luck as with everything else in life.
From my limited experience of other "expert's" stalking abilities (declared as 10 - 40yrs experience inc. 'nam etc.) I can understand why vexed (and childish) comments get thrown around such as half appear to do here in this forum. Most people are better at taking through a stalk (and deer management!) than executing something that might resemble such.
Think before you blurt. Even if it just helps the newcomers to the sport get a better of idea of what stalking is really about.
And with utterly neutral opinions about BASC, thank you to BASC for a great opportunity which had PLENTY of opportunity.