Regional differences in stalking technique

[kingstonandy]

I recently had a great weekend stalking Sika in Wicklow courtesy of some friends there, but the difference in approach to stalking over there compared to what I’m used to got me thinking.

I cut my lowland stalking teeth with more experienced men from Shropshire down to the South Downs and the general principle was pretty similar wherever I went and much the same as I still use myself. To move slowly, keep quiet and glass a lot, when in cover that is likely to hold deer I behave almost as if there is a deer behind every tree.

Everyone I’ve stalked with in Ireland over the last few years has a completely different approach, they aim to cover ground as quickly as they comfortably can, only slowing down and glassing once deer have been spotted (and often bumped). Almost no effort is made to be quiet until the final approach.
I’ve seen the same approach in Central Europe and also here among self taught deer shooting farmers.

What puzzles me is that these noisy, quick marching stalkers seem to shoot their fair share of deer. Perhaps they cover more miles per deer than I do but I’m not sure they do.

Has anyone else noticed these differences?

 

[HappyHunter]

Interested to see the variations that arise from this thread.

My approach not dissimilar to yours. Inevitably if I don't approach as if deer are present they will be, and off they go. With a small acreage to shoot over that's often your lot too!

I still remember pushing a good buck off after barely crossing the farm gate because I didn't expect deer there (and they've never been again).

I'd imagine thermal plays a major role in being able to cover a lot of ground quickly with confidence.

 

[User00040]

Hilux, Lightforce, 270.

 

[EssexBigMac]

I imagine when you have 100 acres vs 10,000 it is looked upon very differently… I’m with you however slow and steady, right direction of the wind and do not move until you have to approach. However if I’m lucky enough to go with a buddy it’s normally small ground or woodland so it’s this and bring home the venison or zero deer.

 

[One on top of two]

Disco ,J-turn, bonnet roll, 6.5 creedmoor

 

[rem284]

Different approaches are required even within my beat and according to the weather, terrain/cover and deer movement. Using a thermal spotter has changed how it's done as well. The type of outing I like is to get to vantage points, scan for deer, shoot from that position if possible or move to where I can. If nothing is seen then decide whether to move to the next vantage point or wait and see what happens. My least favourite is have to move slowly because the cover is thick

 

[finnbear270]

Move slowly, stop often, glass and or thermal always.

 

[Fair Hill]

Move slowly, stop often, glass and or thermal always.

That is my own technique as well, I only realised how important it is since I started using a thermal spotter. I've often gone out during the day and greased noisy farm gates or drilled new holes in gate posts so I can approach more quietly. The farmers think it's very funny but it does make a difference.

As for regional differences I think there are a mix of every type of stalker in each region and even individual guides will use different techniques depending on the client. I know a couple of lads that if they taking out someone who has travelled from abroad will go all out to give them as much a physical test as they can, they'll get the deer but by Jasus they'll work hard for them, especially if they expect the guide to carry the beast back, there'll be no easy ride for them lads.

There's no point in a fella flying into Ireland with all the hassle and expense associated with it if he's going to be driven up a country boreen to take two steps out of the jeep and shoot his choice from the herd. He'll more likely start from a couple of miles away on the other side of the hill to get the full experience and be complimented on his stalking skills and experience. Oh the stories I could tell.

 

[London Jaeger]

I have been stalking for a few years now and most the stuff I do is around Hampshire and so the slow, steady, take 15 minutes to cover 100 meters type woodland stalking much as you describe. Though I must admit I much prefer covering lots of miles and pushing up on to the high ground above deer as quickly as you can type of stalking. The stuff that can really challenge ones fitness and leave you with a good burn in the legs. Open hill stalking is by far my favourite type of stalking and part of the enjoyment of the day for me is how many miles walked and how many vertical feet climbed. When out on the hinds this November and again in January I will judge the success of the days on distance covered as much as number of beasts shoot.

 

[NullMac]

Depends on your ground, doesn't it?

No point moving slowly if you know it is highly unlikely there are deer close to you and the sound will not carry. Higher probability of a shot if you cover more ground. Equally if you are in the woods and inevitably up close, slow and quiet will get you the shot.

We all call it the same name but the challenges can be radically different depending on ground and species

 

[finnbear270]

And then I bumped em'!

Three Buck opportunities fudged because there are NEVER any deer right next to the caravan

 

[Klenchblaize]

Hilux, Lightforce, 270.

It works in East Kent as Supermalc will attest.

K

 

[Bowland blades]

work with the guys who know their ground , if they are with you or give you good advice before you go out ! One trick ponies need not apply basically . Stalking doesn't come with guarantees but the guy who is out 5 days a week and knows his ground and his deer should be heeded

 

[muddy42]

I recently had a great weekend stalking Sika in Wicklow courtesy of some friends there, but the difference in approach to stalking over there compared to what I’m used to got me thinking.

I cut my lowland stalking teeth with more experienced men from Shropshire down to the South Downs and the general principle was pretty similar wherever I went and much the same as I still use myself. To move slowly, keep quiet and glass a lot, when in cover that is likely to hold deer I behave almost as if there is a deer behind every tree.

Everyone I’ve stalked with in Ireland over the last few years has a completely different approach, they aim to cover ground as quickly as they comfortably can, only slowing down and glassing once deer have been spotted (and often bumped). Almost no effort is made to be quiet until the final approach.
I’ve seen the same approach in Central Europe and also here among self taught deer shooting farmers.

What puzzles me is that these noisy, quick marching stalkers seem to shoot their fair share of deer. Perhaps they cover more miles per deer than I do but I’m not sure they do.

Has anyone else noticed these differences?

Hmnn, I sort of agree with you, but it does depend on the ground and species.

With woodland stalking, bumping deer is pretty much inevitable however careful you are. Even with a thermal, the deer can be sitting down or hidden behind trees and in large blocks you are inevitably winding some ground that will contain deer. Bumping deer can be OK with low intensity shooting and for certain species - Roe deer in particular will often stop and look back once disturbed giving you a few seconds to take a shot.

But I do agree with you regarding upland stalking. I hate it when the guide/stalker/host walks too fast, carelessly and then pressurizes the shooter to rush a shot. I have seen the opposite, good methodical stalkers that always get the guest in to red deer without disturbing anything. At times this can seem frustrating, lots of abortive routes in and searching for the perfect cover, but it works. And then the ultimate red deer experience is solo, nothing beats getting in the position to take a shot at some stags in August, but they are still sitting down because you have planned the perfect approach. I was lucky enough to shoot my 2nd to 5th stags this way in my teens as a ghillie. I remember it vividly and the head stalker grumbling that I was 'no experienced enough!' so I now can't stand the rushed approach.

 

[Mossypaw]

In the crofting counties…..
(where the season starts once the horn is above the ears)

Open bathroom window quietly,
Close toilet seat and kneel with one knee,
Rest the .270 on the window sill,
Check for ‘marauding’ stags,
Select appropriate victim (the one closest to the shed door)
Pull trigger, and shout son/grandson to go and deal with it !

 

[Jon P]

One place I shoot has has a busy foot paths and not much cover, to get from one side to other side of the open ground, i have found walking like a dog Walker with dog on a loose lead gets very little reaction from the deer, as long as you are not obviously looking at them.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

Hilux, Lightforce, 270.

You can always use a Hella if you want to be seen as a ‘traditionalist’ / old fogey

 

[rem284]

As mentioned it depends on the client that the stalker has at heel. I've had clients that couldn't walk quietly nor sit still and be quiet. One memorable one had noisy clothes on and a pair of heavy feet. I thought after a short space of time the best thing to do would be to get to a likely spot and sit. We sat and the jacket zip would go down then up. He would then shuffle this way and that way. I think it was more annoying than the actual effect that it had. We were on a heathery hill looking into a patchwork of young trees. With 15 minutes a buck appeared about 150m away, I indicated where it was and told him wait until it turns and shoot when it's broadside. I fully expect him to remain sitting but all of a sudden he stood up, faffed about getting sticks ready etc. The buck stood there watching probably it'sbottom jaw had droppedas much as mine, I thought fcuk sake it's too late to say anything. Bang, front end of the buck went down, scurried away just using it's rear legs, then disappeared. Client then says "do you think I hit it". I said "well, it's not doing a commando crawl for no reason." We got it 300m away, both front legs smashed. Being polite, I just said "you were a wee bit low".

 

[rem284]

You can always use a Hella if you want to be seen as a ‘traditionalist’ / old fogey

They are a hella fa light

 

[rem284]

That is my own technique as well, I only realised how important it is since I started using a thermal spotter. I've often gone out during the day and greased noisy farm gates or drilled new holes in gate posts so I can approach more quietly. The farmers think it's very funny but it does make a difference.

As for regional differences I think there are a mix of every type of stalker in each region and even individual guides will use different techniques depending on the client. I know a couple of lads that if they taking out someone who has travelled from abroad will go all out to give them as much a physical test as they can, they'll get the deer but by Jasus they'll work hard for them, especially if they expect the guide to carry the beast back, there'll be no easy ride for them lads.

There's no point in a fella flying into Ireland with all the hassle and expense associated with it if he's going to be driven up a country boreen to take two steps out of the jeep and shoot his choice from the herd. He'll more likely start from a couple of miles away on the other side of the hill to get the full experience and be complimented on his stalking skills and experience. Oh the stories I could tell.

I too spend time greasing gates. It helped me get a problem fox. I think the farmer must have thought "he's off his heed" but it paid off