Recreational stalkers; is anyone considering a cheaper hobby?

[scrumbag]

Leave the herd species alone, let others shoot and handle them , just shoot small stuff.

To quote @IanF "The "Handbag deer" are wonderfully convenient"

 

[Bowland blades]

Funny, I can't conceive of getting paid to shoot deer...

Its actually a tough job with a lot of pressure for results even when the weather etc is against you. The pay unless you are lucky enough to be well up the food chain on a wealthy estate is not great when you work out your hours and things you have to buy yourself .

 

[Bowland blades]

And the best way to spoil your stalking is to put a monetary worth on it . Indeed to ruin almost any hobby do the same

 

[scrumbag]

Its actually a tough job with a lot of pressure for results even when the weather etc is against you. The pay unless you are lucky enough to be well up the food chain on a wealthy estate is not great when you work out your hours and things you have to buy yourself .

I'm sure. Though I can't imagine my deer stalking being anything other than costing money as a hobby. I wasn't thinking of full or part time employment per se

 

[Bowland blades]

I'm sure. Though I can't imagine my deer stalking being anything other than costing money as a hobby. I wasn't thinking of full or part time employment per se

As regards those not employed PAYE from an estate , it is rare to stay solvent

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

To quote @IanF "The "Handbag deer" are wonderfully convenient"

100%

 

[VSS]

If you think stalking is expensive try having a wife with a horse!

Or even just a wife!

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Or even just a wife!

I never worry about it, she works, I work, bills are paid, she buys clothes, i buy fishing gear it’s a fair arrangement!

 

[bottletopbill]

Bliss

 

[Deutsch - Drahthaar]

I imagine there might be a few giving up ground in Scotland on that basis!

My fondest stalking memories have been made in Scotland, its such a beautiful unspoilt place. I love a May morning in the Cheviot Hills stalking bucks and watching wildlife go about its business. I also love Galloway and the change in temperture that starts the red stags roaring, and equally the smell of the log burners as I get back to the hotel for a wee dram and a chat with the locals - Such a shame that the Greens and SNP don't see it that way!!

Quite sad really, but after spending the last 25 years regularly stalking their and last 12 managing many leases in Scotland myself, I will give up on traveling north of the border as soon as I have to pay any sporting rates!!

 

[User00040]

My fondest stalking memories have been made in Scotland, its such a beautiful unspoilt place. I love a May morning in the Cheviot Hills stalking bucks and watching wildlife go about its business. I also love Galloway and the change in temperture that starts the red stags roaring, and equally the smell of the log burners as I get back to the hotel for a wee dram and a chat with the locals - Such a shame that the Greens and SNP don't see it that way!!

Quite sad really, but after spending the last 25 years regularly stalking their and last 12 managing many leases in Scotland myself, I will give up on traveling north of the border as soon as I have to pay any sporting rates!!

I took a private forestry lease and calculated that every time I went, I spent at least £200 in the local economy (meals, accomodation, fuel, etc).

Furthermore, gave most of the venison I shot away for free (around 50-100kg each trip if/when successful).

Shame the Scottish government does not see the benefits!

 

[Tazz]

If you think stalking is expensive try having a wife with a horse!

And it’s never just “1” horse!!!

 

[highseat6.5]

I have the gear already and so giving up and selling up would only return a fraction of what I've paid for it.

I stalk for free for various farmers and landowners and wouldn't pay for it as it's there for free if you can be bothered to look and put in the time and effort. Most places I stalk are within a 10 minute drive and the furthest is 45 mins.

The costs associated with stalking are outweighed by the meat I get and so don't have to buy hardly any red meat at all.

Stalking is expensive only if you are doing it wrong.

A friend has just started and with zero experience (I'm going out with him while he learns) he's picked up a farm for free where the farmer is desperate for deer to be shot as he is regularly seeing herds of 70+ and this is in the South East less than an hour from London so no shortage of stalkers able to get there.

Doing well mate ....doing the job right tends to pay off. ..

 

[John Gryphon]

I drove up my driveway last night 20 mins before dark, this rat was standing 20 yards outside my house...I suspect my dog pushed it out of the creek to where it ran back.
Living among them without the paying nonsense is as mentioned above by others a lot better and cheaper. I cant for the life of me see how if a person was a truly dedicated hunter contemplating taking up another hobby due to cost. If it be me I would reduce the time in the field and save my quid for quality times not quantity times.
Once a month be better than lawn bowls or scrabble comps.

 

[One on top of two]

To answer the OP’s question ,

Not so much cheaper , but certainly less aggravation and far less dependant on third parties .

 

[Overlay]

I drove up my driveway last night 20 mins before dark, this rat was standing 20 yards outside my house...I suspect my dog pushed it out of the creek to where it ran back.
Living among them without the paying nonsense is as mentioned above by others a lot better and cheaper. I cant for the life of me see how if a person was a truly dedicated hunter contemplating taking up another hobby due to cost. If it be me I would reduce the time in the field and save my quid for quality times not quantity times.
Once a month be better than lawn bowls or scrabble comps.

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best reply i’ve seen on here for a while - nicely put sir

 

[Overlay]

And it’s never just “1” horse!!!

o yes my brothers got 2 horses I guess that’s the reason he only has one air rifle. i’m gonna tell him I know why now ( out of ear shot from his missus though )

 

[Jon P]

.my latest insurance quote for two horses with NFU.

 

[Overlay]

.my latest insurance quote for two horses with NFU.

christ almighty that’s some premium, and i moan about car insurance never again

 

[J.kerslake]

If you think stalking is expensive try having a wife with a horse!

Amen to that!!