Finnwolf VL63
Well-Known Member
Shot my first Roe Buck at 8 with a friend of my father's, 22 Hornet. It was the go to rifle for many years on a very famous Deer Forest accounting for 200 plus Red Deer a year.
What age did you start stalking?
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Deermanagement
Well-Known Member
Rabbits and squirrels and all things shootable with an air rifle from 14, deer from 21 yrs
Happy stalker
Well-Known Member
Shot my first deer when I was 17 now 65 never really stopped, I managed to get part time work on a sporting estate then became full time then was head stalker, no retired but still very much involved on the open hill.
My first Roe doe with a rifle was taken at 16 under the supervision of the head keeper, 237 yards with 222 the boss didn't want crawl in and asked if I felt comfortable at that range and that was that.
I've probably shot at least a couple every year since although there is probably an odd year i didn't.
42 now and love deer management more than other country pursuits on average taking about 50 a year.
I've probably shot at least a couple every year since although there is probably an odd year i didn't.
42 now and love deer management more than other country pursuits on average taking about 50 a year.
del.gue
Well-Known Member
Like a few I was a late starter. Been shooting all sorts of things for many years mostly pests and clays, (grand father was a gamekeeper), then I read something about stalking and fancied a go. Did my DSC1 in 2013 but shot my first deer, a roe buck, in 2015 whilst on honeymoon in Scotland. Arranged thro friend of a friend who took us onto one of his permissions. (The boss was even with me when I took the shot and is always supportive about my hobbies, she is a gem). Roe liver for breakfast the next day.
Enjoyed it ever since. I`m not prolific and only really do paid stalks for the freezer.
I find deer fascinating creatures and try to do my bit for the BDS.
Enjoyed it ever since. I`m not prolific and only really do paid stalks for the freezer.
I find deer fascinating creatures and try to do my bit for the BDS.
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
1st Roe would have been in my early 20's, I'm now 58, even though I could stalk every week if I wanted to, I love foxing at night more!
Started shooting at age of 11 with shotguns and air rifles, then at 17 wanted to get into stalking so applied for my FAC. Got it all sorted and got a good couple of perms with plenty of deer so always busy. Currently at uni and unattached so can fit uni and self employed work around my deer and forestry management which is hugely beneficial.
Nickb
Well-Known Member
That's an exact copy of my life, shot 1st roe at 20 , I am 58 , could stalk every week but much prefer foxing
Bloody weird ....are you as good looking as me though
Just noticed you have a Border terrier too just like me
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
I used to get mistaken for Keanu Reeves all the timeThat's an exact copy of my life, shot 1st roe at 20 , I am 58 , could stalk every week but much prefer foxing
Bloody weird ....are you as good looking as me though
Just noticed you have a Border terrier too just like me
....Technically I have a half share in two Borders, but the missus has sort of pinched them off me... not bothered about the puppy we kept, but I put a bit of effort into the mother and she's a handy little dog for small vermin... but I'm not allowed anymore
.. I've got me Cocker spaniel, fingers crossed she's in pup, then I'll have two 
Foxing is King.. wish I had emigrated to Australia 40 years ago, I'd probably be doing it full time now..
Atb
BD.
Nickb
Well-Known Member
I was told I looked like Tom Cruise when I was youngerI used to get mistaken for Keanu Reeves all the time
Technically I have a half share in two Borders, but the missus has sort of pinched them off me... not bothered about the puppy we kept, but I put a bit of effort into the mother and she's a handy little dog for small vermin... but I'm not allowed anymore
Foxing is King.. wish I had emigrated to Australia 40 years ago, I'd probably be doing it full time now..
Atb
BD.
Foxing is king you're right ...Australia would have been a good shout
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
First air rifle at 14, shotgun at 15 and rifle at 37, but there was a big non shooting gap from 20-35.
Skietindiekop
Well-Known Member
Shot my first aged 28 and still at it age 60.
Lesson learned is to no longer shoot the bigger ones unless I have help or a vehicle nearby
Like others, foxing is also a favourite especially on summer stubbles.
Lesson learned is to no longer shoot the bigger ones unless I have help or a vehicle nearby
Like others, foxing is also a favourite especially on summer stubbles.
Exactly this, there is something about mooching around at night foxing, I can stalk regularly but I have to travel quite a distance for this, I have loads of deer on my foxing land but can't touch them as part of the agreement
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
We are lucky Dazb.
My missus likes to remind me I'm nocturnal, she's given up complaining
. I'm doubly lucky in that I only have to walk out of my front door and across the lane and I'm on my "patch".I can shoot foxes on the field at the bottom of my garden as well, hence why I bait just over the hedge in the winter months and knock as many over for them as possible from the attic window.
I shoot a few deer, but leave that to big brother, and now my nephew is getting up to speed, he successfully completed his DSC1 last week.
RescueMe0007
Well-Known Member
I'm inclined to think that you're right on the money. I introduced my son to the delights of stalking about three years ago. Initially he was very keen and happy to join me whenever invited. However, two years ago, he started college, and that brought various other temptations which along with continuous assessments, exams, newly acquired hobbies and work at the weekends to fund his hobbies, has consumed so much of his time and effort that he's not been out with me for about eighteen months. A colleague who I stalk with has a son in the Merchant Marine in his early thirties, who is mad keen to come with us stalking when he's ashore. He however will (with God's grace) become a Dad in the near future. I imagine that'll crimp his style significantly. I try to interest as many people I know as possible to come out with me and see if it appeals to them. Lots say yes initially, but the early and late hours and the travel distance seem to dampen their ardour, especially on cold, damp winter days. All we can do is laud the positives and seek to positively influence new people at any opportunity.
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The connoisseurs choiceThat's an exact copy of my life, shot 1st roe at 20 , I am 58 , could stalk every week but much prefer foxing
Bloody weird ....are you as good looking as me though
Just noticed you have a Border terrier too just like me
Nickb
Well-Known Member
What you applying for ?
BenBhoy
Well-Known Member
Not 100% but most likely 243
It's for roe & muntjac so I think that'll be plenty enough.
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
Perfect choice Ben, and would double up as a jolly good back-up foxing rifle... I bet you shelf the 204 once you get an accurate load for a .243
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