Introduction

[Fireflytk]

My name is Connor Mcarthur , I’m 17 and have recently been looking into shooting I have shot air rifles before that’s about it I want to get into deer stalking / shooting however have been unsuccessful I know that the basics of deer stalking , (where to shoot, how to approach deer and how to avoid no getting spotted ) however haven’t yet had field experience , I’ve been trying yet with no luck ( doesn’t break my budget ) I’m trying to get a first stalk in without breaking the bank I’m located just north of bishop Stortford

 

[Mike1979]

Welcome from Mid Wales

 

[bullet chucker]

Welcome to the site.

BC.

 

[VSS]

Welcome!
Hopefully someone local to you will step up and offer to give you some help getting started.
In the meantime, I'd recommend enrolling on a DSC1 course.

 

[TopDown]

Hi Connor. Welcome to the site. There are plenty of deer in your bit of the world for sure. If you don't get any joy locally then DM me. I am about 45 minutes away (by car) so if you have transport I am sure we can sort something out to get you started.

All the best

TD

 

[Fireflytk]

Welcome!
Hopefully someone local to you will step up and offer to give you some help getting started.
In the meantime, I'd recommend enrolling on a DSC1 course.

I would however I’m trying to see if I’m gonna like deer stalking I do have Interest however I’m not fully prepared to spend a lot of money on a DSC1

 

[Fireflytk]

Welcome!
Hopefully someone local to you will step up and offer to give you some help getting started.
In the meantime, I'd recommend enrolling on a DSC1 course.

I understand a the need for a DSC1 as it can give clearer understanding on deer stalking such as behaviour, ethics , safety and technique however I simply don’t have tha money to pay for a dcs1 that isn’t required by law ( yet very useful ) plus the cost for a stalk eg. Guides etc

 

[west_meon]

Welcome from Hereford. DSC1 doesn’t require a stalk, but you will almost certainly need it in order to get a Firearm Certificate for a deer legal rifle. Most land permissions will also require DSC1. It’s worth the investment. You will learn a lot, and it will open doors….

 

[Fireflytk]

I understand the use of it and that it gives people the necessary understanding of dear stalking however I’m trying to find out if I’m gonna enjoy deer stalking before going into it and spending money

 

[HallyButt]

Hey @Fireflytk

You are right not worrying about DSC1, it’s not necesssary for FAC and for good reason, experience is more valuable. You can always revisit it if you need it, but suggesting you do this before you have been stalking, especially as a young guy who is budget conscious is cart before the horse.

The best bet is to ask around locally, maybe in your gunshop or through friends if anyone might take you out. Even better still offer your time as an assistant (likely unpaid Garron Pony) so you can go with someone super experienced who can show you the whole process of deer stalking. Pulling the trigger is the easy bit and if done well an anti climax.

After that maybe look at a paid stalk or two and see how you go… Deer stalking is NOT a cheap pastime so that’s worth factoring in before you decide if you want to take it up as a hobby, although people will tell you can start for cheap, overtime with upgrading/ buying crap you don’t need (everyone does it) you will quickly be into thousands of pounds.

The more experience you can get at the start for as little money as possible the better, DSC is frivalous at this stage.

 

[Fireflytk]

Paid stalks is what I’m thinking I might try do but I’m trying to find some that allow 17 year olds yet haven’t been able to make contact with them I understand some are picky due to ethics and / or experience and I can’t find any yet I got recommended one for muntjac and roe near me but I still have no idea if they take 17 year olds with quite frankly minimal if non at all experience

 

[Fireflytk]

Hey @Fireflytk

You are right not worrying about DSC1, it’s not necesssary for FAC and for good reason, experience is more valuable. You can always revisit it if you need it, but suggesting you do this before you have been stalking, especially as a young guy who is budget conscious is cart before the horse.

The best bet is to ask around locally, maybe in your gunshop or through friends if anyone might take you out. Even better still offer your time as an assistant (likely unpaid Garron Pony) so you can go with someone super experienced who can show you the whole process of deer stalking. Pulling the trigger is the easy bit and if done well an anti climax.

After that maybe look at a paid stalk or two and see how you go… Deer stalking is NOT a cheap pastime so that’s worth factoring in before you decide if you want to take it up as a hobby, although people will tell you can start for cheap, overtime with upgrading/ buying crap you don’t need (everyone does it) you will quickly be into thousands of pounds.

The more experience you can get at the start for as little money as possible the better, DSC is frivalous at this stage.

Thank you sir this helps out a lot, I’ve tried locally but it’s is mainly made up of a few freinds who exclusively either clay pigeon shoot or just bird shooting in general

 

[HallyButt]

Thank you sir this helps out a lot, I’ve tried locally but it’s is mainly made up of a few freinds who exclusively either clay pigeon shoot or just bird shooting in general

Maybe put an ad on here offering general assistance for free in your local area, some of the older stalkers might want a youngster to drag heavy beasts around, and there is a lot of wisdom they can share.

 

[Fireflytk]

Well my local area isn’t a very popular area for stalkers , there a fields sure and the occasional roe deer however there isn’t any stalker who live near by that I’m aware of.

 

[Fireflytk]

An I don’t yet plan to take on deer stalking as a permanent hobby I suppose you could call it , I just want to experience it before I commit to it

 

[Fireflytk]

Home - Muntjac Stalker Home - Muntjac Stalker

This is what I was recommended but I don’t know if I should peruse this is it looks really good and within a good price but not sure a 17 year old with little experience yet I have knowledge allowed to do ???

 

[Mike1979]

Home - Muntjac Stalker Home - Muntjac Stalker

This is what I was recommended but I don’t know if I should peruse this is it looks really good and within a good price but not sure a 17 year old with little experience yet I have knowledge allowed to do ???

I've been out with Jason at Muntjac Stalker and Im over there next week. He's a top bloke, down to earth, no pressure and lots of Muntjac at a sensible price. Give him a call and have a chat Ultimately the only way you will get experience is to get out stalking, good luck to you.

 

[Fireflytk]

Does he let 17 year olds participate in the stalks who have little experience I really like to do a stalk I understand stalking what the basics of it

 

[Mike1979]

Does he let 17 year olds participate in the stalks who have little experience I really like to do a stalk I understand stalking what the basics of it

Give him a call or drop him an e mail and ask

 

[Fireflytk]

Cheers will do have you got his email perchance ??