Indeed. So apart from the nay-sayers anyone actually been involved in it?
Hi Stuart
I have done it for a few years, and it can range from very easy, to horrendous.... Every call out is different, you need to be able to think on your feet, be diplomatic, organised, efficient, calm, in control, knowledgable in process, non judgmental..... most of all you need to be confident in yourself, and your ability to act under pressure when it counts...
Not every call out needs a firearm.... sometimes a knife is very effective ( dependant on the situation / animal )... Not every HAD operator needs a pistol, although a lot think they do.....
I do it because I can help, where others cannot, and because I care about deer management - in all its forms, including HAD.... Others here will have vastly more experience than me, so my comments are only as I see it and not attributable to others...
It does not get you more stalking, or slots on FAC. It does cost you money in the long run, and it does impact on your life to some extent... Is it worth it.... Yes, absolutely....
All the best.
Neil.