Just returned from my first paid stalking weekend and a little disappointed to say the least, me and a pal arranged 2 days , all good so far. First morning met the stalker and followed him to the ground.
First off we had to decide who went with the stalker ( Me) and my mate was pointed in a direction of where to go, meet back here in 3 hours he was told, Bear in mind this ground was totally alien to us and of a very steep terrain. I left with the stalker and after 3 hours of ups and downs we saw nothing, plenty of signs of deer though. My mate had a similar blank 3 hours. A 2 hour tea break followed. at 1 o clock we swapped places and my pal left with the stalker and I was basically sent to the same area my mate has just been round ??. Another blank 3 hours for both of us . back to the digs and some tea and a few pints.
Basically the next day was identical but I did manage to see 2 sika they were 300yds + and on the move very fast, my mate saw nothing.
I was told the price was £90 a stalk which was ok my question is this - Is this common practice to charge clients the same price for unguided stalking as guided ?? and to send stalkers on the same beat that has been covered earlier that day.
We feel a bit aggrieved parting with £360 each when our chances of a shot seemed remote. Needless to say we will not be returning
Not a bad weekends work if you can get it £720 Tax free.
Any thoughts guys or am I just tight
Brian
First off we had to decide who went with the stalker ( Me) and my mate was pointed in a direction of where to go, meet back here in 3 hours he was told, Bear in mind this ground was totally alien to us and of a very steep terrain. I left with the stalker and after 3 hours of ups and downs we saw nothing, plenty of signs of deer though. My mate had a similar blank 3 hours. A 2 hour tea break followed. at 1 o clock we swapped places and my pal left with the stalker and I was basically sent to the same area my mate has just been round ??. Another blank 3 hours for both of us . back to the digs and some tea and a few pints.
Basically the next day was identical but I did manage to see 2 sika they were 300yds + and on the move very fast, my mate saw nothing.
I was told the price was £90 a stalk which was ok my question is this - Is this common practice to charge clients the same price for unguided stalking as guided ?? and to send stalkers on the same beat that has been covered earlier that day.
We feel a bit aggrieved parting with £360 each when our chances of a shot seemed remote. Needless to say we will not be returning
Not a bad weekends work if you can get it £720 Tax free.
Any thoughts guys or am I just tight
Brian