A good route into stalking ...

Frithy

Well-Known Member
Before I ask you experienced folk on here for you guidance and opinions it is probably a good opportunity to discuss where my interests came from and where I’m at right now.

I used to compete in amateur motocross racing, unfortunately I had an accident competing at Duns in the Scottish Borders, 3 broken vertebrae, a broken sternum and broken wrist brought this to an end. Thankfully a couple of tremendous surgeons at the RVI hospital in Newcastle managed to screw me back together and 3 weeks later I walked out of hospital with 2 rods, 12 screws and a few fixings holding my spine together. Now laid up at home recovering I decided an air rifle was on the cards to help kill the boredom. A week later I realised a break barrel springer wasn’t much good for my back so I dipped into pockets and bought a PCP air rifle, much better for the back! Once I was properly on my feet again I decided to look for some permission, the north east of england seems massively over subscribed and proved to be a real struggle but a bit of persistence and I managed to secure a local golf club and my friends dad takes me on a farm he has permission on. Every time I went to the local gun shop I found myself drooling over the ’proper’ firearms and the interest grew...

This year I joined a firearms club but COVID proved to be an absolute pain, with the ranges being closed I spoke to the owner of the club and I have recently been carrying out some 1 to 1 training using a .308 at a shooting ground with a 100yd pipe range. I have had a few sessions under my belt now and last weekend I attended a pre-DSC1 course which allowed me to test my shooting at different ranges and from different shooting positions. All went well and I would like to now get some proper experience.

I was hoping to meet some members of the club and ask if anybody would be willing to let me tag along and shadow them on a stalk, but with the ranges closed I’m yet to meet the members. So I was thinking I may have to do a couple of paid stalks to get out there and get the experience. I then plan on doing DSC1 to give some foundation knowledge I can then build on. This should take me up to the beginning of next year when I will be applying for my FAC once the probationary period is over at the club.

Any advice welcome from you guys, thanks.
 
I have been looking on this forum for paid stalks and have found two relatively close to me...

Jon Snowden - Greenlee Deer Management

Steve Bennett - Northumberland Deer Stalking

Has anybody had any experience with these guys? Also, can anybody recommend any others in the north? I don’t mind travelling within reason!
 
I have been looking on this forum for paid stalks and have found two relatively close to me...

Jon Snowden - Greenlee Deer Management

Steve Bennett - Northumberland Deer Stalking

Has anybody had any experience with these guys? Also, can anybody recommend any others in the north? I don’t mind travelling within reason!
After the phesant season is over end of January Raby Castle will be starting the does. They are in County Durham not to far from you 🦌
 
After the phesant season is over end of January Raby Castle will be starting the does. They are in County Durham not to far from you 🦌
Just looked into it there, I see BASC are doing stalks on there at £125 per outing. Is this how you recommend booking or would you advise contacting the estate direct?
 
Just looked into it there, I see BASC are doing stalks on there at £125 per outing. Is this how you recommend booking or would you advise contacting the estate direct?
You have to go through BASC to arrange the bookings. I have been on Three on the bucks highly recommended 🦌
 
  • A couple of paid stalks with reputable guides;
  • Register for and do the DSC1;
  • Apply for a 'deer condition' on your FAC;
Once you have done all that you have options:
  • Just go out with paid guides;
  • join one of the BASC stalking schemes; become a syndicate stalking club member;
  • try to get your own permission on land.
  • After a few years do the DSC2
  • Other useful qualifications/courses/certificates are: EFAW+F, Quad bikes, Off-road driving, Chainsaw skills, Manual lifting, Intermediate Food Hygiene, butchery skills, apply to get your FAC 'opened'.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy it.
 
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