Club membership query

BRACES of Bristol - Mauser M12 Impact Black Illuminated Zeiss Package
J

JRodgers74

Member
Hi All,

Thanks for having me here and hopefully you can read my previous intro.

I’m new to deer stalking and just completed the level 1 PDSC, I have also just joined a club thinking this was the best route to go down, which initially it might be in order to gain an FAC. I’m paying well over £1300 a year for membership to which I assumed would give me right to stalk on different land, but it actually does not. I also found out that this particular club charges anything from £150 to £1000 per deer shot and missed shots occur a near 80% fee.

Is this standard? I’m a newbie but this seems extortionate. Having already invested in binoculars, course fee, clothing, club membership fee, FAC application and awaiting to pay for a rifle once this is approved. Having to pay £170 per
Guided stalk along with paying for a shot deer of anything up £1000 is really unsustainable as a hobby unless you’re a millionaire. Its odd as they sell the shot deer onto a game dealer but yet I have to pay a high fee. It’s left me feeling disappointed but maybe I just didn’t do enough research before hand but it seems I’m not really getting anything and paying £1300 a year.

Cheers,

J
 
JRodgers74 said:
Hi All,

Thanks for having me here and hopefully you can read my previous intro.

I’m new to deer stalking and just completed the level 1 PDSC, I have also just joined a club thinking this was the best route to go down, which initially it might be in order to gain an FAC. I’m paying well over £1300 a year for membership to which I assumed would give me right to stalk on different land, but it actually does not. I also found out that this particular club charges anything from £150 to £1000 per deer shot and missed shots occur a near 80% fee.

Is this standard? I’m a newbie but this seems extortionate. Having already invested in binoculars, course fee, clothing, club membership fee, FAC application and awaiting to pay for a rifle once this is approved. Having to pay £170 per
Guided stalk along with paying for a shot deer of anything up £1000 is really unsustainable as a hobby unless you’re a millionaire. Its odd as they sell the shot deer onto a game dealer but yet I have to pay a high fee. It’s left me feeling disappointed but maybe I just didn’t do enough research before hand but it seems I’m not really getting anything and paying £1300 a year.

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...
Sounds like you're being ripped off.
There's plenty of stalking available for people on modest incomes. In fact, it's possibly the cheapest fieldsport to get into. No need to go pouring the contents of your piggy bank into someone else's pockets.
 
You've had your pants pulled down, I'm afraid.

Prices of paid stalking are varied, but as a rule you should be able to shoot a deer with a guide and stick it in your freezer for less than £200. Maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less, depending on where and what you're targeting.

Always, always ask for a full breakdown from a guide or find out what the rules and restrictions are if you're looking at a club/syndicate type arrangement. There are plenty of people out there who will gladly rip you off, as you've unfortunately found out by the sound of it.
 
This is the capreolous club, I assumed they would be the best club to get started with until I asked if I could book a guided stalk and was sent a fee sheet, this fee sheet is also confusing for newbie but going out not knowing if you might charged anything extra up to £1000 is not great.
 
That sounds like a lot of money for not a lot ! , see if you can get your money back and look at alternatives , I’m starting out and so far best value for money has been through British deer society , a full day with no limit on what you shoot and no extra costs , have come home both times with three deer , two muncjac and a cwd both times ,and basc do a guided scheme , £150 for a morning stalk and home with a munty , both these I’ve learnt a lot and had a great day
 
spurs14 said:
That sounds like a lot of money for not a lot ! , see if you can get your money back and look at alternatives , I’m starting out and so far best value for money has been through British deer society , a full day with no limit on what you shoot and no extra costs , have come home both times with three deer , two muncjac and a cwd both times ,and basc do a guided scheme , £150 for a morning stalk and home with a munty , both these I’ve learnt a lot and had a great day
Click to expand...
This sounds fantastic, thanks. Did they recommend you someone? Whereabouts are you based?

Cheers,

J
 
I’m in Newmarket suffolk, the bds run two schemes one on the Norfolk coast near Hunstanton and I believe the other is near Windsor , check on their website , basc scheme is run by dgvm here in the east but again check on their website for other areas , there’s a lot of guided stalking advertised , Facebook , online , guns on pegs and on here , lots of people come recommended
It’s easy to spend big money on stalking but I’m trying to get all the experience I can and hopefully pick up some ground at some point
 
JRodgers74 said:
Hi All,

Thanks for having me here and hopefully you can read my previous intro.

I’m new to deer stalking and just completed the level 1 PDSC, I have also just joined a club thinking this was the best route to go down, which initially it might be in order to gain an FAC. I’m paying well over £1300 a year for membership to which I assumed would give me right to stalk on different land, but it actually does not. I also found out that this particular club charges anything from £150 to £1000 per deer shot and missed shots occur a near 80% fee.

Is this standard? I’m a newbie but this seems extortionate. Having already invested in binoculars, course fee, clothing, club membership fee, FAC application and awaiting to pay for a rifle once this is approved. Having to pay £170 per
Guided stalk along with paying for a shot deer of anything up £1000 is really unsustainable as a hobby unless you’re a millionaire. Its odd as they sell the shot deer onto a game dealer but yet I have to pay a high fee. It’s left me feeling disappointed but maybe I just didn’t do enough research before hand but it seems I’m not really getting anything and paying £1300 a year.

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...
All the info you need to know is in your post - “unless you’re a millionaire…”

The club you’ve joined is aimed at a specific demographic and, please don’t be offended, I don’t think that you’re it!

You’ll probably get 8-10 paid stalks for the cost of your years sub to your current club… there are a number of people on this forum who can offer you paid outings in your area, starting of course with @sikamalc.

Cancel your subs so you don’t get fleeced for a second year & join the rest of us in the real world!
 
Last edited:
JRodgers74 said:
This sounds fantastic, thanks. Did they recommend you someone? Whereabouts are you based?

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...
The other BDS scheme is on the crown estate in Windsor/Swinley Forest. When I did it the cost was £300 for two stalks with no limit on how many were shot, although I only shot one per stalk...which was more than enough for me. It's a dense forest with lots of walkers etc so a mixture of high seats and deriving around. I did it as part of a portfolio I wanted to have when applying for my FAC as I didn't have land etc. I'd also done DSC1 and the NRA course all of which impressed the FAO. It was a good stalking experience for a newcomer but possibly not one for the more experienced members. I know BASC also do a similar thing in Hanmpshire.
 
JRodgers74 said:
This sounds fantastic, thanks. Did they recommend you someone? Whereabouts are you based?

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...
My daughter is one of the stalking guides/mentors on the BDS scheme in Norfolk. By all accounts there's plenty of deer there, and it's not uncommon for clients to shoot multiple deer in an outing, for what amounts to a relatively modest fee.
I'd get yourself booked in, if I was you.
 
If you're coming to Norfolk consider Chris Rogers on the Euston Estate. Although by the sounds of things there are plenty of opportunities in Sussex.
 
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