Dilemma - should I call it a day and pack up
- Thread starter Kersnow
- Start date
Absolute fair play mate,if it’s not for you it’s not for you.
Different strokes for different folks.
Respect
Thanks for all the comments, views, help etc.
Decisions now made, not renewing my syndicate membership and have sold my rifle etc.
No regrets, enjoyed doing my DSC1 etc and the stalking l have done.
As have got older, now in my early 60's the less l want to kill things and am happy with my choice.
Will stick to beating and a few fowling trips and do at bit more clay shooting at grounds near and far.
Decisions now made, not renewing my syndicate membership and have sold my rifle etc.
No regrets, enjoyed doing my DSC1 etc and the stalking l have done.
As have got older, now in my early 60's the less l want to kill things and am happy with my choice.
Will stick to beating and a few fowling trips and do at bit more clay shooting at grounds near and far.
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
Hunting is not for everyone.
I try not to think about the number of lives of animals that I have prematurely ended with the aid of my guns, but I do aim to make the best food that I can with the animals that I kill - that’s the deal I make with myself that enables me to rationalise what I do.
I get that doesn’t sit well with all, and if it ever doesn’t sit well with me then I will quit, so chapeau to you for making that decision now.
When you go from being able to please yourself to dealing with other's expectations it's a massive change in mindset and motivation. What was once a pleasure can very quickly become a chore, with all the attendant pressures and complications. I'd look on this as an experience that made you realise where your own true expectations lie, and go back to doing things the way you feel happiest.
That's not what he's saying though? It's the expectation that there's a target to be met, and this brings the resultant pressure to be out stalking at each and every opportunity purely in order to meet it. I certainly wouldn't be happy with that, and I'm a pretty experienced stalkers. It's just not my bag, literally. I completely get where the OP is coming from, and I empathise. Recreational stalking for the occasional deer for the freezer and experience is one thing, meeting cull targets is a completely different kettle of fish. That's how I read it, for what it's worth
Spot on
Brad93
Well-Known Member
I've faced the same juggling of emotions. Mrs. doesn't shoot, isn't against shooting but is an out and out animal lover, it does change your perspective. She sees things in a different way to me. To be honest she has put me right off Larsen trapping with a call bird anymore.
I've shot a few rabbits the past month that have been pregnant does, not particularly nice when you dress them and they're carrying however the land is over-run with them. I've taken a dozen off there in the past 10 days, 3-4 at a time as it's only next door.
I'm probably gonna knock it on the head till autumn now and go back to only shooting them Sept-March.
You know they do need controlling and someone else will be happy to do it if I don't. It's all going back into the food chain, to local people too so there's that.
I certainly wouldn't sell the rifle straight away.
I think you need to find a more relaxed/holistic route that you can agree with.
Might be that you only target invasive species, muntjac or something. At the end of the day if you're not getting any fulfilment from the hunt, the art of stalking them, then the accomplishment of humanely taking the beast isn't going to bring you anymore joy.
I've shot a few rabbits the past month that have been pregnant does, not particularly nice when you dress them and they're carrying however the land is over-run with them. I've taken a dozen off there in the past 10 days, 3-4 at a time as it's only next door.
I'm probably gonna knock it on the head till autumn now and go back to only shooting them Sept-March.
You know they do need controlling and someone else will be happy to do it if I don't. It's all going back into the food chain, to local people too so there's that.
I certainly wouldn't sell the rifle straight away.
I think you need to find a more relaxed/holistic route that you can agree with.
Might be that you only target invasive species, muntjac or something. At the end of the day if you're not getting any fulfilment from the hunt, the art of stalking them, then the accomplishment of humanely taking the beast isn't going to bring you anymore joy.
If she loves wildlife - dont let her put you off larsens mate
I love wildlife - really love it - but trapping is essential in my opinion
Brad93
Well-Known Member
I know, 100% agree with you mate, it needs doing.
The killing bit means little after a while , we mostly get to a point that we change or become more choosy
sikamalc
Administrator
I really do see where you are coming from, regarding killing deer, or anything for that matter.
I gave up on killing on a night licence over a year ago, its not deer stalking, its just killing. And as I am also in the 60's club its also hard work at night. Most people think that being an Outfitter/stalker, you get to undertake plenty of stalking. In fact its generally the opposite. Taking clients out stalking you are not the one with the rifle. For the most part its finding the right deer and getting the client onto it.
The hardest part is sorting out any issues if its wounded and lost, then the hard work really begins. I get more pleasure out of just watching at times, and other wildlife whilst out. My Grandson is now taking a very keen interest in stalking, and is also crazy over fishing too. That gives me the greatest satisfaction to see him taking an interest in the world that has become my profession and living for a number of years.
I kill less deer now than I did a year or two ago. However filling the freezer up is still a job that needs doing. Plus I am still taking clients out, but not until the winter this year. Am taking the summer off to do my own thing, and spend more time with my other half, and my grandson.
Still keeping a beady eye on this place though
along with Alex. Thank you Alex 
I gave up on killing on a night licence over a year ago, its not deer stalking, its just killing. And as I am also in the 60's club its also hard work at night. Most people think that being an Outfitter/stalker, you get to undertake plenty of stalking. In fact its generally the opposite. Taking clients out stalking you are not the one with the rifle. For the most part its finding the right deer and getting the client onto it.
The hardest part is sorting out any issues if its wounded and lost, then the hard work really begins. I get more pleasure out of just watching at times, and other wildlife whilst out. My Grandson is now taking a very keen interest in stalking, and is also crazy over fishing too. That gives me the greatest satisfaction to see him taking an interest in the world that has become my profession and living for a number of years.
I kill less deer now than I did a year or two ago. However filling the freezer up is still a job that needs doing. Plus I am still taking clients out, but not until the winter this year. Am taking the summer off to do my own thing, and spend more time with my other half, and my grandson.
Still keeping a beady eye on this place though
along with Alex. Thank you Alex The chap that introduced me to stalking is also in the 60s club.I really do see where you are coming from, regarding killing deer, or anything for that matter.
I gave up on killing on a night licence over a year ago, its not deer stalking, its just killing. And as I am also in the 60's club its also hard work at night. Most people think that being an Outfitter/stalker, you get to undertake plenty of stalking. In fact its generally the opposite. Taking clients out stalking you are not the one with the rifle. For the most part its finding the right deer and getting the client onto it.
The hardest part is sorting out any issues if its wounded and lost, then the hard work really begins. I get more pleasure out of just watching at times, and other wildlife whilst out. My Grandson is now taking a very keen interest in stalking, and is also crazy over fishing too. That gives me the greatest satisfaction to see him taking an interest in the world that has become my profession and living for a number of years.
I kill less deer now than I did a year or two ago. However filling the freezer up is still a job that needs doing. Plus I am still taking clients out, but not until the winter this year. Am taking the summer off to do my own thing, and spend more time with my other half, and my grandson.
Still keeping a beady eye on this place though
He did it professionally in all aspects from guiding guests in kintyre for sika and roe in Angus for 40 years, as well as wildfowling and pigeons.
Night shooting deer on licence , the long nights of buck stalking in July August.
I’ve not seen him raise a rifle at a deer more than 3 times in the past 5 years.
He gets a bit of interest when the stags start whistling but that soon wanes.
He just goes about with his binos and sits and watches them now.
Says he gets more pleasure from watching me shoot deer.
This is his last renewal of large centre fire rifles.
I guess most of us will just hit the day when we no longer have the desire to kill anything,be it commercially or sporting.
Maybe recreational guys go longer as they don’t shoot as a sole profession.
Sorry i missed the opening post of yours here , Your simply in the wrong syndicate for you . Don't give up , instead take days ! If you don't see eye to eye with the Stalker / host ? Go someplace else !
I have had owners specify all sorts of things , if i don't like the idea / ideas they have its a no thanks from me !
Wildfowling ? Well i left one of the best clubs in the UK as it was being ruined by a new comity after slightly more than 100 years of existence ! i turn down quite a few stalking invites and never go back to venues and folks i don't like spending time with . I had to turn over money only for my first ever CWD, I did not really enjoy it and the next time on another venue i gave the Guy a Knife ( he was and still is a client on the knives )
Everyone has limits on what they are happy doing and not doing and many venues would love to have you - you need to speak to them and take it from that point of Yeah sounds great! or Nope thats not for me !
Plenty of stalking can be had by the day , this allows you to walk away after the day and go elsewhere . I sort of think 4-5 stalks a year might work out better for you ? At the least you find out who you are happy with .
Over time your contacts grow and you meet and get more contacts . Today I have many contacts all over the nation who Invite me to their ground for some recreational stalking or call for a lift if they are having to do some culling. It doesn't come over night
Consider carefully , your first experiences have not been great but then this happens - think second marriages eh?
bottletopbill
Well-Known Member
Why give up I started stalking about five year's ago ( I left it to long )
Done my DSC1 and Large game and meat Hygiene and a few stalks.
And i am 68yrs old now keeps you busy and healthy just wish i could shoot some deer
Get out and enjoy life
Done my DSC1 and Large game and meat Hygiene and a few stalks.
And i am 68yrs old now keeps you busy and healthy just wish i could shoot some deer
Get out and enjoy life
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