Favourite kit for newbie

[Jamie956]

Hi all

This is not a thread asking what all the kit is you carry, just advice on certain bits of it

Although for different reasons I haven’t managed to get on my first deer yet in 8 months of going with people, I’m hoping to soon be putting together a stalking kit of my own mainly for roe, so I’m asking your advice on what make/model of things you like, and what you would avoid

I know it’s a lot to do with personal preference but sometimes cheap kit can be surprising and ‘deer’ doesn’t always guarantee better does it. I think I’m already decided on rifle and caliber but the things I’m keen to find out about are

Scope- I would like something with reasonable glass for low light but also something that will dial/track/re-zero reliably for when I want to but no need to be too fancy for the sake of it

Thermal- I have absolutely no experience here at all, I like the look of the shape of things like the pulsar xm38 as it looks like it will go in the average pocket as it will not only be used for stalking, but needs to be good enough for that obviously, and by the way what sort of ranges do different thermals pick out deer?

Knife- I’m a man so have plenty of knives but one lad I’ve been out with had an eka swingblade, and another suggested a browning kodiac, and lets face it it’s an excuse to buy another

Sticks- I have never shot off quad sticks but have tried them a couple of times and think they would be what I want, but I’ve also tried the primos tripod thingy with the trigger for quick adjustment...ideas please

Backpack/roe sack- i may well start with just a liner in my military Bergen but all ideas welcome

And lastly, where to get them all in the york area, I’m familiar with most gunshops round me but there may be places I don’t know of

I know it might be an odd thread, or been asked before but I’m hoping you can point me in the direction of some useful kit

Thank you

J

 

[HDShark]

Scope- Any of the big european brands will do you well. Something like the fixed 8x56 Schmidt and Bender or Swaro will be a good starting point, and all you ever need really.

Thermal- Just don't. Learn to use your eyes/binos and how to think like a deer. Thermals have their place, but not for beginners IMO. Take all that money and spend it on outings instead, you'll be better off for it.

Knife- Swingbades are good for the money, the gut hook can be handy if you haven't done many grallochs. If you already have good knives though, why bother..

Sticks- Both have their pros and cons. Personal preference....try both if you can

Backpack/roe sack- Do you need a roe sack....how far are you realistically going to be carrying



Honestly, don't get too caught up in 'kit'. That's not what stalking is about. See so many beginners walking around in 5 grands worth of gear looking like a daft robocop, shooting nothing. Get the basics and learn your craft before worrying about kitting yourself up with toys. once you've got more experience then you'll know what you do and do not need.

 

[JH83]

Hi all

This is not a thread asking what all the kit is you carry, just advice on certain bits of it

Although for different reasons I haven’t managed to get on my first deer yet in 8 months of going with people, I’m hoping to soon be putting together a stalking kit of my own mainly for roe, so I’m asking your advice on what make/model of things you like, and what you would avoid

I know it’s a lot to do with personal preference but sometimes cheap kit can be surprising and ‘deer’ doesn’t always guarantee better does it. I think I’m already decided on rifle and caliber but the things I’m keen to find out about are

Scope- I would like something with reasonable glass for low light but also something that will dial/track/re-zero reliably for when I want to but no need to be too fancy for the sake of it

Thermal- I have absolutely no experience here at all, I like the look of the shape of things like the pulsar xm38 as it looks like it will go in the average pocket as it will not only be used for stalking, but needs to be good enough for that obviously, and by the way what sort of ranges do different thermals pick out deer?

Knife- I’m a man so have plenty of knives but one lad I’ve been out with had an eka swingblade, and another suggested a browning kodiac, and lets face it it’s an excuse to buy another

Sticks- I have never shot off quad sticks but have tried them a couple of times and think they would be what I want, but I’ve also tried the primos tripod thingy with the trigger for quick adjustment...ideas please

Backpack/roe sack- i may well start with just a liner in my military Bergen but all ideas welcome

And lastly, where to get them all in the york area, I’m familiar with most gunshops round me but there may be places I don’t know of

I know it might be an odd thread, or been asked before but I’m hoping you can point me in the direction of some useful kit

Thank you

J

Honestly I’d leave thermal for now and go ‘old school’ for a bit. Just my opinion, but for a starter I think they detract from the learning process and are distracting, if you suddenly find the need to cull large numbers in tight woodland then they are very handy. I’d spend the money on good rangefinder binoculars. Vortex do good mid price glass, Swarovski obviously at the top end.

Scope wise you don’t need a dialable scope. Again, for professionals taking a cull they’re handy (maybe?) but it’s another thing to be in the back of your mind ‘oh, how many clicks is that then’ when you are lining up a deer, which in the early days can be very exciting/stressful enough without all the bells and whistles to worry about. Most deer legal calibres don’t drop too severely out to 200yds (so just aim off) which I’d advise as max range until you’ve lardered a good few. I’d put the emphasis on build/glass quality rather than features. You can get a nice 3-12 Schmidt on here second hand for buttons these days.

Quad sticks are ace! 2 points of rifle support are a game changer, I barely ever bother taking a bipod now. The primos things are still only one point of support so you’ll be less steady.

 

[Tim.243]

Hi all

This is not a thread asking what all the kit is you carry, just advice on certain bits of it

Although for different reasons I haven’t managed to get on my first deer yet in 8 months of going with people, I’m hoping to soon be putting together a stalking kit of my own mainly for roe, so I’m asking your advice on what make/model of things you like, and what you would avoid

I know it’s a lot to do with personal preference but sometimes cheap kit can be surprising and ‘deer’ doesn’t always guarantee better does it. I think I’m already decided on rifle and caliber but the things I’m keen to find out about are

Scope- I would like something with reasonable glass for low light but also something that will dial/track/re-zero reliably for when I want to but no need to be too fancy for the sake of it

Thermal- I have absolutely no experience here at all, I like the look of the shape of things like the pulsar xm38 as it looks like it will go in the average pocket as it will not only be used for stalking, but needs to be good enough for that obviously, and by the way what sort of ranges do different thermals pick out deer?

Knife- I’m a man so have plenty of knives but one lad I’ve been out with had an eka swingblade, and another suggested a browning kodiac, and lets face it it’s an excuse to buy another

Sticks- I have never shot off quad sticks but have tried them a couple of times and think they would be what I want, but I’ve also tried the primos tripod thingy with the trigger for quick adjustment...ideas please

Backpack/roe sack- i may well start with just a liner in my military Bergen but all ideas welcome

And lastly, where to get them all in the york area, I’m familiar with most gunshops round me but there may be places I don’t know of

I know it might be an odd thread, or been asked before but I’m hoping you can point me in the direction of some useful kit

Thank you

J

Out of interest how many trips in the 8 months, are they tag along trips or with a guide also have you seen any deer in range with not enough time to pull the trigger.

I use a variable scope as I can dial back to check a clear path in woodland, not that I do much woodland stalking but it has made a great difference for checking a clear path.
Remember a person using bino's could be standing to one side of you also their looking position or yours will be some what taller than the shooting platform position. A guide could be 6' with their binos strapped to their head (lol) also the shooter shorter.

With quad sticks you can close them up to use as twins which people who complain about them forget, the term tracking in your scope question then just expand on that as for me it is something I would not consider in buying a scope as it it just a sales term as any good quality scope will dial back to where you want it.
, I use a swro 2.5-15x56 also a ecka swing blade which was a present so I do take it out for muntjac but default to a tripe knife for fallow.
Took the bi pod off years ago as just more weight as for me in a woodland shot they are as much use as a chocolate tea cup lol

 

[NullMac]

Scope - buy a second hand recognised brand for now. Nightforce, Leupold, Vortex, Zeiss, Swaro etc etc. Variable is handy. Most people seem to manage without dialling so I would bin that for now unless you already know how to use it properly.

Thermal - again would not go for that straight off, but maybe that's old fashioned. Do the apprenticeship as you will learn more that will get you more deer in the long run. Thermal is an additional tool not a replacement for all the other skills. No substitute for a dog as it can't track, smell round corners/inside blocks or indicate deer tracks. Doesn't snore or fart on the way home though

Have a go with your bergen to start with then see whether it is useful or just another lump to lug around. You can always tie the legs and hook a deer over your shoulder. Dragging works though and the ground does most of the work.

Sticks - Viper flex with 5 legs. Revolutionary. I always used a bipod, now it is sticks only as they are more accurate never mind drier. Had trigger sticks sold them in a week.

Knife - personal preference. I have a swingblade, not sure how I feel about it. I like the gut hook + blade but hate how messy it gets when I swing the blade. Often carry 2 now, 1 Gerber fixed and the Eva as a hook.

 

[Mungo]

Things I would get starting out if I knew then what I know now:

Chest rig for binoculars that has option to accommodate rangefinder and thermal pouches as collection expands (though neither are necessary starting out).

The very best waterproof trousers you can find.

Solid mid range second hand variable scope - something like leupold 3-9 x 50.

One pair of lightweight fleece gloves, one pair of heavyweight waterproof gauntlets (obviously not carrying both at the same time).

 

[willowbank]

Good luck with your first deer, when you have the above sorted maybe start a thread on what Gralloching kit and practical extras you should have.

Willowbank.

 

[NullMac]

Things I would get starting out if I knew then what I know now:

That's a post in it's own right:

Rangefinder
Rifle with a very solid synthetic stock.
Labrador.
Bino chest rig.

 

[Woodsmoke]

My first thought is forget the thermal. In fact, put it out of your head and pretend they don't exist. As a newcomer to stalking your priority is fieldcraft and learning your trade!

As for the rest?

Scope - if it's primarily roe deer then a 6 x 42 with the likes of a No4 reticule will serve you well. You can buy new (Minox, Hawke, Bushnell, Simmons are some I have direct experience with, and can recommend as being great value for money) Or, you could buy second hand and go for the likes of Zeiss or S&B which will give you a seriously top-quality scope for sensible money. I have two vintage S&Bs, and they are nothing other than superb!

Rangefinder - invaluable for a newbie! You can pick up a decent one for £100 or so, and it'll be worth its weight in gold for you for the first year or so until you learn to judge ranges better by eye.

Binos - again, £100 or so will get you a cracking set. I use Bushnell 10 x 42 and find they're a perfect comprise between performance and weight. Sure, go ahead and spend upwards of £1000 on Zeiss or Swaro if you feel like it, but you really don't need to.

Roesack - your Bergen will serve as well as anything else for the time being.

Sticks - I have the Primos Trigger Sticks and quite like them. However, I recently tried the Bushwear quads and actually preferred them!

What rifle and calibre have you settled on, just out of interest?

 

[Jamie956]

Cheers for all that folks

Maybe should of said I've been shooting years so already have binos, rangefinder, clothing etc but appreciate the tips. I want a thermal anyway even if not for stalking (and I do get where your coming from as I like my field craft) I want it for other things aswell but fancy one that fits a pocket like rangefinder does, and the rifle won't just be for stalking which is why I want a scope that I can dial with, I've had stiner mentioned but gave no experience of them?

Thanks for all input

J

 

[Jamie956]

Ready to be slated...

Howa 6.5cm

Cheers

J

 

[takbok]

Monarch sells very good sturdy roe / sika sacks.

 

[Tim.243]

Cheers for all that folks

Maybe should of said I've been shooting years so already have binos, rangefinder, clothing etc but appreciate the tips. I want a thermal anyway even if not for stalking (and I do get where your coming from as I like my field craft) I want it for other things aswell but fancy one that fits a pocket like rangefinder does, and the rifle won't just be for stalking which is why I want a scope that I can dial with, I've had stiner mentioned but gave no experience of them?

Thanks for all input

J

Out of interest how many trips in the 8 months, are they tag along trips or with a guide also have you seen any deer in range with not enough time to pull the trigger.? in my first reply.

 

[ColinBr]

I'm also new to stalking. But have now come to realise less is more in some parts

Scope wise a nice Meopta optika 6
3-18x56 is seriously good value and glass. The FFP version comes with dialable turrets

Knife wise I have 2 of Snakes knives. 1 for Roe and 1 for Reds. For a custom knife at off the shelf prices you can't got wrong.

I have the trigger sticks and like them, but recently tried a mates quad sticks and will probably change over to those.

A mate has the Monarch roe sack and rates that highly.

When out for Roe I take my knife (also a spare Mora) , binos, gloves for grallocking, and thats about it really. Again depending on terrain I might add kit to this if needed, and certainly add the likes of a drag rope when out for Reds.

Mate always says the more kit you take the more kit you need to bring back with you when you have to drag a beast.

 

[yellow belly]

As takbok has already said, a monarch compact roe sack is money well spent!

I've had mine 6+years. 4 muntjac or 2 good roe, and side pouches for all my crap I carry, Inc a first aid kit which includes: FFD, Cat T and Cellox and sterri strips!

 

[Erik Hamburger]

Scope-

Go for one that has multi-coated lenses, is gas-filled, and waterproof. Available new from around £250.
Sightron has a 'hunter' range which are great value for money.
Meopta is a Premium European scope brand for half the price of the top-of-the-range scopes.
Alternatively buy a used Premium scope such as a S&B 8x56 from a trustworthy expert such as R. Macleod & Son - The Scottish Firearms and Optical Dealer who have a very good reputation.

Thermal-

Go for a wide angle rather than distance
Don't bother with one with WiFi, Bluetooth, Apps and recording facilities - most people don't use it.
The entry level Pulsar Thermals around £1000 are perfectly good for deer stalking.
Alternatively look for one used or reconditioned that was a top model 3-4 years ago.
If you get one that has interchangeable lenses you can always upgrade from say a 38mm to a 50 mm in the future.

Knife-

As long as it is SHARP and easy to clean it will be fine. Think around £8-£12 for More, Hultaforce, etc.
Fixed blade rather than folder (easier to keep clean)
Full tang will be nicer to work with.
A bright coloured handle is a plus as you will be looking for it in the dark in the grass.
A good compromise between cheap and cheerful and a full custom knife would be the hunting knives from Marttiini have a look at the 'Big Game' or 'Condor drop point'. Around £40-£60

Sticks-

Quad sticks are a nightmare in long grass and brush. But lots of Stalkers think they are great.
I would go for a TriPod instead.
Saying that, two hazel sticks will do the job as well - and they are free from your local hedge. Plenty of Stalkers are very successful using a single forked hazel stick.

Backpack/roe sack-

A heavy-duty bin-liner in a large rucksack will do for a Muntjac or smaller Roe.
A Roe sack has more room and a different cut - it will accommodate 2 Muntjac or 1 larger Roe.
This is a favourite with many Stalkers: The "Ghillie" Large Roe Sack

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Jamie956]

Cheers

Only 4 trips and all but 1 tagging along with mates that don't stalk and have 243 for foxes and were just bimbling about expecting deer to just walk out and wait to be taken! The other outing was with a dsc2 holder and totally different but the one we got onto didn't give a good shot so he walked on, but this gave me a lot of interest. Local guide not been doin it lately due to personal reasons

J

 

[Mungo]

A few extra thoughts:

Unless you’re on steep or very rough ground a long way from a track, you don’t need a roe sack. All you need is a length of paracord. Tie the legs together, sling it over your shoulder and off you go. I had one - and it was one of the extremely nice Monarch ones. I stopped using it. Just got in the way.

Get a rifle sling with a chest strap (like a Z Aim or a Roetec). Utterly transforms the experience of carrying a rifle - especially one with a mod and bipod.

Don’t spend money on sticks. Build your own.

Hard as it seems, it ultimately doesn’t matter what knife you have provided you can keep it sharp and you can use it safely.

It also doesn’t matter very much which calibre or rifle you get…

 

[Tazz]

Out of interest how many trips in the 8 months, are they tag along trips or with a guide also have you seen any deer in range with not enough time to pull the trigger.

I use a variable scope as I can dial back to check a clear path in woodland, not that I do much woodland stalking but it has made a great difference for checking a clear path.
Remember a person using bino's could be standing to one side of you also their looking position or yours will be some what taller than the shooting platform position. A guide could be 6' with their binos strapped to their head (lol) also the shooter shorter.

With quad sticks you can close them up to use as twins which people who complain about them forget, the term tracking in your scope question then just expand on that as for me it is something I would not consider in buying a scope as it it just a sales term as any good quality scope will dial back to where you want it.
, I use a swro 2.5-15x56 also a ecka swing blade which was a present so I do take it out for muntjac but default to a tripe knife for fallow.
Took the bi pod off years ago as just more weight as for me in a woodland shot they are as much use as a chocolate tea cup lol

And me

 

[Jamie956]

It’s interesting that people are leaving their bipods at home and just using quad sticks, it’s something I’ve already thought about and would be happy to do when practiced up with the sticks, so what are the cheaper ‘copy’ quad sticks like, are they quiet and well built or do you really get what you pay for?

I like the idea of a chest setup, never come across one but will be thinking about that one

Now for the thermal bit...il be getting one at some point but as I said not just for stalking, in fact it will do less stalking than anything else. I have absolutely no experience with them and I don’t know if what I want exists but I’d like something that will fit in my pocket but pick out things like pigeons in trees, rabbits in grass, foxes, and of course deer. Would I see a lot of difference in the longer ones and if so then what would be better?

Thanks for the help so far

J