First Solo Outing

[Maggots]

Good afternoon all,

So… I have a few successful paid stalks (one with the fantastic @Tingers), DSC1 done, picked up my new rifle last week (as new condition, late production Sako 75 hunter in .308 ) and I have 160 acres permission, with a smattering of Muntjac, at least 4 Roe and around 13 Fallow that currently drift in and out.

I have spent the weekend zeroing and practicing off sticks, I have walked the ground a lot, so have a good idea of deer locations, back stops and general wind direction.

Currently a heady mixture of excited and apprehensive of my first solo stalk, any last-minute sage advice from all the wizened old hands on here….?

I also love a bit of kit but have currently tried to limit my new purchases to absolute essentials (mainly to not anger the ex-vegan wife any further). But recommendations as to what you couldn’t live without on a stalk, and post stalk (carcass prep etc) would be very much appreciated! Also, any books or YouTube videos that you think might be informative would be great.



Photo of the new rifle for attention… Will upgrade the scope at some point, and a moderator that weighs less than a breeze block would be nice, but these can come later, as she is a tack driver as is.

Cheers, Maggots

 

[Mike1979]

Take your time, and if you don't feel comfortable taking the shot don't. Most of all enjoy the experience

Good luck

 

[VSS]

Don't push yourself into feeling that you must get a deer. That results in messed up shots, and all the ensuing headache of dealing with a mangled carcass or, worse, a wounded or lost deer.
Just enjoy being there, on your own. Consider it a bonus if you get one.

 

[Dickie]

Pulling the trigger is the easy bit, then the work starts.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Scope works, bugger all wrong with the mod, drop @takbok a message for his B n Q quad stick kit and binoculars and a knife and your ready to go all the kit you need.

Dont get swallowed up into all this must have tripe.

 

[Rural Management Services]

Don use the FMJ in the box closest to the camera on deer .

If it’s 160 acres go slow really slow. Easy to rush things but you don’t need too with 160 acres you can easily get round that in a normal stalking window.

Leave the roe unless you see an obvious doe follower you want to take. Easy to do real damage to a small permission with a few roe on it. Generally on new ground for the first year I would do no roe and get a feel for them. Second or third year I would shoot lone does or followers and poor bucks. But probably only a couple. I wouldn’t worry as much about the muntjac or fallow. I also doubt you have 13 fallow living there as they will be moving around allot.

 

[Mike L]

Take a relaxing armed ramble, if you see a deer/it’s a safe shot/ you feel comfortable, take the shot, if not enjoy being out there is always next time.

 

[Maggots]

Don use the FMJ in the box closest to the camera on deer .

If it’s 160 acres go slow really slow. Easy to rush things but you don’t need too with 160 acres you can easily get round that in a normal stalking window.

Leave the roe unless you see an obvious doe follower you want to take. Easy to do real damage to a small permission with a few roe on it. Generally on new ground for the first year I would do no roe and get a feel for them. Second or third year I would shoot lone does or followers and poor bucks. But probably only a couple. I wouldn’t worry as much about the muntjac or fallow. I also doubt you have 13 fallow living there as they will be moving around allot.

Haha, no don't worry, the FMJ's were just the cheapest option for a bit of practice! Thanks, makes sense on the Roe and that would definitely be my preference, I may unfortunately have to balance that with the landowners request, as they have just planted a few thousand trees which the Roe are hitting pretty hard.

 

[Maggots]

Take a relaxing armed ramble, if you see a deer/it’s a safe shot/ you feel comfortable, take the shot, if not enjoy being out there is always next time.

I like that, an armed ramble...

 

[bullet chucker]

At this stage if you shoot a deer what will you do with it?

BC.

 

[wanderer]

and a moderator that weighs less than a breeze block would be nice

Nothing wrong imho with a heavy moderator.
Depending on how you intend to carry your rifle it will already be top heavy with the bipod and better to have a robust if heavy moderator.
I cant see a sling on your photo and you will obviously need one to free yourself up for using your binoculars.
If you carry muzzle up then a z sling or a similar diy version will assist in stopping the rifle slipping back on your shoulder.
Enjoy!