Funded PDS 1 & 2 training

[JH83]

It's not hard for anyone to get into stalking, male or female.
What is difficult for women is working their way up through the ranks once they've started, particularly if they want to do it professionally. There is a general assumption (as seen in a few comments on here) that they won't be capable, or strong enough, or too squeamish, or whatever, and it's a real struggle for them to shake off this prejudice.
They prove time and time again that they're just as capable as their male counterparts, if not more so. Yet still the prejudice persists, making it harder for them to gain employment in the sector (or simply to be taken seriously, if stalking recreationally).

And then there's the whole risk factor, perceived or otherwise, associated with going on (or, later in career, guiding on) paid stalks. There are a lot of lady stalkers who start out but make little progress due to the - understandable - fear of having to meet up, alone, in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, with an unknown bloke with a rifle. You say they're welcomed "with open arms". Perhaps that's exactly what they're afraid of? Same applies to doing DSC2 witnessed stalks. Which is one of the reasons why Mouse is now an AW - so women who want to take DSC2 can have a female witness if that makes them more comfortable.

I think it’s very hard. FAC, DSC (or PDS-don’t get me started there), mentors, and that’s before you start looking for your own land, which is a nightmare.

I have worked in 2 traditionally male dominated industry’s in my career, and as a result of changing times seen women fast tracked at every opportunity. I have, to my face, been told not to apply for at least 2 job opportunities as I was the wrong gender. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining as I know how things work….but I feel that traditionally male orientated roles are crying out for diversity, let alone creating extra barriers.

Your last point, if that’s an accurate, commonly held perspective I find it quite depressing. I can understand the sentiment but it seems a slight stretch….but then I’m not female so I really can’t comment.

 

[VSS]

Your last point, if that’s an accurate, commonly held perspective I find it quite depressing. I can understand the sentiment but it seems a slight stretch….but then I’m not female so I really can’t comment.

Sadly, it is accurate.
It's a whole aspect of things that the rest of us are blissfully ignorant of. It's not something that we find easy to comprehend.

But, if you're a father, imagine your feelings after the following conversation with your 19-yr-old daughter:

Her: I won't be here when you get up in the morning. I'm going out really early.
You: Oh yes, where are you off to then?
Her: Not sure exactly. We're meeting at xyz service station on the M--
You: Meeting who?
Her: Not sure exactly. A chap I've been in touch with on the Internet. A stalker.

You'd be a strange father indeed if that didn't leave you feeling a little unsettled. If it was your son, you'd probably just slap him on the back and say "good luck son, I hope you get one".

 

[Nickb]

I have worked in 2 traditionally male dominated industry’s in my career, and as a result of changing times seen women fast tracked at every opportunity. I have, to my face, been told not to apply for at least 2 job opportunities as I was the wrong gender.

Sadly this is happening all around us in the name of diversity and inclusion , people fast tracked who aren't necessarily the best candidate.
You only have to look at the media and TV.

 

[baguio]

Sadly, it is accurate.
It's a whole aspect of things that the rest of us are blissfully ignorant of. It's not something that we find easy to comprehend.

But, if you're a father, imagine your feelings after the following conversation with your 19-yr-old daughter:

Her: I won't be here when you get up in the morning. I'm going out really early.
You: Oh yes, where are you off to then?
Her: Not sure exactly. We're meeting at xyz service station on the M--
You: Meeting who?
Her: Not sure exactly. A chap I've been in touch with on the Internet. A stalker.

You'd be a strange father indeed if that didn't leave you feeling a little unsettled. If it was your son, you'd probably just slap him on the back and say "good luck son, I hope you get one".

And on top of that you have a married middle aged man explaining to his wife that he's meeting a lady with similar interests as him in the woods when no one else will be about.
The conversation is probably more trouble than it's worth for the guy too.

 

[VSS]

Sadly this is happening all around us in the name of diversity and inclusion , people fast tracked who aren't necessarily the best candidate.
You only have to look at the media and TV.

Which is the same thing as saying that the best candidate is being sidelined in favour of someone else.
So, in a male-dominated industry (such as stalking), when the best candidate for a particular opportunity just happens to be female, prejudice shouldn't enter into the selection process. The best candidate should get the job. Simple.

 

[VSS]

Ask the question " why is it male dominated"

Answer ..because males are better and more suited to the role.

Nope.
Tradition, resulting in entrenched views, is why stalking is male dominated, imo.
Same problem in agriculture. But in both farming and fieldsports, women are now proving themselves to be every bit as capable as their male counterparts. But the males with the entrenched views don't like it.

 

[Deerkeeper2]

Out of the 14000 employed stalkers in the UK how many are women ...very few as they are not suited...Simple

Most of your post(s) are not worth responding to as they are clearly just unpleasant trolling but, I have to ask, where are getting the info from that there are 14,000 employed Stalkers in the UK? I would be surprised if there are 1400. Maybe a lot of wannabes have claimed to be professionals in some survey but even then 14,000 is a stretch.

 

[Hazlett]

In the context of the south of England with high numbers of fallow, there are many factors that prevent effective management across the whole landscape. One factor is stalker culture, which often includes paranoid, secretive, leave-it-to-me, no one is telling me what to do sorts of characteristics. (Among many others.)

One of the reasons I would like to see more women in stalking comes from my experience in various industries. Women tend to focus on getting the job done and finding ways to get people working together to achieve objectives. There's none of the 'knowledge is power' games and they are excellent at conflict resolution.

 

[Nickb]

One of the reasons I would like to see more women in stalking comes from my experience in various industries. Women tend to focus on getting the job done and finding ways to get people working together to achieve objectives.

And men don't, do you honestly believe that rubbish.
So are you saying men don't focus on the job in hand ?
Never read such liberal drivel.

 

[sikamalc]

Ok I have personally had enough of this crap.

Just so everyone is aware, I have a good friend who happens to be a women gamekeeper. I am not going disclose where or who.

I have been associated with the estate she works for, in the region of 30 years. Her husband was the gamekeeper, until he left her and their two very young sons and ran off with some tart nearby, left his firearms, took all their money, and £200 of my money also. He left her with no home, no money and little else to call her own.

Her father was a gamekeeper not far from where I lived in Kent, so she was bought up in the keepering world. So she applied for her husbands job, there is a tied house that she also stood to loose.

Let me tell you something NickB. That women took over a 2000 acre shoot, brought up her two sons, one of whom is now a keeper on a Grouse Moor, made a home for the boys, and has run the shoot ever since her husband left her. Which is about 25 years ago. I take my hat off to her, she has made a far better job of keepering than her ex husband ever did, she has my full admiration for what she has achieved. She is also well established in the NGO.
Her boss, who I deal with regarding the stalking, has also stood by her, and puts his full trust in her. I am very grateful for the support she gives me with the deer management, and help at times with the new high seats we have just installed.

These ridiculous remarks that women cannot do the same job keepering or stalking as men do, are uncalled for, with little or no foundation. Frankly its not what I want on this site, it is neither helpful, truthful. And in the game we are all in casts our industry and sport in a bad light. I have put a lengthy ban in place for the time being, in the hope that you will re consider your position.

Thank you.