Hello from Suffolk

[Mithrandir]

Hi All,


I'm based in Suffolk and am looking to start my own stalking career. I was introduced to stalking and shooting in general by my grandfather, it was clear to me immediately that this was something I wanted to do. In years gone by I was fortunate enough to be taken to Scotland and stalk the hill for red stag.


This was when I was much younger, now that I am a little older (and hopefully wiser) and can afford my own hobby, this is something I have a real passion for.


I was hoping to gain some advice on where to start, should I apply for my FAC now, or take the DSC1 course first? I am looking to book onto a course in the new year and intend to use the time in between to do as much research as possible in order to approach this prepared.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers,
Ross

 

[deerstalker.308]

Welcome Ross, where in Suffolk are you? Might be worth booking a couple of stalks and then apply for your FAC on the back of them, dsc is a good way to get started but don't let that stop you applying in the mean time if you have good reason (i.e. Booked stalks)

 

[Essex stalker]

Even if you are not planning to do your DSC1 until next year theres nothing to stop you getting the course material and using that for your research and learning. It will give you a good heads up for when you do the course.
I did mine with the FC at Santon Downham and would recommend it

 

[TomDeer]

Ross, it's good to see another Suffolk resident here. Welcome. I'm a relative newbie myself.

I went for my FAC first but there's an element of "hoop jumping" to be done. The main hoop is possibly the "good reason" to own a firearm requirement.

I've also found that getting the FAC is easier than making a decision about what what make/type of rifle or rifles you then acquire. That may however just be me being completely indecisive though

The above said, this is a great place for advice and information.

Good luck.

Tom

 

[Grand Slam]

Welcome to the forum. I also reside in Suffolk. there is no end of knowledge to be gained on this site and you will find plenty of individuals in the county that are more than willing to help novice stalkers. Good luck in the future and feel free to ask any questions you may require answers to.

 

[bazil]

Hi Ross welcome aboard mate bazil

 

[VSS]

Welcome! I don't reside in Suffolk any more, but still spend some time there, so our paths may yet cross!

 

[martin c]

Welcome, i stalk regularly in Suffolk, it `s a great county.

 

[JAYB]

Welcome to the site,

John

 

[Mithrandir]

Thanks deerstalker.308,

I'm in between Ipswich and Woodbridge.

Exactly the sort of info I was after, would you have any recommendations in and around East Anglia that would be a good starting point?

 

[Mithrandir]

Thanks for the info Tom good advice, deerstalker.308 makes a good point to get some stalks booked in first. That can only be a positive in satisfying the "good reason" to own a firearm.

Have you been out anywhere in the Suffolk area? Also do you know of a range in our area?

 

[deerstalker.308]

When you say ranges do you mean clubs where you can get membership or somewhere to use/zero a rifle? There is an indoor range in Mildenhall, available for £40/hr, Chris at Euston has a range which can also be hired by the hour/day and there's a couple of others too, don't know of anything specifically down your neck of the woods personally though.

 

[deerstalker.308]

If you're a Basc member it would also be worth booking to stalk on the scheme they run in thetford forest, very informative experience suitable from complete first time virgins through to experienced stalkers, Des that is the guide is very friendly and helpful and they have access to some nice bits of forest.

 

[bullet chucker]

I would say, that you are in a prime area for learning the ropes, I was on a break for a few days in Woodbridge. On a farm, and on the first evening whilst walking we came across 5 fallow. Also I read an offer for stalking in the same general area, so you will not have far to travel when you do make a start.

BC...

 

[Colonel]

Welcome to SD, I live just outside of Woodbridge myself so if I can help, give me a call.

 

[needsy]

Hi Mate, welcome to the group. I'm a member of Middlewick Range Association & we shoot on the military ranges in Colchester 2 or 3 times a month. Just a short trip down the A12.

 

[Mithrandir]

Thanks BC, Colonel and needsy.

All the information you have offered has been great. Loads of really helpful people on here, I am certainly in a better position in terms of information than I was at the start of the week!