Hello - London-based newbie looking for tips on how to get started

[Ravelian]

Hi all, pleased to make your acquaintance!

I'm a city-bound worker desperate for an excuse to get out into the country and connect with nature. I have some shooting experience from my RAF days (target rifle and pistols) but haven't really done any serious shooting in about 12 years. I'm dreaming of getting into stalking and would love to get your tips on where to start.

I've read up on DSC1, FAC and BASC membership, but I was wondering if this is the right first step? Would it make more sense to join a stalk with an estate/guide who's open to taking beginners? If so, do you have any recommendations on where to go (I'm finding the dearth of material online quite overwhelming)? Somewhere within a couple of hours drive of London would be ideal, otherwise, I'd consider doing a multi-day trip in Scotland.

Many thanks for your advice! Feel free to point me towards appropriate sections of the forum if that's easier.

 

[Neoublie1]

Hi there and welcome to the forum, doing your DSC1 would help you greatly, Importantly is finding land/permission or joining a club should you want to get an FAC.
Guys on here are full of knowledge and if I missed something, the (Seasoned) guys, I'm sure will be happy to direct you in the right direction.

Best regards
Barry

 

[nun_hunter]

There will be loads of estates around the outskirts of London or within an hours drive just depends where in London you are? If you're to the South then Andy Papworth at Eridge Park on the Sussex/Kent border is a good place and he also runs a DSC1 course there. I did this course about 5 years ago and found it a good place to start with all the theory ready to add practical experience to. One of the site admin on here (Sika Malc) also does DSC courses and takes out clients in the Gatwick area and always has good reviews from stalkers. I'm sure other members can point you in the direction of other stalkers and estates that may be nearer to you depending on where you are.

 

[Ravelian]

There will be loads of estates around the outskirts of London or within an hours drive just depends where in London you are? If you're to the South then Andy Papworth at Eridge Park on the Sussex/Kent border is a good place and he also runs a DSC1 course there. I did this course about 5 years ago and found it a good place to start with all the theory ready to add practical experience to. One of the site admin on here (Sika Malc) also does DSC courses and takes out clients in the Gatwick area and always has good reviews from stalkers. I'm sure other members can point you in the direction of other stalkers and estates that may be nearer to you depending on where you are.

Brilliant, thanks for the tips (and good to know that London isn't cut-off from the stalking community). I'm north-London based, but Eridge Park is definitely within range.

 

[Chasey]

Andy Papworth from Eridge Park is a great first step. Did my DSC1 and 2 with him and I was very happy I did

Not met Malc but many people I know shoot with him so he must be OK

Also look up Geoff Parsons for good value stalking days with no hidden shocks

 

[YoungGun]

I work in the city, can't offer any stalking, but if you want advice on FAC/DSC/insurance happy to catch up.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[stubear]

I work in the city but live out in Hampshire.

If you are north London then look up GAP180 on here and drop Paul (munty1) a PM. I went out with him and got my first ever deer (a fallow buck) and have been hooked ever since. He's based up in Hertfordshire, he is a top lad and helped me on the way to getting my FAC. He has some great ground with fallow and muntjac.

I would also highly recommend going stalking with Sikamalc down near Gatwick - I have been out with him numerous times and have shot roe, fallow and CWD with him.

I would also recommend getting your DSC1 (level 2 can come later if you're interested to do it) which both Malc and Paul can help you with.

If you've been out with some experienced outfitters, shot a couple of deer and have your DSC1 then getting your FAC will be a breeze at that point.

 

[Ravelian]

Excellent tips, thanks!

 

[Ravelian]

I work in the city but live out in Hampshire.

If you are north London then look up GAP180 on here and drop Paul (munty1) a PM. I went out with him and got my first ever deer (a fallow buck) and have been hooked ever since. He's based up in Hertfordshire, he is a top lad and helped me on the way to getting my FAC. He has some great ground with fallow and muntjac.

I would also highly recommend going stalking with Sikamalc down near Gatwick - I have been out with him numerous times and have shot roe, fallow and CWD with him.

I would also recommend getting your DSC1 (level 2 can come later if you're interested to do it) which both Malc and Paul can help you with.

If you've been out with some experienced outfitters, shot a couple of deer and have your DSC1 then getting your FAC will be a breeze at that point.

Perfect, I've messaged Paul to ask if he can offer an intro stalk. Will also look up Malc. Thanks very much!

 

[TundB]

Hi Ravelian,

BASC also offers deer stalking for novices under their Deer Stalking Scheme. Worth to give them a ring to get more information.

Stalking schemes

BASC currently has three deer stalking schemes – Bowland in Lancashire, Baronscourt (Northern Ireland) and East of England (near Newmarket).

basc.org.uk

 

[sy247]

I am based in the city, happy to have a chat and offer any advice that I can. I would recommend doing the DSC1 but I would wait until you have done a bit of stalking first.

 

[tika.308]

+1 for Sikamalc

 

[FISH BOY]

I work in the city but live out in Hampshire.

If you are north London then look up GAP180 on here and drop Paul (munty1) a PM. I went out with him and got my first ever deer (a fallow buck) and have been hooked ever since. He's based up in Hertfordshire, he is a top lad and helped me on the way to getting my FAC. He has some great ground with fallow and muntjac.

I would also highly recommend going stalking with Sikamalc down near Gatwick - I have been out with him numerous times and have shot roe, fallow and CWD with him.

I would also recommend getting your DSC1 (level 2 can come later if you're interested to do it) which both Malc and Paul can help you with.

If you've been out with some experienced outfitters, shot a couple of deer and have your DSC1 then getting your FAC will be a breeze at that point.

Ditto - Malc put me on my first fallow and CWD

 

[JAYB]

Welcome to the site,

John