Hello members, I am working hard on getting in to deer stalking, and would like to start asking for permissions around my area and further afield. Before I do that though, I would love to get some hours under my belt with the guidance of a more experience stalker/deer manager as I don't want to approach these land owners totally green. I am looking to see if anyone on the group would be willing to have me along on their next stalk purely as a helper (ill leave the rifle at home). I can carry packs, help gralloch deer, haul carcasses back, etc, in exchange for the experience and a bit of your wisdom. I don't have a lot of free cash so buying a fully guided stalk really isn't much of an option for me at the minute. Happy to offer a bit of labor to be able to just tag along. Im located in south Aberdeenshire and hold a DSC 1 as well as an FAC, and willing to travel up to a couple of hours if needed. Thanks for reading!
Wanted: Help getting started....
- Thread starter Moaky
- Start date
trigger7335
Well-Known Member
I'm in a similar boat mate, I'm hoping perseverance will pay off! It's a shame that with the number of competent people on here that nobody has been able to take you up on your offer yet, you would think there would be someone able to spare a seat! Alternatively you might want to look back in Deer Stalking General and on the 10/7/24 there was a post titled Matching deer stalking trainees and mentors by Conor O'Gorman of BASC which may be of help if you are a member. Best of luck, Trigger.
deerstalker.308
Well-Known Member
Might seem harsh but (and there is no harm asking) you are both very new to the forum, and want people to trust complete strangers with no history to come and join them on their ground (gun or no gun, trust is hard earned with stalkers as there is often underlying worry of people sneaking off to the landowner trying to do a deal).
My advice if you want people to offer their time, experience and trust, is to invest in getting established and strike up relationships with people, don’t just ask and plea the same as every other newcomer, it generally doesn’t yield much.
This is meant constructively not as a dig, but you’re in a long queue with a lot of folk who’ve been there a lot longer, don’t give up but maybe try a softer approach?
My advice if you want people to offer their time, experience and trust, is to invest in getting established and strike up relationships with people, don’t just ask and plea the same as every other newcomer, it generally doesn’t yield much.
This is meant constructively not as a dig, but you’re in a long queue with a lot of folk who’ve been there a lot longer, don’t give up but maybe try a softer approach?
The problem is that for many, the worry that inviting someone onto their permissions will lead to that someone approaching the landowner for permission, offering more money or whatever. It happens!
I think you have to play the long game. There's always the opportunity of paid stalking. Just look on here for those that offer that. You could also keep an eye out for suitable syndicate opportunities. But to obtain permissions, the only realistic way is to get known by landowners and become trustworthy. Which won't happen by cold knocking on farmer's doors. Become involved with your local pheasant shoots. Volunteer to beat. Get to know the other beaters and guns and those that organise it. I'm not really talking about big business shoots, but local shoot syndicates and farm shoots. Pound to a penny there'll be some farmers involved, along with keepers and quite often stalkers. Only by getting known will opportunities arise. But, like I said above, it can be a long game.
I think you have to play the long game. There's always the opportunity of paid stalking. Just look on here for those that offer that. You could also keep an eye out for suitable syndicate opportunities. But to obtain permissions, the only realistic way is to get known by landowners and become trustworthy. Which won't happen by cold knocking on farmer's doors. Become involved with your local pheasant shoots. Volunteer to beat. Get to know the other beaters and guns and those that organise it. I'm not really talking about big business shoots, but local shoot syndicates and farm shoots. Pound to a penny there'll be some farmers involved, along with keepers and quite often stalkers. Only by getting known will opportunities arise. But, like I said above, it can be a long game.
deerstalker.308
Well-Known Member
It speaks volumes that the OP hasn’t even been back on here since the 16th to check for replies.
Stalker62
Well-Known Member
He has probably been very busy, out on all of his invites...
This is a really interesting point and im glad you brought this up. Im originally from the US, where the hunting culture is vastly different. Im very keenly aware of this and have spent a considerable amount of time trying to observe and learn and assimilate to the way things are done here. I am still really struggling with the fact that it FEELS like UK stalkers and shooters are their own worst enemy at times, especially when it comes to recruiting new shooters, and the perception of shooting, etc. I know this is quite a direct and controversial opinion, its just merely an observation from my POV. I understand the importance of not undermining other shooters and stalkers, not blowing up spots or permissions, and having to earn trust and not just expect it, but how would anyone else know that? This is why my approach was to offer something useful to the stalker such as carrying packs etc. while not having a gun, so Im not asking something for nothing. Ive even mentioned that im not interested in someone else's permission as I would be out seeking my own, it's only knowledge and experience I would be after. I had assumed more folk would be excited to share that with anyone if it helped contribute to the overall benefit of shooting in the UK. There is no guarantee I will get my own permission, but even if I get to be out there and be a part of the process, that would be a win for me. There is more to it than just pulling the trigger.
This is a very similar reply to a couple of others, and it seems really sad that it has come to this in shooting. I thought there would have been more respect between shooters than to do something like that, but I guess it just goes to show some lack of understanding on my part about the way things are at the minute. Its sad to hear thats the approach that some shooters are taking. I am approaching this very much from a 'what can I do for the landowner' angle, and I know that may limit my opportunities. Its a shame when all I hear about is the problem with deer numbers, but when I try and see how I can help its a 'pay to play' situation or its one guy that has 10,000 acres locked up.
Didnt turn on my notifications when I set up my profile. Real welcoming community on here.
Good one
Thanks for the encouragement mate! I did manage to reach out to BASC and heard back from them regarding their mentorship program, so hoping that works out. Its good to hear there are some folk out there willing to mentor the next group of hunters!
Thanks for the feedback! I do know some of the guys running the pheasant shoots around me so will try and get out there doing some beating for sure this season.
deerstalker.308
Well-Known Member
I give up, the advice was given constructively, and regardless of notifications if I was in your shoes posting a request like that I think I’d keep an eye on it. Anyway, the uk is a far cry from how hunting is conducted across the pond, I’m sure I don’t need to emphasise that to you, we are a small island with privately owned land, trust is earned and takes time, you want people to trust words on a screen, on a forum open to anyone, I stand by my points as previously made, not trying to be unhelpful, just realistic. Get to know people, book a few paid stalks (they aren’t generally exorbitant) become known and doors might open up in time.
I appreciate the feedback.
Anyway, the uk is a far cry from how hunting is conducted across the pond, I’m sure I don’t need to emphasise that to you, we are a small island with privately owned land, trust is earned and takes time, you want people to trust words on a screen, on a forum open to anyone, I stand by my points as previously made, not trying to be unhelpful, just realistic. Get to know people, book a few paid stalks (they aren’t generally exorbitant) become known and doors might open up in time.
Thats fantastic, thanks for the opportunity. As mentioned before I would be thrilled just to be there as a helper and pack mule, and would be happy to catch up for a coffee just to get a chance to meet and not be a total stranger. Ive not seen an email through yet but I will be on the lookout. Can always catch up via private message if thats easier for you.
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