Mentoring

[Kersnow]

Could some folk please explain how to find a Mentor? Have shot wildfowl and game all my life and am waiting for my FAC application to come through. Have done my DSC1 and have several paid stalks with an estate rifle completed.

I approached the BDS who set me up with a local Mentor last winter but so far all have had is a couple of non committal emails

 

[palmer_mike]

Have you been told you need a mentor as a FAC condition or is it just your personal preference to have one?

Where are you located and do you have your own stalking ground or do you need to use your mentors?

 

[Kersnow]

This is purely to gain experience and improve my skills through observing only. Don't have land at present, hence paid stalks. Am north east based.

 

[Tim.243]

This is purely to gain experience and improve my skills through observing only. Don't have land at present, hence paid stalks. Am north east based.

Save the invoices from your stalking trips as there is no argument against you are not gaining experience under supervision being hands on. just get the guide to take some pictures and write a out a log of each trip.
Briefing of safety/rifle/land/footpaths. shot taken/ clean out deer....

You lads need to think out the box a bit more....

As a dive guide I would look at peoples dive log book...some the ink was still wet as they filled it out on the plane as they were landing

 

[JohnSmith]

I started hunting with my father when I was 12. His style of hunting was sitting still on a cut line all morning waiting for deer to pass by. It wasn’t my cup of tea at all.

I learnt everything I know about spot & stalk hunting on my own. Lots of research on animal behaviour, watching countless videos, discussions on forums like this one, and lots of trial and error. Just gotta get out there and try.

If you’re comfortable without a mentor, I highly recommend going at it on your own, making mistakes and improving your skills and knowledge over time.

 

[Magnificent 7]

Save the invoices from your stalking trips as there is no argument against you are not gaining experience under supervision being hands on. just get the guide to take some pictures and write a out a log of each trip.
Briefing of safety/rifle/land/footpaths. shot taken/ clean out deer....

You lads need to think out the box a bit more....

As a dive guide I would look at peoples dive log book...some the ink was still wet as they filled it out on the plane as they were landing

He isn’t needing one for the ticket he is just after one for gaining more experience.Mind you if he keeps reading in hear he could soon become an expert lol.

 

[Tim.243]

He isn’t needing one for the ticket he is just after one for gaining more experience.Mind you if he keeps reading in hear he could soon become an expert lol.

That is dumbing down the point of paid stalks as you gain experience each time you go out would you not agree from your position.



Will you be taking him out?

 

[Magnificent 7]

That is dumbing down the point of paid stalks as you gain experience each time you go out would you not agree from your position.



Will you be taking him out?

I’ve taken plenty out mate if he was closer he would be more than welcome.Still have two lads that I take out on my permission that are getting started.You helped many in there chosen path ?

 

[Tim.243]

I’ve taken plenty out mate if he was closer he would be more than welcome.Still have two lads that I take out on my permission that are getting started.You helped many in there chosen path ?

Farmers sons Pigeons Ducks Foxes Deer, overseas friends from SA & Norway @Border
@T.eddie who is getting a dab hand at skinning deer bigger than him....

 

[T.eddie]

Farmers sons Pigeons Ducks Foxes Deer, overseas friends from SA & Norway @Border
@T.eddie who is getting a dab hand at skinning deer bigger than him....

Much bigger than me in some cases

 

[Tim.243]

Much bigger than me in some cases

 

[Bowland blades]

If you are paying for stalks, most will be accompanied anyhow . listen to those guys! Just be aware that many that stand as " mentors" to all and sundry are mostly just out the blocks themselves.
There are some really great guys with many years under their belts
offering accompanied stalking, yet not giving themselves any title Book with them and listen