Remote Hill Stalking

[5pointer]

Hi all,

A brief bit of background as to why I’m asking this question:

A friend of mine acquired a fairly small, but remote, piece of stalking in Scotland last year. He’s asked me to get involved with it this year, as he was attempting to do it independently, but found it a bit daunting given the way the conditions can change. He ultimately decided it would be more sensible to have some help.

It predominantly holds reds, and is largely made of of open hill with patches of forestry. Vehicle access is extremely limited, as is phone coverage.

I do a lot of stalking locally, and I have done a few stalking trips in Scotland, but not to the extent of having to be responsible for the entire operation from start to finish.

I know the general items that you should take with you, but I’m hoping that those of you who actually do this on a regular basis will be able to give me a more detailed breakdown of things to take and any additional considerations.

I’m hoping for a detailed and comprehensive kit list, including clothing, emergency kit, general stalking related kit etc. and with recommendations for brands if you have any preferences.

I know it’s a big ask, and that opinions will vary from person to person, but I’d appreciate as much information as you’re all willing to give!

Thanks in advance,

5pointer.

 

[White Hart]

I've worked in remote areas around the world outside of stalking but the essentials transfer across.

I have a Garmin inReach which is a satellite communicator, I used them with work and found them such a useful piece of kit I bought my own sometime ago. Its on a monthly contract and only about £12 and its worth every penny! Unlike a sat phone its cheap and you can populate it with a number of pre written messages, you can also write a message at the time using the device or by linking your iPhone or whatever smartphone you have. There is also a red button to press if your world really has fallen apart and out comes international rescue.

Garmin | inReach

This device works best if you've made a plan of your movements / location etc and leave it with someone you can trust / rely on. Segment the area on a map up into a grid and distribute the same map, you can then send out a message prior to stalking with "plan on stalking area a,b,c" "expect to be back at ####hrs". When you send the message it also sends a link to a map with your location on it.

If you haven't already id do your first aid +f course and carry a suitable first aid kit, also a couple of foil blankets. A whistle and signalling mirror are easily thrown in there as well.

Other than that - batteries take more than you need for torches etc etc also a power monkey or similar back up battery supply are super useful for charging phone, sat comms, torches, etc. I got one from Canada and it even has a heat coil in it for keeping yourself warm.

There's plenty more to think about but my go to would be the inreach or similar.

WH

 

[Highlandsjohn]

You might try and get the services of a local guide who knows the lay of the land, to accompany you first time or two. Could save you some time and trouble.john

 

[James0586]

Basic mountaineering gear would be a good start. (Not to be derogatory)

OS map ( key areas marked on it... boundaries, where you have phone signal etc)
Compass
First aid kit
2 military ponchos ( shelters and wet weather gear.)
Bungees
Torch with spare batteries
Glow sticks (military style 8 hours+)
Signalling mirror
Dry bag for everything.
Strobe compact light (mountain / avalanche type)
Chocolate bars
Foil heat blankets
Dry clothes? ( jumper /fleece and definitely a woolly hat)
Fire lighting equipment ( tinder/fire steel matches etc)
GPS
Radio
contacts for surrounding farmers/ ghillies and guides just in case

All of which can go into a day sack with your stalking gear.

Not saying you need to go all bear grylls or nothing but plan for worse case scenario is always better than planning a funeral is how I was taught.

Learn your fastest route off the mountain in emergencies also.

I’m speaking from a life saving perspective not on the stalking side of things with this post. If it’s as remote as you say then Just be careful and don’t take risks... happy stalking.

 

[topscots1]

Most importantly how to you plan on recovering the Deer to the larder? Remote only works if you have an extraction plan, when you say limited vehicle access is there a parking spot on the sight?

 

[jer]

Hi all,

A brief bit of background as to why I’m asking this question:

A friend of mine acquired a fairly small, but remote, piece of stalking in Scotland last year. He’s asked me to get involved with it this year, as he was attempting to do it independently, but found it a bit daunting given the way the conditions can change. He ultimately decided it would be more sensible to have some help.

It predominantly holds reds, and is largely made of of open hill with patches of forestry. Vehicle access is extremely limited, as is phone coverage.

I do a lot of stalking locally, and I have done a few stalking trips in Scotland, but not to the extent of having to be responsible for the entire operation from start to finish.

I know the general items that you should take with you, but I’m hoping that those of you who actually do this on a regular basis will be able to give me a more detailed breakdown of things to take and any additional considerations.

I’m hoping for a detailed and comprehensive kit list, including clothing, emergency kit, general stalking related kit etc. and with recommendations for brands if you have any preferences.

I know it’s a big ask, and that opinions will vary from person to person, but I’d appreciate as much information as you’re all willing to give!

Thanks in advance,

5pointer.

Your going to get plenty of suggestions what to take and will sort out what suits you best from them all, the one thing that I would definitely do if you have very limited vehicle access is make sure that you and your mate are fit enough before embarking on what sounds like a very long drag with reds. A rolled up plastic deer sled and harness will make things a lot easier as well.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

You might try and get the services of a local guide who knows the lay of the land, to accompany you first time or two. Could save you some time and trouble.john

I would suggest that having access to local expertise was essential. I've called the neighbours a number of times to get the Argo pulled out of a bog.
Regards
JCS

 

[5pointer]

I've worked in remote areas around the world outside of stalking but the essentials transfer across.

I have a Garmin inReach which is a satellite communicator, I used them with work and found them such a useful piece of kit I bought my own sometime ago. Its on a monthly contract and only about £12 and its worth every penny! Unlike a sat phone its cheap and you can populate it with a number of pre written messages, you can also write a message at the time using the device or by linking your iPhone or whatever smartphone you have. There is also a red button to press if your world really has fallen apart and out comes international rescue.

Garmin | inReach

This device works best if you've made a plan of your movements / location etc and leave it with someone you can trust / rely on. Segment the area on a map up into a grid and distribute the same map, you can then send out a message prior to stalking with "plan on stalking area a,b,c" "expect to be back at ####hrs". When you send the message it also sends a link to a map with your location on it.

If you haven't already id do your first aid +f course and carry a suitable first aid kit, also a couple of foil blankets. A whistle and signalling mirror are easily thrown in there as well.

Other than that - batteries take more than you need for torches etc etc also a power monkey or similar back up battery supply are super useful for charging phone, sat comms, torches, etc. I got one from Canada and it even has a heat coil in it for keeping yourself warm.

There's plenty more to think about but my go to would be the inreach or similar.

WH

A lot of sensible suggestions in there. I definitely think the inReach sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the advice.

 

[CarlW]

Always assume that you will be sleeping outside and pack/dress accordingly.

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[Hereford]

A lot of good advice above but I may add:

• Having someone on-grid who knows when you’re going, roughly where you’re going and most importantly, when you plan to be back.
• Water bladder rucksack (I have a camelbak motherlode lite) and fill it full of something like the smart water you can buy, which has electrolytes in it (or you can knock up your own basic mix with salt and sugar).

 

[5pointer]

Basic mountaineering gear would be a good start. (Not to be derogatory)

OS map ( key areas marked on it... boundaries, where you have phone signal etc)
Compass
First aid kit
2 military ponchos ( shelters and wet weather gear.)
Bungees
Torch with spare batteries
Glow sticks (military style 8 hours+)
Signalling mirror
Dry bag for everything.
Strobe compact light (mountain / avalanche type)
Chocolate bars
Foil heat blankets
Dry clothes? ( jumper /fleece and definitely a woolly hat)
Fire lighting equipment ( tinder/fire steel matches etc)
GPS
Radio
contacts for surrounding farmers/ ghillies and guides just in case

All of which can go into a day sack with your stalking gear.

Not saying you need to go all bear grylls or nothing but plan for worse case scenario is always better than planning a funeral is how I was taught.

Learn your fastest route off the mountain in emergencies also.

I’m speaking from a life saving perspective not on the stalking side of things with this post. If it’s as remote as you say then Just be careful and don’t take risks... happy stalking.

Just what I was after! Thank you!

It’s not the stalking or the fitness that worries me, it’s just making sure that plenty of thought goes into being prepared for the environment and climate, things that I don’t normally have to contend with or worry about to such a degree.

Thanks again.

 

[James0586]

Just what I was after! Thank you!

It’s not the stalking or the fitness that worries me, it’s just making sure that plenty of thought goes into being prepared for the environment and climate, things that I don’t normally have to contend with or worry about to such a degree.

Thanks again.

No worries.

All the best

 

[5pointer]

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice.

It’s not the stalking or the fitness side that is a concern, I’m under no illusions about the potential challenges involved in getting the deer extracted, but there will definitely be a fair drag and some work involved.

For a bit more detail, there is a bit of a driveway leading towards one of the small forested areas, but it ends there and everything is hill from that point. The bulk of the stalking starts where the driveway ends, rather than along the road, if that makes sense?!

I currently use a basic drag, but I was thinking about potentially looking into a harness type system. Any suggestions or pitfalls to this?

I will ask the friend in question whether he’s had any dealings with the neighbours, and see if there is potentially someone who could help us get to grips with the lay of the land a bit quicker.

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[tusker]

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice.

It’s not the stalking or the fitness side that is a concern, I’m under no illusions about the potential challenges involved in getting the deer extracted, but there will definitely be a fair drag and some work involved.

For a bit more detail, there is a bit of a driveway leading towards one of the small forested areas, but it ends there and everything is hill from that point. The bulk of the stalking starts where the driveway ends, rather than along the road, if that makes sense?!

I currently use a basic drag, but I was thinking about potentially looking into a harness type system. Any suggestions or pitfalls to this?

I will ask the friend in question whether he’s had any dealings with the neighbours, and see if there is potentially someone who could help us get to grips with the lay of the land a bit quicker.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Hi there, lots of good advice on here and a few points I didn't know. However harnessing your self to a red deer carcass is not a good idea as if it gets up to much speed or slips over an edge, need I go on.
Good luck with ground it sounds exciting
Tusker

 

[bogtrotter]

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice.

It’s not the stalking or the fitness side that is a concern, I’m under no illusions about the potential challenges involved in getting the deer extracted, but there will definitely be a fair drag and some work involved.

For a bit more detail, there is a bit of a driveway leading towards one of the small forested areas, but it ends there and everything is hill from that point. The bulk of the stalking starts where the driveway ends, rather than along the road, if that makes sense?!

I currently use a basic drag, but I was thinking about potentially looking into a harness type system. Any suggestions or pitfalls to this?

I will ask the friend in question whether he’s had any dealings with the neighbours, and see if there is potentially someone who could help us get to grips with the lay of the land a bit quicker.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Don't use a harness I repeat don't use a harness on the hill downright dangerous the weight of a red stag can drag you off your feet and can easily drag you over a precipice,best thing for dragging on the hill is a short rope and a walking
stick ,loop round the base of the antlers and a half hitch round the top jaw tie the other end to the centre of the stick drag with both hands behind your back keep the rope short so that you are lifting the head of the ground you will find it drags much easier, and if the stag should take off just drop the stick something you can't do with a harness ,forget quick release buckles etc great in theory not so great in practice.

 

[foxdropper]

Windup torch .You have to watch the gear as there comes a point when your stay revolves around something other than basic enjoyment .Living a little on the edge is really living mate .Safety first of course but don’t rely on anything that requires a third party .
Despite your concerns there aren’t many places in these isles you are truly alone .

 

[willyroe]

Exploratory trips required. I have never seen a pro stalker drag red deer up hill...... “Once it’s shot we go down son, and keep goin down”.

 

[Mossypaw]

What area of the country are we talking about ? There’s bound to be someone on here not too far away that will help with info, or know someone who will.

 

[CarlW]

What area of the country are we talking about ? There’s bound to be someone on here not too far away that will help with info, or know someone who will.

Would be great if it was Surrey...just outside Croydon...

 

[Tedward1]

Hi mate, I'm not an experienced hunter, but used to spend a lot of time away from cellphone reception in places where there is often shooting of sorts.

So the hunting side of it may not be something I can help with - but I wanted to say personally, Delorme In-Reach is an excellent device, SMS from satellite, and has full SOS functions. Also, I would take basic trauma medical stuff, consisting of Israeli style pressure bandage, CAT tourniquet, and some Celox gauze. that can all roll up into a ball the size of the palm of your hand.

Also personally I would take a radio or the Delorme and arrange a 5 hour check in, if not heard from should start the ball rolling; Delorme also pings your location to a map on the regular. Some of the newer ones might also incorporate a GPS I think.

Maybe people will think that's a bit much, but if on my own I would be taking this. Re the other bits, a big tarp and some climbing rope with a carabiner on one end is very handy.