Some questions: New to UK stalking - don't live *in* UK or have rifle

[Nico]

Hi guys,

New member (you can find my introduction here) and I would really appreciate some info, I don't know where to start.

Originally from South Africa, but living on the Isle of Man, I find myself with some time on my hands for the next few weeks. It's probably too late to find a stalking opportunity on such short notice, but I was wondering how hard it is to "rent" a rifle on a guided or high seat stalk?

I have no idea about the legalities around it - I did do a quick search of the forum. In South Africa it was quite common to find an outfitter or landowner that could provide a rifle and charge you for the rounds if you had a firearms competency certificate. There is only one full bore club here on the island, and they are not taking any new members at the moment so I am stuck without a rifle for the foreseable future.

I'm quite keen to lay my hands on some self-harvested venison and get into the UK stalking scene, but from what I see most of the outfitters are in the south? Or is this just a skewed perception? If any of you are in the north west of England, or south west of Scotland, please let me know. Anywhere that is within two or three hours drive from Heysham, our all year ferry port.

I am looking forward to learning a lot from all of you. If anyone has any questions or want any contacts for hunting or big game fishing in Southern Africa, shoot me a message (pun obviously intended).

Cheers,
Nico

 

[308tikka]

A lot of outfitters are based in the south as (my perception) thats where time poor monetary wealthier people live. And where there is a very serious deer problem.

But there are people all over GB.

As you get into Heysham, it isnt that far to SW Scotland. Im sure you will find opportunities in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.

However, there might be phytosanitary prohibitions on bringing carcasses back to the Isle of Man-just check that out prior to booking. I hope you get some opportunities.

 

[Husky]

If you book a stalk with any outfitter they will be able to provide you with a rifle to use however they will have to accompany you at all times.
It would be illegal to charge you for the use of the rifle but they can charge for ammunition used.

 

[enfieldspares]

Contact some of the gunshops in Scotland. Maybe such as the Borders Gunroom, or the excellent McLeod of Tain. They will have contacts who are the stalker (which is the correct term for a gamekeeper on an estate with deer) on various estates and they may have (as is very very usual) paid accompanied stalking with an estate rifle. Also the website Guns on Pegs. Good Luck!

 

[Sol]

You can borrow an estate rifle, All you have to be is over the age of 17 and be attended at all times by a valid FAC holder (that has the rifle on there ticket) (hence estate gun)
I think you may have to travel to main land I'll be honest I dont think really any stalking goes on there the red deer population is few and far between I think so anyone that does have them keeps them for themselves.

Dumfries and Galloway is a good option how you would get there is the better question since there's no direct ferry and would be two trips to there, then two trips back.
Ireland is an option (I think, not sure how bringing meat back works?) as well though the process is different as you'll need to apply for the Irish firearm / hunting license a fair few weeks in advance.

Is plenty of deer in England I admit but I'm not familiar whats up against liverpool-ish area.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Northern Ireland is always an option too (I can actually see IoM from my town) though deer-stalking is pretty thin on the ground but we do have a thriving full-bore rifle and unlike the mainland a strong pistol club scene.
PM me if you are interested in some range shooting.

 

[DavyG]

Northern Ireland is always an option too (I can actually see IoM from my town) though deer-stalking is pretty thin on the ground but we do have a thriving full-bore rifle and unlike the mainland a strong pistol club scene.
PM me if you are interested in some range shooting.

Go back to bed…it’s raining.
To the OP…pop over here and I’ll get you sorted.
DG

 

[Foxyboy43]

Go back to bed…it’s raining.
To the OP…pop over here and I’ll get you sorted.
DG

Wot? And miss the audio/visual delights of a day at BRPC?
I should coco…

ps
never mind the OP - worrabout moi?

 

[finnbear270]

And expect a busy inbox re S Africa! Welcome, Steve.

 

[Dave_45]

James Rushton @Hind and Sika

 

[sikamalc]

First off, welcome to the site. I have to say that the Isle of Man is not the easiest of places to own a rifle. Having had a client from there, over 2 years, who eventually gave up his ticket, due to the lack of facilities and NO deer.

Firstly, you can book any stalking with a good guide, or outfitter, through this site, or anywhere else, such as social media. Facebook, although I would be careful about who you book with. I would go to the section Stalking Available on this site. Secondly, owning a firearm in the UK is a long process, and the Isle of Man is not part of the UK mainland, and has different rules.
Thirdly, providing you have no criminal convictions, and are over 17 years of age, you can book with a guide or outfitter and use the Estate rifle system. This allows you to use the guides rifle on his/her ground whilst in their presence and under their control.

Booking anywhere for this winter is still possible, although you will need to travel off the Island to go. I would make sure that anyone you book with carries COMMERCIAL INSURANCE, which covers you whilst paying for the service of being taken out deer stalking.

You are welcome to PM me for any further advice, if needs be.

Good luck.

 

[NickJ]

Closest to you would be in the South Lake District where there are a few paid opportunities and all have an estate rifle you can borrow. Send me a PM if you’d like details
All the best

 

[Hind and Sika]

James Rushton @Hind and Sika

Thank you Davie

 

[Twodogs]

James Rushton @Hind and Sika

Another recommendation for James.
Have a read through some of the postings on here there are many well regarded and respected stalkers who will be able to sort you out.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

It would be illegal to charge you for the use of the rifle but they can charge for ammunition used.

I asked BASC about this some time ago. Many outfitters/estates are now RFDs and as RFDs are able to charge for the use of a rifle.

Regards

JCS

 

[Nico]

Thanks for all the replies guys - clearly a very active and helpful forum! I will follow up with some of the suggestions.

(and apologies for my slow reply, I was distracted by the rugby which will one day be the death of me).