Hi all,I’ve been stalking in the South East for over 25 years now, mainly on the Kent/Surrey border and into West Sussex and parts of Hampshire. Started as a recreational stalker on a couple of permissions and gradually picked up more ground helping with proper deer management on estates and woodland blocks.The SE is a very different beast to Scotland or the North. Muntjac numbers have exploded in many areas (they breed year-round and the does can be in season almost constantly). They’re doing real damage to woodland regeneration in places, yet a lot of landowners still have the “Bambi” view or are nervous about rifles because of how built-up it is. Roe are holding their own in the better wooded blocks but are under pressure in some spots too. Fallow turn up in pockets, and the odd sika or even red wander through.A few things I’ve learned the hard way over the years:
- Permissions – The fragmented ownership is the biggest challenge. Building trust with landowners takes time. I’ve found being straight about safety distances, using high seats where possible, and offering to help with other vermin or general woodland work goes a long way. DSC1 & 2 plus BASC/NGO membership helps massively with credibility.
- Muntjac control – They’re not hard to stalk once you know their habits, but you need consistent effort. I’ve had good results with .243 and 6.5 Creedmoor – flat shooting and enough stopping power without excessive meat damage on the smaller deer. Thermal helps a lot in the dense cover we have down here, but make sure your FAC conditions cover it.
- High seats vs still hunting – In a lot of SE woodland, still hunting works well if you’re patient and quiet. High seats are gold for muntjac at first and last light though, especially on the edges of arable or where public footpaths run close.
- Public perception & safety – Always a factor near towns and villages. I always carry my insurance docs and am very clear on shot placement and backstops.
