Stags and fees

[Rodeer]

I think both models can work well if clear as others have mentioned. At least we don't have to endure the European system of weight based approach!

 

[wildfowler.250]

Hal imo if your wanting big heads or trophys go to the continent taking switches or 6 pointers for instance on the hill should not detract from the experience these animals are better removed for genetics and the injury they can inflict on other stags during the rut.

Totally get that. If it was my own patch of ground and it was for the larder , a switch would be the first to go. That been said, if you’re paying for a day, I’d rather a day on the hinds than to come home with a switch,(the difference in price comes down to the antlers at the end of it). Maybe more in line with how folk charge for roe?

Does seem that most guides try and get you onto something semi decent which is great. I love an old stag going back with long brow tines that’s past its best. That been said, there’s only so much room you can hang these things anyway! Hope all is good at your end!

 

[Mungo]

Thought I’d post this for interest as I think opinions will be mixed. I’ve had days on the hill where you pay a flat rate and you take whatever stag you’re given, be it a switch or an old royal.

I’ve also had estate days where you pay A as a flat rate and you pay B on top if it’s 10 points or more. Be it a couple of hundred quid supplement for a 10 point and £1-£2k for a 14-16 pointer,(they had some about).

Which would you say is the fairest from a guest perspective and also from an estate perspective? I’m all for culling off the worst stags but at the same time, I’d rather shoot a hind at half the price than full fat for a switch.

I can see the appeal in spending all day trying to pick out one particular switch from a hunting perspective. Just from a coin toss on a day rate, it’s maybe not the best value for money.

I have to say, where I’ve stalked in the past, the guide usually tries to let you take the best of the worst 3 - 4 and then try and mop up the poorest at another point.

Be interested to know your thoughts and experiences. I have to say, I’m becoming more of a frosty day on the hinds and a good hike kind of person but you can’t beat the hills when they’re roaring

As long as it’s all clear ahead of time and the client has all the information they need to make a decision that suits them, every system is as good as every other.

I’ve often wondered if an hourly rate might actually be worth trying, especially for things like farmland roe stalking, where if the guide knows what he’s doing, they can often get a client into a deer within 15-20 minutes! Hourly rate plus shot fee. Pay as you go stalking…

 

[Heym SR20]

Personally I think probably by far the preferable is the day rate or total hunt rate as often seen on overseas hunting.

You are effectively paying for a week in the camp and for the staff to look after you and take you hunting. And the fee includes a certain number of animals etc.

Only slight downside is that such trips are pretty much out my range.

 

[wildfowler.250]

Personally I think probably by far the preferable is the day rate or total hunt rate as often seen on overseas hunting.

You are effectively paying for a week in the camp and for the staff to look after you and take you hunting. And the fee includes a certain number of animals etc.

Only slight downside is that such trips are pretty much out my range.

Makes sense. And usually tied in with a lodge. It does spread out the one day expectations but I’m the same, 1-2 days is plenty from a costs and a wall hanger perspective!