Stalking Available

[Thar]

Firstly let me say, like Griff I have enough stalking, so I am not looking for anymore. I also think his offer of having a new syndicate of what I assume are mostly unknown guns is a very generous one and he is to be commended on giving some guys a hand up the stalking ladder.

Moving on to the subject of people living near to the land, or travelling to the land. I have been in both positions, when I started stalking I was travelling 240 miles to Scotland from England. In the end I brought a house in Scotland near to my stalking and then 3 years ago moved up here. The problem is not were people live but the attitude of the people that are in the stalking syndicate. I used to stalk a lot in the week when I was working nights, but if I knew there was a group of lads coming up from England I would never stalk the land after Tuesday to let things settle down. (IMO it makes little difference to the stalking but the lads coming up felt better so that what I did.) People travelling up from England having spent a lot of money on fuel, BB ect and knowing it could be a month before there next visit may succumb to the temptation to make the most of their visit, and then shoot bucks in the doe season or if they are stopping on the land (caravan ect) reach for the lamp and have a drive round it night. Where if you know you can come back any time it suits you then there is less temptation.

As I say it not were you live it is the quality of the man that matters in my opinion.

The lads in my syndicate always ring for a local report before coming up, what’s the weather like? Where are the forestry lads working? Where have you seen the deer feeding? Then I might get asked when they are up I have shot a deer can you come with the dog? The jeep won’t start can you give us a jump start? Ect ect.

I also will say that syndicates run by committee are a nightmare, far better the lease holder is the man in charge and what he says goes full stop. Oh and every member gets a invite to re-join each year sent out by the Lease holder, no invite means you didn’t make the grade in the last year.

In my syndicate we have a kitty, if anybody takes a guest the money charged for that guest goes into the kitty, if you shoot a deer you put the same money into the kitty as the game dealer is paying for carcases. At the end of the year the money in the kitty is off set against the rent, the outstanding amount is then paid equally between the syndicate members. That way the members who shoot most deer or take the most guests have put more money into the kitty and there for have made the stalking cheaper for the rest of the members.

Best rgds

Tahr

 

[bambislayer]

Well done Griff, I just wish I was closer , not too close right enough

 

[DL]

A very measured response B-b.

I take it by the posts of the dozen or so rosy eyed members that I am considered to be one of the negative ones! I am obviously very jealous of this wonderful opportunity according to one post.
Well no actually, all I want to see is a degree of fairness (not for myself as a local man,but for those who choose to join).
I want to start by saying that the travel issue is a huge contributing factor to the costs of this exercise. I run a vehicle that returns me about 30 miles to the gallon, if I lived in the north of England wanted to drive a around 200 miles to go for a few days stalking, this would cost £52.80, plus a couple of nights B&B at what? £25pppn? would be Another £50, so on top of the £400 and something pounds membership you can add £100 per visit (are more than four visits at these distances anticipated?) So were up to about £900 & lets not forget the extra costs of the pheasant & trout feed.
The point is, deer stalking doesn't have to be expensive - but when you factor in the mandatory travel - then it suddenly does - Although I must agree on the surface,this offer does appear to have been reasonably priced.

So the fellows who are members are on their ground, hoping to shoot some deer (as that's what they're there for) & all of a sudden a fox shows its face & they're required to shoot it as a condition of membership! Off go the deer.Add to this the lads have to go out & tend to the pheasants, are they going to get to shoot them,or are they going to be working a keepers when they are actually paying to stalk deer on the ground?

Then a fellow who wants to start deer stalking & is living on the breadline can't really join,because I would say most people's first cenrefire rifle will be a .22c/f -which aren't allowed in this instance, this is a funny rule - I was under the impression that .22c/fs were legal for roe stalking in Scotland, I shot a roe last year with my .223 & it quite promptly died!
And of course .22c/fs are more suitable for this foxing that will be taking place.

So we've heard that Griff won't (or rather has no intention) be stalking the ground, Does this extend to taking out guests I wonder? I bet there will be high demand for the roe bucks in the summer. I also expect if the members are going to make the effort to travel a long way to visit the ground, they will telephone first to make sure it'll all work to plan - good that because this way there won't be seen to be any conflict of interests - whereas if you had a local man - who knows when the bloke will land on the ground?!

Distance again - I would expect if people are on their ground for a precious little amount of time,then deer management would go out the window - don't shoot the weak deer - if it's got a brown jacket on it's getting dropped.

PM's These are a simple way of saying something PRIVATE to another member of the site, If I got a PM I didn't like the sound of - I would tell the person to go & chase themselves & to not bother getting in touch with me again - certainly not give a few details to a bunch of my enthusiasts to allow them the indignation to start a witch hunt!

My concerns here - are that there's a possibility that this syndicate would suit the type of person who will sit at home enjoying nostalgic photographs & the idea of stalking the ground they are paying for - rather than the active type of stalker who shows a genuine interest in their roe population.

OK Gents, it's obvious from this thread that griff is popular- it's funny how when a bloke has access to several thousand acres of stalking, they suddenly become a great guy.
What I will say is that I have fought more than most to secure freedom of speech in this country, & as a result of this consider it very important to make use of this freedom.

So guys be my guest - if you want to assassinate my character go right ahead, I was brought up to ask questions when I was not sure about something & this is what I have done here for the benefit of people applying for places in this syndicate.

 

[shootingduckdog]

DL

As has been said by previous posts each to his own. Everyone is entitled to a view and in this instance everyone can vote with their feet. No one has to do anything that they dont want to!!

As regards to this sort of syndicate member being a nostalgic couch potato, where the hell do you get that from? My impression is that there is a great raft of stalkers out there, myself included, that are passionate and committed. Hell, I'll travel 150 miles round trip to knock over a fox and regularly do. If you dont grasp opportunities that arise or make your own then life rarely comes knocking.

Its just possible that the people interested in this offer are passionate and committed and live in areas where the stalking just isnt available normally. Hence travelling is just taken for granted or they really do have to remain at home day dreaming and watching the telly!

But hey thats just my view, now where did I put those rose tinted spectacles!!

 

[griff]

DL.

I have read your post and you are quite entitled to your opinions, however mis-informed you are...
There are few points I would like to raise:

1. there is no cost for the feed.

2. its deer first fox second, but hey thats the individuals decision.

3. No syndicate member will have too look after/tend pheasants.

4. they will not be working as keepers.

5. No 22cf's is my choice,I disagree with you that its usually a 22cf' that is a first rifle, and being heavily invovled in the gun trade 22cf's are usually more expensive than a full bore.So thats your theory shot to ***k

6. foxing at night is an option not mandatory.

7. as i said before I have no intention to stalk any of the syndicate grounds, neither will any of my guests, that wouldn't be fair!

8. there is no telephoning as there is an online booking system.which everyone has access to and can see who is taking advantage.

9. The pm from widows-son was and is private, however if what you say on a pm cannot be aired on a public forum then don't say it!

10. perhaps I am a great guy with or without several thousand acres..

Don't assume anything,get your facts straight..

regards
griff

 

[Andy L]

Sorry SDD, I think I am wearing those rose coloured specs that you are looking for.

*.!!**£££"!"£" W***£$$£>>***

 

[jon2]

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A very measured response B-b.

I take it by the posts of the dozen or so rosy eyed members that I am considered to be one of the negative ones! I am obviously very jealous of this wonderful opportunity according to one post.
Well no actually, all I want to see is a degree of fairness (not for myself as a local man,but for those who choose to join).
I want to start by saying that the travel issue is a huge contributing factor to the costs of this exercise. I run a vehicle that returns me about 30 miles to the gallon, if I lived in the north of England wanted to drive a around 200 miles to go for a few days stalking, this would cost £52.80, plus a couple of nights B&B at what? £25pppn? would be Another £50, so on top of the £400 and something pounds membership you can add £100 per visit (are more than four visits at these distances anticipated?) So were up to about £900 & lets not forget the extra costs of the pheasant & trout feed.
The point is, deer stalking doesn't have to be expensive - but when you factor in the mandatory travel - then it suddenly does - Although I must agree on the surface,this offer does appear to have been reasonably priced.

So the fellows who are members are on their ground, hoping to shoot some deer (as that's what they're there for) & all of a sudden a fox shows its face & they're required to shoot it as a condition of membership! Off go the deer.Add to this the lads have to go out & tend to the pheasants, are they going to get to shoot them,or are they going to be working a keepers when they are actually paying to stalk deer on the ground?

Then a fellow who wants to start deer stalking & is living on the breadline can't really join,because I would say most people's first cenrefire rifle will be a .22c/f -which aren't allowed in this instance, this is a funny rule - I was under the impression that .22c/fs were legal for roe stalking in Scotland, I shot a roe last year with my .223 & it quite promptly died!
And of course .22c/fs are more suitable for this foxing that will be taking place.

So we've heard that Griff won't (or rather has no intention) be stalking the ground, Does this extend to taking out guests I wonder? I bet there will be high demand for the roe bucks in the summer. I also expect if the members are going to make the effort to travel a long way to visit the ground, they will telephone first to make sure it'll all work to plan - good that because this way there won't be seen to be any conflict of interests - whereas if you had a local man - who knows when the bloke will land on the ground?!

Distance again - I would expect if people are on their ground for a precious little amount of time,then deer management would go out the window - don't shoot the weak deer - if it's got a brown jacket on it's getting dropped.

PM's These are a simple way of saying something PRIVATE to another member of the site, If I got a PM I didn't like the sound of - I would tell the person to go & chase themselves & to not bother getting in touch with me again - certainly not give a few details to a bunch of my enthusiasts to allow them the indignation to start a witch hunt!

My concerns here - are that there's a possibility that this syndicate would suit the type of person who will sit at home enjoying nostalgic photographs & the idea of stalking the ground they are paying for - rather than the active type of stalker who shows a genuine interest in their roe population.

OK Gents, it's obvious from this thread that griff is popular- it's funny how when a bloke has access to several thousand acres of stalking, they suddenly become a great guy.
What I will say is that I have fought more than most to secure freedom of speech in this country, & as a result of this consider it very important to make use of this freedom.

So guys be my guest - if you want to assassinate my character go right ahead, I was brought up to ask questions when I was not sure about something & this is what I have done here for the benefit of people applying for places in this syndicate.

DL

What a load of s**t if I may say so.

Not sure why you wasted your time typing that great epiphyll

 

[legaleagle69]

I think DL is entitled to hold an opinion, but let's put this into perspective.
If someone else outside the site had advertised a syndicate membership in a magazine or online advertisement, firstly I am pretty damn sure it would be at least double what Griff is asking.
I for one have been paying £750 P/A as a member of another syndicate
The guy who runs the syndicate has a list of rules he sets, it's his way or the highway, by joining you accept this.
If you don't like it tough don't join, all you have been done is offered a chance to apply, if you have issues find a lease set up your own syndicate, loads are available if you want to take the trouble to look.

I don't know Griff personally and have never met him, but I know of him via a personal friend (who has already posted above), before this posting he told me Griff is a genuine bloke.
He was I believe instrumental in the gift from BASC of stalking on Arran to the March and Shoot last summer, so whether or not he has several thousand acres or not he is a genuine bloke, so why dis someone for actually getting of his arse and doing something.
So as so many seem to have thought it is all so unfair I shall look forward to applying for your syndicate offers soon

 

[sikamalc]

Gentlemen, please!!! no one is running anyone down here, but lets be honest it is a farily sound offer from a man of good standing as far as I am aware.

Many of us are very fortunate to have stalking, some we pay for some we dont. For those that dont pay anything you are very fortunate. Some have to travel a long way to stalk, (in some repsects me included) others have it on their doorstep, (lucky them).

BUT, there are many stalkers, novices and old warriors alike that do not have direct access to stalking, and it is these people that the ADMIN team want to help. This is where the SD site is far and ahead of the other sites in helping out those that need help to get a foot hold in the sport. So lets just think about this before anyone has a dig ehh!! even if its well intended.

Lets be honest if anyone tries to have anyone over though this site, there name is going to be MUD!! Anyone who runs a syndicate needs to lay down the rules. And believe you me all those that are signed up for their Level 2 in Scotland, will abide by my rules on my lease, although its aimed at being a friendly down to earth week, rules is rules.

Now lets just get on with life shall we

 

[happyhunt]

legal eagle you say there are loads of leases available if you look hard enough, can you point me in the right direction because most emails and telephone calls are not returned, its like a wall of silence.

 

[BuckarooUK]

Bloody hell - this thread seems to be getting out of control!

Widow's Son and DL - i'm not about to have a go at you because i don't know you and Griff doesn't need anyone to defend him but you really are barking up the wrong tree here.

I've known Griff for approx 14months and in that time he's proved to be an honest and genuine bloke. I met him after moving up to Scotland, trying fruitlessly to get onto a decent stalking syndicate and then asking for help on this site.

With the exception of a timewaster who thought deer stalker = bottomless pockets, Griff was the only one who really helped. The end result is that i've now been a member of a syndicate managed by him for just over a year and i have nothing negative to say about him, the way in which the syndicate is managed or the way in which he's dealt with me.

I regularly phone or call into his house after a weekends stalk and have grown to know both him and his wife. I've always felt welcome and would consider both now friends first and syndicate managers second - it's just the way the couple are - happy to help others.

To those applying for the land:
The land on offer here is actually very close to that on which i stalk and i got to view it during the weekend. The 2 parcels of land really are good; the first parcel includes a farm and old estate where we saw plenty of deer signs and we bumped 3 roe in lovely condition on the second parcel.
With griff's booking system, you are unlikely to ever encounter another stalker and you could stalk all day long without ever covering the same location twice.
There's alot of variety, for all favoured types of stalking.
I had thought that the cottage mentioned would be little more than a bothy but it's actually very nice and situated withing the grounds of a farm. The larder will hold approx 6-8 deer. It's ideally set up for bringing the wife and kids for an extended weekend/stay.

I was so impressed with it that i actually asked for an application form and offered him a cheque. He politely declined on the grounds that he wanted to give others a chance. Was i disappointed - Yes, but i understand where he's coming from. For me it would mean the expansion of my grounds but for Griff the pleasure in stalking is opening up oppertunities for others and giving them the chance to come on. i definately don't feel hard done by.

With regards to the rules: travelling distance, minimum calibre, etc. What syndicate do you know of that doesn't have rules? If you don't like them then don't bloody apply.

 

[Gez]

My concerns here - are that there's a possibility that this syndicate would suit the type of person who will sit at home enjoying nostalgic photographs & the idea of stalking the ground they are paying for - rather than the active type of stalker who shows a genuine interest in their roe population.

DL everyone is entitled to their opinion and to ask questions, but I have to say that I disagree. Many people are lucky enough to have stalking, paid for or otherwise on their doorstep. They can travel just a few miles and put a lot of time an dedication into deer management (or not).

I on the other hand do not have this luxury. I live in Newcastle, currently have no stalking of my own and my only real option to stalk involves paying the going rate (probably around 75 quid per stalk) and about an hours drive each way. Put together 2 stalks, and overnight stay at 60 quid, dinner and petrol, you are probably talking the best part of 250 quid for one trip out.

Comparing this to Griff's offer and even though the drive is a little longer it still represents great value for money for me. The more often I go, and the more time I spend out there the better value it becomes, so actually I'm incentified to go more often rather than sitting at home looking at an expensive picture.

The distance I live from the ground bares no relation whatsoever to the interest that I have in the roe population. I would be no less dedicated than the next man, and would jump at the chance to spend extra time out there whether its in the buck season or the doe season. I would also enjoy spending time out foxing and not just spend my time chasing trophy bucks.

A syndicate member who lives on the doorstep is just as likely to be inclined to take the best rather than the weakest animals and I think its unfair to insinuate a correlation between distance to the ground and passion for the deer, the management of the population and their welfare.

Gez

 

[Davie]

I take two points from this posting lets take it as a lease and not as a hes a good guy because that's what it is. Is it a good deal well 30 or so beasts split ten ways don't go far and that's from a chap who lives on the ground almost.
Should there be restrictions why not again this is a business venture and Griff can do what he likes.
If i were involved i would take all the pish away from the post and look at it from a syndicate member point of view only. That is to say what am i getting for my cash. Is it value for money for me its a no no as i don't fish and cant stand Pheasants and there are not enough deer to satisfy my stalking needs for 400+ pounds.But for others it might be gods country