Stalking Etiquette

[A1fos]

As someone still in the early stages of their stalking journey

Can more experienced members share some of the more important points of etiquette when stalking
( or things that rub them up the wrong way).

For instance

Are there particular day when even if a specie is in season it would be not the done thing to shoot.

Thank you.

Kr A

 

[TringSaint]

Always listen to your guide and never point your gun in a dangerous direction.

Any good stalking guide will instruct their client when, where and what is safe to shoot at, so keep ears open and mouth closed unless you have a really important question.

Do that and you will learn a lot

 

[Sampo]

Muzzle awareness, being polite, remain calm, if out of your comfort zone do tell your guide and keep your eyes open.

 

[A1fos]

Thank you
A wise man told me once you have 2 ears and 1 mouth used in that proportion and you will find life easier

 

[J@son]

Not sure if this is the sort of thing you had in mind but I think disposing sensitively/discreetly of the gralloch is important. I leave it unburied in the field but always endeavour to do so discreetly so that others on the land don't stumble across it - and the flies it will (briefly) attract before being taken by foxes, buzzards etc. Making sure you understand the expectations on this point of the person who gives you permission to shoot is always polite and sensible. And helps to maintain a good relations with members of the public.

 

[Tim.243]

As someone still in the early stages of their stalking journey

Can more experienced members share some of the more important points of etiquette when stalking
( or things that rub them up the wrong way).

For instance

Are there particular day when even if a specie is in season it would be not the done thing to shoot.

Thank you.

Kr A

Follow how you posted in your intro, as you have mj roe and fallow under your belt.
If with a guide then follow the brief you are given at the start of the stalk.
The guide is directing you so will be picking what deer to shoot, this time of year then the Fallow are off the list
(unless in a condition where it needs shooting)

 

[wildfowler.250]

Assuming this is for guided stalking really they should be keeping you right. No harm in chatting away and learning off them on the day. Most will have taken out plenty of novices over the years.

 

[jimmer.13]

The only stupid question is the one you never ask ...

 

[Heym SR20]

Turn your phone off.

Leave troubles of the real world in the car.

Treat game with respect. And make sure all the meat is used and not wasted.

Take your time, you don’t need to shoot the first animal you see. Then select the right animal so that you benefit the deer herd and the wider environment. And take your time squeezing the trigger.

And don’t expect to shoot a deer on every outing. More often than not you won’t squeeze the trigger. But just enjoy being out there.

And respect the wishes of the landowner, neighbours etc.

 

[Border]

If you are Lucky enough to have been invited stalking don't take the **** and go behind the stalkers back in an attempt to steal the permission. This really goes before saying (and I am not thinking that the OP will...) but has to be mentioned as many still lack the basic respect.

 

[paulbshooting]

If in doubt, don't squeeze the trigger.
Listen to and watch your guide / mentor as often the little details make the difference in the field, plus showing interest and respect for them always helps.
Practice your fieldcraft, footstalking rabbits is good fun.

 

[NullMac]

The fact you have that attitude means you should be ok. For some people the thought never occurs to them.

If you are with a guide:

Mimic the stalkers behaviour. Nothing worse than crawling around in the heather and water to turn round and see the client walking behind. Yes, really.

Be honest with them about your experience and capabilities. This helps the stalker get you into a position for success. Most people overstate their ability and how much experience they have had, which is at best a bit boring but can end up with the shooter not making the shot and the stalker missing a trophy fee. Neither of you will be happy.

If you are in a syndicate:

Don't charge around the ground spooking everything. Don't be on the ground all the time. Learn to shoot and only take shots within you competence level. Always follow up.

 

[Tim.243]

Turn your phone off.

Leave troubles of the real world in the car.

Treat game with respect. And make sure all the meat is used and not wasted.

Take your time, you don’t need to shoot the first animal you see. Then select the right animal so that you benefit the deer herd and the wider environment. And take your time squeezing the trigger.

And don’t expect to shoot a deer on every outing. More often than not you won’t squeeze the trigger. But just enjoy being out there.

And respect the wishes of the landowner, neighbours etc.

I have a piece of ground with the brief from the land owner answering my question "what would you like done with the deer"?
Answer "shoot them as the last chap only wanted the heads! Still on there 9 years later.

 

[T.eddie]

If your own permission confirm with the landowner what they want done with gralloch, any restrictions on things they don't want done. Times/ areas off limits etc as Tim has mentioned above. Set the expectation so there are no surprises

If with a guide ask them as above but also don't shoot unless they have advised you what can be/ where it can be done. One for safety and one so you don't get a bill you weren't expecting.

If going on friends permissions check they have the authority to take people out. Listen and respect their area and be safe

 

[Bowland blades]

IF IN DOUBT ASK !
I have been asked to fully clean up everything possible on a kill or leave poor beasts where they fall . shoot nothing over x range to dont shoot any past Y .
Some dont want deer shot on Sundays , many do want them shot
Point i am making is ask if your unsure , ask if in any doubt ( one under the bolt is definitely not one in front of the bolt ) and i have known a serious slip up on that years back .
Always ask before a trip about clothing and always offer drinks / food to your stalker as they often dont bring any with a client on purpose
On a last note if there are extra fees on anything ask up front about how it works , you dont want to get into the zone on something you really dont want to be paying for and you need to know that well before your lined up on an expensive trophy

 

[maximus otter]

Know your own limitations. As a Greek philosopher said a long time ago:

“The boys throw stones at the frog in fun, but the frog dies in earnest.”

maximus otter

 

[Zephyrjim]

Thank you
A wise man told me once you have 2 ears and 1 mouth used in that proportion and you will find life easier

My dad thought me that about life in general. Don't forget your 2 eyes and 2 nostrils too

 

[Donkey Basher]

Taking the safety issues as already covered, my advice would be, be honest about your experience & abilities - don’t bull**** & you will learn with every outing. None of us know it all & personally I have no time for anyone who ‘bigs’ themselves up - we all had to start somewhere so nothing embarrassing about being honest, asking questions & checking if you didn’t understand or aren’t sure. As has been said above, no such thing as a stupid question.

 

[Cottis]

Be aware of your own safety and that of others and their belongings at all times.

Never assume you missed.

 

[pob]

I was told that a lot of newbies scan for deer using the rifle scope. Use binoculars instead.