Stalking roe bucks much harder this time of year....I know, I haven't been doing this long!

[foxhunter]

I've grassed 9 bucks so far and have another 3 earmarked for the rut then that's me done. Went pigeon shooting yesterday and there was a roe in the field at 9.30 am and then a young spiker appeared at 4pm so varying your times can work.

 

[dartmoordog]

With bracken and fern 6 foot high, you are going to struggle when they dissolve into this stuff. I have had two this season, that will do me for now.

Saw one disappear into this stuff the other evening, certainly a test for your stalking skills.

 

[Heym SR20]

I am really not worried these days if I don’t grass anything. Doesn’t bother me in the slightest. What I am struggling with is not seeing any deer. Both my bits of ground are about 3 miles to large pieces of forestry with government culls with large payments going to contract stalkers. And those who are doing it are known to the landowner and they have “following up wounded deer” onto our ground. They have been blaming copper bullets letting deer run 3 plus miles after being shot - well that has been their excuse when the landowner had words.

 

[thehappyhippy]

I feel your pain. 3hr round trip to my ground. Last year had 6 unsuccessful outings on the bucks. (I did get onto one, tbf, but was so excited I forgot the safety catch - still kicking myself).

Give up! Wait til winter and start bashing the does!

 

[Woodsmoke]

I'm lucky enough to have ground literally on my doorstep, so I can actually glass my stalking areas from the living room! Even with that unbelievable advantage though, even I'm struggling at this time of year. They just have too much cover, and too many feeding options at this time of year. Add in the midge, tick, fly, and cleg menace and it's just not worth the effort most of the time at this time of year.

Although typically, I find myself in need of a carcass for a friend who's coming to visit and who's mad keen to see one butchered . . . .

 

[Antonyweeks]

By way of an update - went out this evening. Had a walk round my permission and saw two sika stags - one lovely looking 8 pointer, both in velvet. Let's hope they hang around. Saw roe doe and kid. Got back to the car, had a brew and then went back out for final walk around. Didn't see any bucks even though I'd seen them a couple of weeks ago! However, on the way back to the car as it was getting dark nearly trod on one! Amazingly he was couched down in the bracken next to the ride I was walking down and leapt up when I was about 10 ft away. Made me jump out of my skin. He ran off through the undergrowth barking and chuntering away.... did make me smile! I'll grass one soon I hope!

 

[dartmoordog]

My last outing counted 27 Roe and 15 Red, certainly no shortage around here.

 

[zimtrout]

My last outing counted 27 Roe and 15 Red, certainly no shortage around here.

Lucky man!