Stalking Solo vs. With a Friend – Which Do You Prefer and Why?

[GGC96]

Just curious to hear people’s thoughts and experiences on this…

Do you prefer heading out on your own, just you, and the rifle, or do you enjoy stalking with a friend , sharing the experience (and maybe the flask of coffee too)?

I’ve done both over the years, and I can definitely see the appeal of each. Solo stalking gives you that sense of total immersion, moving at your own pace, no distractions, and full focus on the task at hand. There’s something quite special about being out alone in the early mornings and late evenings. Stalking with a friend can be just as rewarding, sharing the success (or the learning moments!), or simply enjoying the day out together. Sometimes it’s just good to have the company and a second set of eyes or hands.

Obviously, there are practical and safety considerations too, especially in more remote areas or when dragging out a beast. So what’s your preference - solo, with a mate, or a mix of both? Would be great to hear any stories or reasons behind your choice

 

[artschool]

i normally go stalking solo but i really like spotting&rangefinding deer for friends.

 

[paulbshooting]

Solo for me - escapism.

Have taken friends out for their first deer or just a stalk and that's special.

 

[HonestJohn]

the older I get the more I enjoy going out and watching friends shoot deer

But, I still love a solo evening when I need the peace

For reds - always with a strong friend(s)

 

[VSS]

Solo.
But I quite like when there's someone I know out on the neighbouring ground or elsewhere on the same estate, and we keep in touch by text or whatever to see how we're getting on.

 

[Sanjay]

As a beginner I've enjoyed taking other friends (either beginners or non-stalkers) out with me as it's helped me chat through why/what I'm doing especially the first few long stalks in and grallochs that I did, I narrated them to myself as if someone was there watching! Made sure I didn't make silly mistakes. And making a plan with them as to how both of us are going to close the gap to the deer was good fun too, and an extra set of eyes has been occasionally useful. But overall I enjoy the solo stalks more as I'm out just myself and my own thoughts.

 

[Tim.243]

Just curious to hear people’s thoughts and experiences on this…

Do you prefer heading out on your own, just you, and the rifle, or do you enjoy stalking with a friend , sharing the experience (and maybe the flask of coffee too)?

I’ve done both over the years, and I can definitely see the appeal of each. Solo stalking gives you that sense of total immersion, moving at your own pace, no distractions, and full focus on the task at hand. There’s something quite special about being out alone in the early mornings and late evenings. Stalking with a friend can be just as rewarding, sharing the success (or the learning moments!), or simply enjoying the day out together. Sometimes it’s just good to have the company and a second set of eyes or hands.

Obviously, there are practical and safety considerations too, especially in more remote areas or when dragging out a beast. So what’s your preference - solo, with a mate, or a mix of both? Would be great to hear any stories or reasons behind your choice

There are lots of other types of shooting I do solo ducks pigeons foxes and deer, also timing is key as as the nights pull in then you need to leave earlier (and eat earlier!) one bit is 30 mins so land at 6 finish deer o'clock 8.10 so leave 5.15.
If is is a dry night I might go foxing so tbh that will (and does) a couple of people I go with from time to time not work out as people need a bit of notice but the planned night will get fudged later in the year with the weather.
I was going tonight but a chap I shoot muntjac for has seen rain so we will go tomorrow as they will still be there.

 

[Bugsy]

I’ve actually had more enjoyment this year taking out a couple of lads so far and giving them the chance at a different piece of ground and taking what they can , I just sit back and let them do there bit . They enjoy a different stalk and I get rid of deer coushdy.

 

[Jon P]

Bit of both- stalked on a syndicate a few years ago where you were always on own- you shot it , you sort it type of place. But also shoot on a place with friends, but have own beats and can meet up for lunch then head back out on own - if you get an awkward extraction, someone is there to help. I probably prefer the second option. As best of both worlds.

 

[Happy stalker]

Having come through working on a sporting estate having guests most of the time with everything that comes with that, I am enjoying out on my own more and more with no pressure, but taking out the odd newbie is very rewarding too.

 

[NewForester]

Solo (with my dog).

 

[Andyquadra]

Solo.
But I quite like when there's someone I know out on the neighbouring ground or elsewhere on the same estate, and we keep in touch by text or whatever to see how we're getting on.

Same here, meet up, set a plan, but then part company and meet up later

 

[Klenchblaize]

Solo, until the beast is down as then I'd like to "phone a freind" who's up for the drag and butchering the critter!

K

 

[tackb]

Bold of you to assume I have friends……

 

[timbrayford]

Different woods on the same estate with a mate suits me best, get to stalk on my own but having a helping hand to assist with extraction is great.

 

[buckfever]

If out on hill prefer someone with me just makes things easier. If in the fields or woods then solo. If out on the foxes someone with me , If sitting out then on my own

 

[barbel]

The places i shoot fallow particularly prefer a friend, or rabbits, at night trying to carry a load of rabbits on foot gets heavy, the people who come with me, I have known for many years so no issues.

 

[starr shot]

Always take a friend to carry the kit and for the drag back.Sometimes they become ex friends

 

[farrieral]

Depends on the friend

As quite a few have said, mostly go to our ground in pairs at the least, to the glassing point, make a plan, spilt up an stalk separate areas then assist with recovery for downed beasts.

 

[jwoolland1]

Everyone knows that stalking isn’t the best place for a chat—but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding with good mates. You can read everything they’re thinking without a word being spoken. A glance, a shift in posture, a raised eyebrow—it’s all there in the body language. That silent understanding adds a whole other layer to the experience.

I’ve always preferred stalking with a friend. For me, it’s as much a social experience as it is a sporting one. I do head out solo from time to time, and there are definite advantages—less noise, fewer variables, and a simpler approach overall. But the real value, for me, lies in sharing those moments: the stories, the shots, the laughs, and yes, the drag at the end of the day.

I’m also fortunate that most of the stalking I do is recreational, so I’m not under pressure to hit cull numbers or chase results. That freedom allows me to sit back, relax, and enjoy stalking for what it truly is—a chance to immerse myself in the landscape, observe wildlife, and create lasting memories.

There’s something about building those memories with mates that outweighs the occasional missed opportunity. Whether it’s a textbook stalk or a day full of near misses, having someone alongside makes it all the more worthwhile.