Although the rut is well and truly underway here in Angus, I don't like to shoot a lot at this time of year. The does have their young, and I just like to ease the pressure a bit for a wee while. That's maybe just me getting a bit soft in my old age though. Anyway, I figured I should really venture out to keep the farmer happy that I was actually doing something, and we could certainly use the venison.
I'm lucky enough to have stalking literally on my doorstep, so having kept an eye on a recently combined field over the last week or so, I had a couple of trips out. Both previous attempts had proved fruitless, apart from seeing does. There was one keen youngster who came screaming in to the cherrywood call, but I figured he could have a pass. After all, being young and horny got me into enough trouble in the past, so I decided he deserved a break. It was nice just to watch him though
With storms forecast for today and tomorrow, I decided to have another go last night, and sallied forth around an hour before sunset to get into position. The wind was westerly, so perfect for an ambush, and it was an absolute pleasure just to lean against a handy bale and soak up the last of the warm sunshine. My wee pal from the other night made an appearance some forty minutes in, but I'd decided not to use the call. No specific reason, it was just one of those random decisions that sometimes appear from nowhere. Anyway, I digress
He mooched around for ten minutes or so, then a sudden start and a heads up got my attention. Sure enough, a moment later a dominant buck gave chase and he was off! The buck showed no sign of slowing, so it was then I decided a quick bark might work. He paused just long enough for me to take the shot, and I was relieved to watch him drop in his own length without so much as a twitch. I have several rifles, but my .270 Abolt seems to call to me each time I open the cabinet.
After waiting a couple of minutes, I walked over the stubble and retrieved my prize.
I was fairly surprised to find he was a lot heavier than I was expecting. I would estimate he'll be around 21kg larder weight despite appearing to have quite a light frame. An unusual head too, although I have shot similar here in the past.
All in all a successful and pleasant outing, and one I'll remember for a good while.
I'm lucky enough to have stalking literally on my doorstep, so having kept an eye on a recently combined field over the last week or so, I had a couple of trips out. Both previous attempts had proved fruitless, apart from seeing does. There was one keen youngster who came screaming in to the cherrywood call, but I figured he could have a pass. After all, being young and horny got me into enough trouble in the past, so I decided he deserved a break. It was nice just to watch him though
With storms forecast for today and tomorrow, I decided to have another go last night, and sallied forth around an hour before sunset to get into position. The wind was westerly, so perfect for an ambush, and it was an absolute pleasure just to lean against a handy bale and soak up the last of the warm sunshine. My wee pal from the other night made an appearance some forty minutes in, but I'd decided not to use the call. No specific reason, it was just one of those random decisions that sometimes appear from nowhere. Anyway, I digress
He mooched around for ten minutes or so, then a sudden start and a heads up got my attention. Sure enough, a moment later a dominant buck gave chase and he was off! The buck showed no sign of slowing, so it was then I decided a quick bark might work. He paused just long enough for me to take the shot, and I was relieved to watch him drop in his own length without so much as a twitch. I have several rifles, but my .270 Abolt seems to call to me each time I open the cabinet.
After waiting a couple of minutes, I walked over the stubble and retrieved my prize.
I was fairly surprised to find he was a lot heavier than I was expecting. I would estimate he'll be around 21kg larder weight despite appearing to have quite a light frame. An unusual head too, although I have shot similar here in the past.
All in all a successful and pleasant outing, and one I'll remember for a good while.
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