Taking out non stalkers

[sy247]

I’ve been on here a long time and have picked up a lot from the forum over the years, so thought I’d sense check something with the collective wisdom.

Over the last couple of years I’ve had a few non stalkers ask about coming out just to see what deer stalking is all about.

It’s got me thinking whether there’s a sensible way to do this occasionally for the right sort of person, not as a commercial thing, just on a very informal basis.

I’m conscious of a few things, not putting pressure on the ground, managing expectations especially around 'getting something', and making sure it remains enjoyable rather than feeling like a responsibility.

I know there are plenty of ways this could be done badly, so interested in views from those who’ve taken non stalkers out before, introduced people to stalking or guided in any form.

Particularly around how you manage expectations and keep it a positive experience for everyone involved.

Interested to hear people’s thoughts.

 

[Rake Aboot]

Don’t over think it

It’s a very simple thing. You are taking someone out to shoot
Don’t let them think they are getting a result just let them relax into a night where they may or may not get a shot



Don’t over think it. It’s not a great big thing really is it ?

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Probably not entirely relevant - I've taken a small handful of people out and have managed to get them on their first deer, my wife included. I will say it was a quality experience to see the reaction when they take their first after the obligatory practice sessions + base ground rules (firearm safety, plans etc).

I've also had a few gents from here out with me previously, albeit not showing them the ropes. I've made some good friends through this site who I keep in contact with on a very regular basis. You won't regret it but obviously there's trust that goes both ways!

As to the managing expectations - you're going for an armed ramble. If you see something/shoot something its a bonus. A general chat about them being wild animals and whilst you will try getting them on a deer, there are never any promises and there's always an opportunity for next time.

Good luck

 

[Taff]

Reading your post, don’t do it you overthink things

 

[dryan]

I’ve taken a couple of new stalkers out and got them into deer. Both of them could accurately shoot and had their own rifles which made it somewhat easier.

The key points of concern were:
1. make sure they’re suitably attired, gloves/hat/perhaps face veil

2. Ensure they stay tight to you on movement and know to keep movement and speech to a minimum.

I find bringing others stalking hugely rewarding, more of a challenge and in a way confirms your ability to stalk

 

[kieran222]

I have done it and anyone that I have taken out has enjoyed it and I have which is just as important. You are thinking about it far too much, just do it.

 

[Mungo]

I’ve been on here a long time and have picked up a lot from the forum over the years, so thought I’d sense check something with the collective wisdom.

Over the last couple of years I’ve had a few non stalkers ask about coming out just to see what deer stalking is all about.

It’s got me thinking whether there’s a sensible way to do this occasionally for the right sort of person, not as a commercial thing, just on a very informal basis.

I’m conscious of a few things, not putting pressure on the ground, managing expectations especially around 'getting something', and making sure it remains enjoyable rather than feeling like a responsibility.

I know there are plenty of ways this could be done badly, so interested in views from those who’ve taken non stalkers out before, introduced people to stalking or guided in any form.

Particularly around how you manage expectations and keep it a positive experience for everyone involved.

Interested to hear people’s thoughts.

It’s very straightforward.

Decide if you’re comfortable with this person following you around. You need to know them well enough to form your own opinion about how they might react to all the possible outcomes. I have had many people ask to come along, and I only take out those I’ve decided won’t get upset if it gets messy.

Tell them to show up wearing muted weather appropriate outdoor clothes and stout footwear.

Brief them on what’s going to happen and what you want them to do. In my case: follow me a metre or two behind and slightly to my right (so I can keep track of them out of the corner of my good eye). If I stop, you stop. If I get down, you get down. If the rifle comes off my shoulder, stay still and wait for further instruction.

Only ever had problems with one person: my father in law, who is notorious for deciding he knows best in all situations and will not listen to instructions. Examples:

Stalked up to corner of tree line. Peered round. Deer at 400m in dip in field. Told father in law to wait. Crawled out along tractor ruts to get to 200m. Just setting up to take shot. Deer start looking up and getting nervous. Shadow fell over me. Father in law had walked out to stand next to me ‘so he could get a better view’. Still managed to shoot one before they ran.

Stalking through forestry. Saw deer through trees at about 40m. Set up on sticks. Deer aware something up, peering towards us. I was slowly manoeuvring to get a clear shot through trees. Suddenly scope went dark. I looked up. Father in law had stepped forward, and was bent over, sighting down the barrel ‘so he could see the deer’. Muzzle was more or less touching his shoulder.

And he was a perfect example of someone I would not have taken out of I’d been left to make the decision myself! Obviously this one was a political decision…