What clothing is Necessary for deer stalking ?

[Fireflytk]

So, muted greens and browns. Camo isn't really necessary though. Stuff that doesn't rustle when you move is good. And really, something that is capable of surviving intact when you crawl around rough ground is a bonus. Waterproof outer clothing is a must and breathability is desirable. You'll also want to have some headwear. Ideally something that'll break up your human bonce and maybe be capable of hiding your nice shiny face a bit. Initially a baseball cap could do that.

You could, of course spend a fortune on clobber and maybe in time, you will. It's a rabbit hole many fall down. But initially, just look for stuff that'll work. It won't go amiss, it'll always be useful as backup gear. Dedicated shooting clothing can fetch a premium and whilst most of it is good stuff, look outside the box a bit and search for fell walking clothes and/or army surplus stuff. And there's no issue with searching the usual suspects online for second hand coats. I recently got a hardly used, in perfect condition Harkila Pro Hunter jacket for a quarter of the price of a new one.

But mostly, don't worry that what you wear might be thought of as not the done thing. It won't be like a day on the pheasants at Sandringham or somewhere.

For head gear if got an old camo balaclava for ages ago when I watched pheasant hunting with my mate ( we did it from a blind in a field years ago ) it did a pretty good job with keeping me warm and covered my face , would that be good to wear on a stalk and I’ve also got a pair of binos which are from the 70s they work really well and are in good condition, should I bring those too ?

 

[Tim.243]

For head gear if got an old camo balaclava for ages ago when I watched pheasant hunting with my mate ( we did it from a blind in a field years ago ) it did a pretty good job with keeping me warm and covered my face , would that be good to wear on a stalk and I’ve also got a pair of binos which are from the 70s they work really well and are in good condition, should I bring those too ?

If you are stuck for digs and short on cash check these lads out they all hunt.

 

[Fireflytk]

If you are stuck for digs and short on cash check these lads out they all hunt.

YMCA really

 

[Sol]

For cheap and effective I wear a Jack Pyke Junior Fleece (Fieldsman) Its a very cheap but very good hoodie I'm either wearing a small or a medium at 120lbs/5ft and I have the cuffs rolled up slightly by about 1-2"

Ideally just avoid black or blue or white for trousers, any other colour like browns, greys, khaki, tan even orange technically Is good for deer you might get funny looks showing up in neon orange In this country since Its generally accepted this is a "muted" colour country in terms of stalking but too the deer It appears green too them.

Jacket a brown one works I used a army coat for a while? bought for me, but I think there pretty cheap (and practical!)

Hat I've never used the fleece Is good enough, gloves never used either the kangaroo pocket works good enough (Toss a hot hands in there if Its actually chilly!)

In the summer I literally stalk In shein camo clothing that's falling apart, I wear decent quality legging underneath with the camo over it.

 

[CAVHUNT]

Nothing blue. Deer can see this colour. What about face masks? A bobbing around white face is an immediate reveal of the hunters presence.

 

[DeerHunterUK]

For what it’s worth (please don’t criticise me ):

Clothing - Myself and a few hunters I know swear by Deerhunter clothing (Muflon Light trousers and jacket) - New Forest Clothing stock the full range plus their own brand stuff looks good too, haven’t tried but will soon. They currently have a 10% sale on.

The Deerhunter clothing is expensive (but still cheaper than Harkila). Buy whatever you like the look of and that feels comfortable but make sure it’s warm, waterproof and silent.

Personally the cut and fitting of the cheaper brands didn’t suit me, such as decathlon or Jack Pyke but if it works for you then great.

Consider a base layer and hunting socks (sealskinz are good)

You’ll need good boots or wellies and decent hat and gloves.

Other miscellaneous kit:

First aid kit

Knife (More Companion or Double Edge
Swingblade)

Thermal - for spotting heat source (misconception that these are only used in nighttime is incorrect as they’re used during the day too and they’re mega expensive). Pulsar is a good brand but there’s HikMicro too

Bino’s - you’ve said you already have - these will be useful for identifying the deer species (esp after using thermal to find the deer)

Shooting stick (I prefer quad sticks) - Personal preference here but ViperFlex are good however there’s a user here selling 3D printed carbon Fibre kits which you DIY (these are awesome)

Free: - GMM 3D Printed Quad Sticks - Assembly Instructions

Deer Sack - You might want to consider buying a deer sack depending on how accessible the land is where you’ll be shooting and whether you can get the vehicle close enough to collect the deer.

Google Phil Ogden Shooting Supplies, he’s a very nice guy and his gear is quality - very highly regarded. Some of his gear is also white-labelled by Monarch so check out their website too.

I’m a novice hunter myself so don’t take any of the above as gospel. One thing to note is that the more people you ask, the more opinions you’ll get so buy what you like and what fits you and your budget. Be prepared to go broke - it’s called the Royal sport for a reason

Sign up to the DSC1 course, not only will it help educate you but it seems to be a requirement when getting permission to shoot on land or joining a syndicate.

Don’t forget the beard - it’s compulsory

Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[John Gryphon]

Me and the boys out stalking

the girls out stalking,edited for the sensitive types.

 

[DeerHunterUK]

the girls out stalking,edited for the sensitive types.

View attachment 445193

Can you introduce me to these huntresses?

 

[John Gryphon]

Can you introduce me to these huntresses?

I can take the black box away for starters. Which one do you want?

 

[Jagged77]

Whilst we wait for John to remove the black box…. following the great advice already given id say check out the classified and sites like eBay and especially Vinted. If you can find a drab green Paramo smock or jacket then you’ll be onto a winner. You don’t need camo but Kuiu and Sitka gear is nice - however not necessary. Stick to quality outdoor brands and you’ll be fine. If you buy second hand then buy some Nikwax Techwash and TX Direct for washing and reproofing.

 

[tarponhead]

Whatever you have that’s dull coloured outdoor clothing.
Stalking is like any other hobby, you can get super geeky and spend thousands on bling , but you don’t need to.

The beard is compulsory. Men without beards can never be true hunters. It’s an actual thing !

Unless you wear a buff…if I grew a beard I would look like Father Abraham from the Smurfs. If you don’t know what a Smurf is, you’re too young for a beard. To answer the OPs question, Percussion do well priced rugged, quiet trousers with some weather resistance. Ex-Austrian Army coats are quiet and waterproof, with lots of pockets. Spend time in woods or on public footpaths in the countryside where you hope to be taken out stalking and practise walking quietly and being still. The more you practice the more you’ll find what works for you in what you wear - boots that you walk quietly in and stay comfortable In, layers that keep you warm and dry.

 

[tarponhead]

the girls out stalking,edited for the sensitive types.

View attachment 445193

Are they in season near you, JG?

 

[John Gryphon]

Are they in season near you, JG?

By the look without the box they are pink and primed. Alas the boxes stay otherwise I may be put in the sin bin again. There is only one bloke on here that will sook up,hes a serial complainer and has his own reprehensible problems. I have had a few PM`s about him. The rest of you lot are all ok....really wtf is there to complain about this? Its off topic and we are all grown men and women.Even the page three girls show their Jimmy Brits naked,no paint.
I think a poll would be interesting...pick ONE,dont be greedy.
Mines far right,telepathy `tween us tells me that the first hole from the back of the neck is ok.
Second from right likes whipping blokes...its a NO.
Dark one likes to don the strap ...you know what i mean...for all you toy lovers ha ha NO!
Ginger looks like she needs a poop.NO! No scat fun for me.

Whilst we wait for John to remove the black box

See above.

 

[tarponhead]

None for me thanks. They all have poor footwear - can’t get beyond that, I’m afraid.

 

[nocturnaldave]

Don’t forget the toilet roll!!!

 

[Fn5]

Hat with a brim.
Grow a beard.

And extensive and must-have list if ever i saw one!

 

[SimpleSimon]

The beard is compulsory. Men without beards can never be true hunters. It’s an actual thing !

Did you know there's a special word for adults with no beard?

It's "woman"

 

[Tim.243]

Did you know there's a special word for adults with no beard?

It's "woman"

Second to that is the "6.5 Creedmoor" owner.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Vehicle optional:

K

 

[John Gryphon]

I bet he has a favourite. ewe