What to do?

New Avon Arms
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MJ Barton

Member
Hi, I'm John from Kent, I've never shot anything before aside from an air rifle a couple of times as I'm quite young (16 but I do have support from my parents, sadly they don't know anything about hunting) I'm interested in getting into stalking as I like nature and game foods and have started reading as much as I can on the subject. My only problem is I don't know where and what to do, to start. Any recommendations or things focus on to get started would be very appreciated.
Sincerely,
John
 
Welcome!
My daughter started stalking when she was 16, so there's hope for you!
The thing that really got her started was doing her DSC1 (when she was 14). It fired up her enthusiasm, taught her loads, and set her on the road to a career in deer management.
Only problem if you wanted to do DSC1 now is that you'd need your own Firearms Certificate and your own rifle to do the shooting test, as you're too young to use the "estate" rifle provided. However, at 16 at least you don't have long to wait until you will be old enough to use the estate rifle to do the test (I think the requirement is 17).
 
VSS said:
Welcome!
My daughter started stalking when she was 16, so there's hope for you!
The thing that really got her started was doing her DSC1 (when she was 14). It fired up her enthusiasm, and set her on the road to a career in deer management.
Only problem if you wanted to do DSC1 is that you'd need your own Firearms Certificate and your own rifle to do the shooting test, as you're too young to use the "estate" rifle provided. However, at 16 you don't have long to wait until you will be able to. (I think the requirement is 17).
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the reply. It's nice to know that there are others who start off around my age.
 
MJ Barton said:
Thank you so much for the reply. It's nice to know that there are others who start off around my age.
Click to expand...
She's currently working for the British Deer Society, teaching on some of the DSC1 courses and also guiding clients on the BDS stalking scheme in Norfolk. And she's very committed to helping more youngsters into stalking.
You'll probably bump into her at some point if you decide to pursue your interest.
 
Welcome to the site. My son started at 18 with his DSC1, but like you, had been reading anything countryside related, and deer related especially, from much younger. See if you can make links to local gamekeepers on estates in Kent and join the beating crowd, as well as offering to give hands-on help with brush clearing, pen building etc. It all gives experience, and makes connections that then provide opportunities. We are a bit far away in Hereford, but hopefully someone in Kent can reach out?
All the best.
 
Welcome
First job is join up a shooting society like BASC and/or the British deer society.
I was very lucky as a youngster to have both grandads keen shooters and other family members.
 
welcome , as soon as you get driving ( or if your parents are ever coming up this way ) get up to yorkshire or lincolnshire and ill take you out deerstalking , always happy to get someone started deerstalking sorry ive nothing closer to offer
 
Welcome, I can imagine that it seems a bit daunting trying to get into stalking but keep trying I’m new to it and have yet to get my first deer (probably a confidence issue) but regularly out foxing with a rifle which is what helped me decide to try stalking. Some of the guys on facebook, instagram and YouTube are really approachable and happy to share knowledge so maybe look out for people in your area and drop them a message and they might help. Good luck
 
Welcome John and well done for signing up on here and reaching out.

All of the advice you've been given above is good, and the best thing I can add is stay curious, read and watch as much as you can, teach yourself about nature and wildlife as much as you can and don't give up if you don't feel like you're getting anywhere at first.

Whereabouts in Kent are you? I'd be more than happy to take you out some time.

All the best
 
KentCountryGent said:
Welcome John and well done for signing up on here and reaching out.

All of the advice you've been given above is good, and the best thing I can add is stay curious, read and watch as much as you can, teach yourself about nature and wildlife as much as you can and don't give up if you don't feel like you're getting anywhere at first.

Whereabouts in Kent are you? I'd be more than happy to take you out some time.

All the best
Click to expand...
Its probably not going be possible any time soon, but that's very kind offer. Thank you.
 
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