What would you guys do in this situation?

[stratts]

Okay so I have been told I can shoot 2 or 3 muntjac off my normal shooting permission for the freezer. There are plenty about on the land in varying places so it 'should' not be too difficult.

Now as you know I am still a novice so need experience of stalking on the ground so to speak and this will give me the opportunity on land I know well.

In this situation would you go out and shoot the 1st deer that presented a shot, stalk the ground for a while assessing the numbers before taking a deer or be more selective and see if there was a good head wandering about? Bearing in mind this is not about management and will make no impact on the numbers, it's just the farmer saying yes I can shoot some for my own consumption/recreation,

Cheers

Stratts

 

[flyingfisherman]

If your limited on how many you can shoot, i would be inclined to take your time, see whats about, do lots of stalking and once you cant resist any more, shoot one..

 

[deerstalker.308]

Do what makes you happy Stratts, as you say its not about management, so it really doesn't matter.
If you are only going to have the chance of a few, I would make them count personally, no harm looking around the place, taking a bit of time to see whats there first, if there is a nice buck, well, why not? more meat, nice memorable trophy for the wall..... don't rush it though, otherwise you'll have shot your 3 or 4 deer before you know it, and then be itching for more..
ENJOY!

 

[Jager SA]

If it was me I'd be doing a full walk of the ground and a comprehensive survey followed by a Risk assessment before I shoot anything. This not only gives you more knowledge of the ground but demonstrates to the land owner you are serious and competent to be there. It also demonstrates due diligence, which in these times is a must for all concerned.

All of this can be helpful for other potential land permission in the future.

 

[mereside]

stratts are you limited to the amount of times you can be on said ground ,i have a small farm which i just take the odd ones to keep numbers correct as the farmer likes to see them so i do what he wants but i am always on the ground foxing and fowling it doesn't stop me stalking the deer finding out where they like at what times of year. You build a picture up of what the dear does at certain times and you can also asses what deer are on the ground have fun enjoy stalking them you will learn more this way then just shooting them straight off. the other flip of the coin though is taking some opertunity's when they arise as deer make a habit of doing a dissapearing act on you or not presenting the right sex, have fun,wayne

 

[Naseby]

If it was me I'd be doing a full walk of the ground and a comprehensive survey followed by a Risk assessment before I shoot anything. This not only gives you more knowledge of the ground but demonstrates to the land owner you are serious and competent to be there. It also demonstrates due diligence, which in these times is a must for all concerned.

All of this can be helpful for other potential land permission in the future.

+1 this is exactly what I would have advised. You are now building your reputation. Good Hunting

 

[stratts]

Thanks guys you've pretty much reflected what I was thinking, the only real issue now being my freezer is empty so I may not be able to resist taking the 1st one for too long!!

There's no limit to the time on the land and I have been doing general pest control on this area for over 2 years now so know it well. I have an idea of regular deer locations as I've seen them around and have also started to put trail cameras in the hot spots baited with apples as suggested on here on another thread.

 

[Si]

I'd shoot 1 now for the freezer, then when you've eaten it go get another.... and so on.
After all that's what the farmer has agreed to and I guess you already know the land right?

 

[mereside]

knowing the ground is one thing now you have to stalk into them use the deer to practice your fieldcraft on as there is no better indication of you doing something wrong than real deer bouncing away with the flared white arris,atb wayne

 

[Pedro]

I think I'd also chuck a few choice cuts and perhaps a string of sausages the farmer's way. Create a need for more there and you'll perhaps make him think that the deer are nice to see about the place, but also nice to see on the plate! Might encourage him to let you manage the numbers a bit more, um, proactively.

 

[stratts]

I think I'd also chuck a few choice cuts and perhaps a string of sausages the farmer's way. Create a need for more there and you'll perhaps make him think that the deer are nice to see about the place, but also nice to see on the plate! Might encourage him to let you manage the numbers a bit more, um, proactively.

I like your style!!

 

[Erik Hamburger]

I think you have to be clear if you want to shoot them for the freezer, as you say (so for meat) or if you are after a trophy (because you also say you are looking for a good head).
In the first case shoot any Muntjac buck or pregnant Muntjac doe you see.
In the second case spent more time looking around, install a few IR Trial Cams to assess what is on the ground, and than go hunting for a specific 'head' once you have ID'd it.

 

[redlab]

I would personally get a nice buck to start with, something to remember then as said leave till eaten and get the next etc etc!!! and don't be shy in putting some the farmers way... with a bit of luck he'll get a taste for it and let you shoot some more

 

[Jagare]

Just get out there and shoot a couple munties. Use a bit of common sence. Enjoy and learn from the experience. Surveys, risk assesments (Thats just useing common sence) leave that till later.

 

[User00003]

just shoot as many as you deem appropriate for the ground/cull plan...if you use a good mod he'll never be any the wiser

 

[Heym SR20]

If shooting for the freezer - be selective and choose a nice fat healthy looking one - not too old either. And provide the farmer with a nicley jointed haunch and fillet. Dont be greedy but just take them as and when and provide the farmer with a good supply of venison. You will get the call - we are having friends to stay, please supply venison.

 

[swarovski]

Just bang them over before the farmer changes his mind then when he asks say i havent had any yet lol

 

[see it shoot it]

just shoot as many as you deem appropriate for the ground/cull plan...if you use a good mod he'll never be any the wiser

the quickest way to get kicked off,great advice

 

[swarovski]

the quickest way to get kicked off,great advice

Pkl what are you like

 

[Naseby]

Just get out there and shoot a couple munties. Use a bit of common sence. Enjoy and learn from the experience. Surveys, risk assesments (Thats just useing common sence) leave that till later.

It would seem highly inadvisable to begin shooting and then run a Risk Assessment afterwards!