Hi guys,
Regarding deer size and weight, where I stalk in north Lancashire/south Cumbria the deer vary enormously. I have shot a 50+lb 8 point roe on my land (and many others approaching this size), whilst ten miles away on a large estate a 38lb 6 point roe is a monster. Vey odd, we have put it down to the fact that some areas are covered in limestone scree, and there must be something in this kind of soil and subsequent fauna roe deer cant metabolise. Any thoughts on this are welcome. This does not seem to effect the reds, that grow very large, probably due to good reed beds and feeding, which they frequent.
My first red stag was a fantastic stalk. Two mornings out and we had seen a good number of deer but nothing suitible, it was wonderfull to be near these majestic beasts.
Halfway through the second day of a three day trip I was just beginning to think my luck was out, until we found a group of hinds with a shootable stag in one of the woods. We waited to see what they would do, the stag was charging up and down and bellowing, making the excitement grow. Eventually we began to stalk in and opted to reach a large boulder 40 yards in front, and look to shoot from there. As we were getting close the deer began to wonder off to my dismay. However the reason why the stag was agitated became obvious as the stalker pointed out that the boulder we intended to shoot from had sprouted a fine set of antlers. Sure enough there was a large 'run' stag sat behind it that we had not initially seen, but the other stag had. We crept in to 25 yards and I put a 150 grain soft point behind his right ear that put him down instantly.
He was a 27 stone 12 pointer (L-8 R-4) who was obviously very old and going back, a perfect cull beast. It took three of us at least and hour to drag him out of the wood, and virtually dismantle and reassemble a wall!
He is being cut and mounted as we speak, cant wait to see him.
Good fun!
James