Perhaps of all the months in the deer stalkers calendar, June might be said to be the least eventful. The only deer in season across the UK are Roe Buck and Muntjac and to be frank, June is not the ideal month to stalk either.
That said, and before we lose all of our bookings for the month, I should caveat this statement by adding, June none the less, can hold some pleasant surprises.
So what's going on? Well by the time June comes around, the dominant Roe Buck will have established their territories. Lesser bucks, having been bullied and cajoled over previous anxious weeks, will have finally managed to squeeze themselves into the marginal corridors and small pockets of land, where they can find respite, without incurring the wrath of larger combatants.
It is a consequence therefore that Roe buck, large and small, can relax a little through June and may instead devote their energies into gaining weight and improving body condition. A process which is best served through inactivity and selective browsing of the plentiful new growth. It will be this resultant weight gain that will aid the bucks in defending their home turf in the challenging times ahead, and in doing so, secure their mating privileges during the Rut in July.
So what of the pleasant surprises? Well unlike during May, when Bucks seemingly appear from nowhere, the Roe's relative inactivity means that the deer stalkers efforts are usually best served by seeking out peaceful, lesser trodden areas. Here bucks may sometimes be discovered biding their time. Good stalking guides, and those in tune with their grounds, will know where to look and the discreet variation in tactics and technique that are best required in order to ambush these otherwise secretive deer.
June therefore usually holds one or two surprises and can, with a bit of luck, result in the 'grassing ' of some excellent bucks, long before the throngs of deer stalkers and trophy hunters descend on the countryside for the Rut. Added to this, there is also great satisfaction to be had in June, from the frequent sightings of young fawns and Kids that are now just old enough to be seen faltering along behind their mothers in the high cover.
So onto the only other species that is in season this month....Muntjac. Between May and July, Muntjac Bucks will be shedding. It is a discretionary courtesy therefore, that many professional deer stalkers will leave well alone. Shooting a Muntjac Buck that has shed its antlers is to shoot an animal of 'unknown promise'. Added to this, the Does, despite being capable of giving birth all year round, do have a propensity to do so during the spring and summer months. With no closed season imposed by law, it is therefore the period of late May to late July that deer stalkers might apply their own restraint, if not abstinence, from stalking this species. This of course will depend on just how treasured this ancient deer species is regarded.
So what of Scotland? Well of course Roe Buck, yes, the same season applies as with England & Wales. However unlike with England & Wales there is now only one short month to go before the excitement of stalking Red and Sika Stags resumes in July.
Finally to view our latest monthly film "Roe Buck in May" follow this link: short-films
IN Season in England & Wales: Roe Buck, Muntjac Bucks & Muntjac Does.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Does, Fallow Does, Fallow Buck, Sika Hinds, Sika Stags, Red Hinds, Red Stags, CWD Bucks & CWD Does.
IN Season in Scotland: Roe Buck
OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Does, Fallow Does, Fallow Buck, Sika Hinds, Sika Stags, Red Hinds, Red Stags.
