November 1st is one of the most significant dates in the deer stalkers calendar, Peter Jones explains why.
On your marks, get set…..
The 1st November is possibly the most significant date in the deer stalkers calendar and represents the starting date from which the young are finally considered to be weaned and independent of their mothers, stalkers can therefore now finally do something about the female of the species.
In Scotland this significant event occurs a little earlier on the 21st October.
Not only are these important dates for serious deer managers, who up until now have been unable to do anything about deer population growth, they are also significant dates for thousands of recreational stalkers who are now able to access more affordable stalking.
Stag and Buck stalking, with the associated trophy fees, can be expensive, however to professional stalkers and sporting estates, females are usually considered to be a less valuable commodity than their male counterparts and so this means that for the beginner, or for the recreational stalker who simply wishes to access affordable stalking, November 1st is the start of a season that lasts through until 31st March in England & Wales and 15th February in Scotland.
With that said, unlike in Scotland, where the Stags are now protected, in England & Wales the season is not exclusively confined to females but encompasses both sexes. Fallow Buck, Sika & Red Stag, Muntjac Buck and Chinese Water Deer Buck are also in season. In fact, the only animal that is protected at this time of year is Roebuck.
With all of these deer now in season the result is that success rates go up, as virtually all of the animals that you see become shootable in line with a sound management plan.
However, a word of warning, Roebuck are starting to cast their antlers and so do not assume that a Roe deer devoid of antler is a doe. Look carefully for the ‘anal tush’ of the female before taking your shot. Its an easy mistake to make, but a costly one. These animals might potentially be next year’s prize winners and so great caution should be applied when Roe stalking.
On to this month’s film which is one we’ve been meaning to produce for some time.
Venison is a healthy, sustainable and nutritional meat and all of us that hunt, should know how to prepare a shot carcass for the food chain, and so at long last, we give you a guide to the basics of carrying out both a ground and suspended gralloch. Follow this link to watch the film - 'How to Gralloch a Deer': training-films
IN Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe & Fallow Buck, Sika Stag & Sika Hind, Red Stag & Red Hind, CWD Buck & CWD Doe, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roebuck.
In Season in Scotland: Fallow Buck, Fallow Does, Roe Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind.
Off Season in Scotland: Red Stag, Sika Stag & Roebuck
(Peter Jones - Editor)
