With the sun now setting on another Roebuck season and having just returned from holiday, I feel ready to turn a page.
Although in the UK we enjoy deer stalking throughout the year, like many other professional deer stalkers, it is mid-September to mid-December that represents the busiest and most exciting time of year.
The autumn kicks-off for me on the 12th September, when I travel to the Highlands of Scotland for our annual Capreolus Club trip. I usually make the trip in October, so, this year I am excited to be traveling during the slightly dryer month of September, whilst the heather is still in bloom.
Indeed, on those estates that welcome recreational stalkers, late summer and early autumn represent the peak period, during which my Scottish counterparts will be guiding clients and guests on to the iconic Red Stag, during the early days of the rut.
In the immortal words of Robert Burns: "My Heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer"
I like to consider myself a well-travelled man. I have witnessed, what are widely considered to be, some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, yet, for me, the highlands of Scotland, specifically Glen Etive, and Glencoe, remain one of the most remarkably beautiful locations I have had the pleasure to visit and, in my experience, usually surpass the expectations of many clients, with whom I travel.
Elsewhere in the UK, my advice remains the same in September as it was in August. Hold-off a little, bide your time. Do not habituate the lowland deer to your presence before the season really starts to get going. No doubt, September is, a lovely time to be out in the countryside, but from a hunting and stalking perspective, October is even better!
If you are interested in getting into deer stalking, or want to learn more about hunting deer in the UK, a great place to start is by taking the LANTRA approved Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1). You can find out more about the course and enrol here: deer-stalking-course
IN Season in England & Wales: Roebuck, Fallow Buck, Red & Sika Stag, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind, CWD Buck & CWD Doe.
IN Season in Scotland: Roebuck, Red Stag, Sika Stag, Fallow Buck.
OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind.
(Peter Jones - Editor)
