June 2016 - Deer Stalkers Almanac

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Thursday, 26 May 2016

As Benjamin Franklin once famously said: “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail” When the perfect opportunity presents itself will you be ready?

(When the perfect opportunity presents itself will you be ready?) 

June is a quiet month in the deer stalking world, of course the deer have not gone anywhere, instead most are simply out of season by virtue of the fact that they have cast their antlers, or in the case of the females, because they are rearing young.

Across the whole of the UK only the Muntjac and the Roebuck are shootable. However, unlike the Roebuck, most Muntjac buck, like the larger species of deer, will have cast their antlers. Furthermore it is my experience that there is also a higher propensity of female Muntjac to have young. Despite this, it is the Muntjac’s ability to breed all year round that leaves them unprotected from the chase.  

If you must venture out, be aware that amongst Roebuck, there is a lull in activity during June whilst the males employ lethargy in order to pile on the pounds ready for the rut. That said, with a bit of lateral thinking Roebuck can be found, albeit in the recesses and thick cover, where they can best find seclusion and remain largely undisturbed. My advice however is to hold off for the rut in late July and instead make some preparations.

For those that wish to make the most of the opportunities in the weeks to come, time will be well spent putting in some valuable preparation on the range. If you have your own ground a little preparation preparing high seats can also pay dividends.  

Of course anyone that has tried calling Roe during the rut will know, Roebuck do not always come from the direction that you expect. Therefore if you do not intend to be shooting from a high seat you should practice using shooting sticks. This is because with the high ground cover, shots from prone are unusual, further more prone shots do not readily enable you to reposition yourself should the Buck respond to the call from an unexpected direction.

Personally at County Deer Stalking as well as undertaking a few stalks, we will be preparing for the month ahead by providing training to numerous clients who wish to insure that they are at the top of their game ready for the rut. We will also be spending June putting in a number of new and strategically placed double high seats, from which we hope to view this stunning annual spectacle.  

Speaking of Roe, it is to these charming little deer that we devote this month’s film. As well as getting the opportunity to witness our new ‘County Deer Stalker’ Justin Carter in action, we have some beautiful footage which I am sure you will appreciate. Follow this link to view the film on our Short Films page: short-films

IN Season in England & Wales:  Roebuck, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.

OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Fallow Buck, Sika Hind, Sika Stag,  Red Hind, Red Stag, CWD Buck & CWD Doe. 

IN Season in Scotland: Roebuck 

OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Fallow Buck, Sika Hind, Sika Stag, Red Hind, Red Stag.

(Peter Jones - Editor)