Why spring is a great time to see deer

Details

Wednesday, 28 February 2024

Early Spring can be a mixed blessing for professional deer stalkers, Peter Jones explains why. 

Above: Look out for our next film on County deer Stalking YouTube, in which nutritionist and pregnant mum Frankie, sets out deer stalking and talks about the benefits of a carnivore diet. youtube.com/channel

As a professional hunting guide, March is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, the sheer number of deer that are visible, mean that my stalking clients are thrilled at seeing deer at every turn. But on the flip side, to the landowners, who’s ground I manage, I look like an incompetent lay-about, unable to control a growing deer problem!  

I suspect that anyone that has looked out of the window whilst driving down the motorway, or gazed out over the countryside as they speed along a rail link, will testify, that deer appear to be nonchalantly grazing in every field.

In early spring, deer are more inclined to venture out of cover, than at any other time of year. Especially when there is a bit of sunshine. The reason being, they, like us, are keen to soak up a bit of warmth after many months of cold and rain. Added to which, they seek to take advantage of nutritious new growth.

In truth, it is perhaps one of my favourite times of year to be stalking. The stalking hours are still sociable, the weather is improving, and deer are seen at every turn.

That said, the females are now heavily pregnant, so a little caution please. If you do not intend to shoot them, then don’t be pushing them around unnecessarily. Indeed, in Scotland the season for most females ended middle of February. Albeit, with new legislation in the pipeline, how long that will remain the case, I know not.

Here at County Deer Stalking, like the deer, another feature of early spring, is that beginners also venture out of cover! At this time of year, we are pleased to be approached by numerous beginners who, as the weather improves, wish to get out into the countryside and learn how to stalk.

Through the ‘Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1’, (PDS1) we are perfectly placed to help. Indeed, through February, more than one candidate every day took the course and became a ‘Trained Hunter’.

If you’d like to get started in deer stalking and become a ‘Trained Hunter’, then follow this link to learn more about the PDS1 Deer Stalking certificate. deer-stalking-course

In/out of season in March: 

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:  Roe Doe, Roebuck, Fallow Buck, Red Stag, Sika Stag

Off Season in Scotland: Red Hind, Sika Hind, Fallow Doe. 

(Editor - Peter Jones)