The Doe season arrives!
In Hampshire the stalking year can be divided into two distinct dates the start of the Roe Buck season on the 1st April and the start of the Doe season on the 1st November. This is not only because of the beasts that we stalk but also because whilst the Roe Buck season comes with the start of Spring the Doe season comes with the onset of Winter.
For those less concerned with trophy animals and content to hunt cull animals, November is the optimum time to be stalking. Roe Buck are of course off the menu however Roe Does, Fallow Buck, Fallow Does and Muntjac are all in season and across our estates at County Deer Stalking this represents by far and away the majority of animals that we are likely to see.
It is therefore an exciting time to be out. Indeed at our estate in Bramley I would estimate that in November around 85% of the animals we see on an outing will be in season. Whilst at Baughurst it will account for perhaps 70%. This clearly increases your chances of success.... or so it would seem!
During the last few months the numerous sighting of Does whilst out of season leads us to believe that during November we will be able to take an animal every visit!.... Not so! It is easy to fall in to this misapprehension and believe that just because we have seen the animals in the lead up to the start of the Doe season they will still be equally visible during November.
There is no denying it will indeed be a busier time, however with the pressure of other neighbouring stalkers out and about the deer become increasingly shy and adopt an increased level of alertness taking to their hoofs at the slightest whiff of gun oil or sight of a crouched stalker.
I am pleased to say however there are plenty of animals on the grounds. Indeed stalking Roe Buck through the summer months at Baughurst led me to the conclusion that last year's cull of Roe Does was insufficient and as such we will need to take a robust approach this winter if the Bucks are going to thrive and develop good heads next year.
At any rate I shall be looking forward to the start of this month with renewed enthusiasm!
IN Season in England & Wales: Roe Does, Fallow Does & Fallow Buck, Sika Stags & Sika Hinds, Red Stags & Red Hinds, CWD Bucks & CWD Does, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Does.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Buck.
