We look at the change in statutory 'open season', and at how deer behave during the month of November.
In Scotland the change in 'open season' from stag to hind occurs on the 21st October. However, in England & Wales the 01st November is the date that many stalkers will have been waiting for, because the odds of a successful stalk increase dramatically.
The reason being, from the 01st November in England & Wales, the season opens for the females of all species, and for everything but Roe, then runs concurrently with the season for males. Effectively, this means that if you see a deer, it is more than likely in season, with the solitary exception of Roebuck.
Understandably the odds improve substantially, if only, it were not for the fact that deer seem to have developed a six sense for danger!
Yesterday evening, I stalked over my usual ground in Hampshire and spotted no fewer than twelve Roe doe in five different groups, grazing in the open. Will they be there on the 01st November? Not likely. Perhaps there is something about the daylight hours or the cool weather that forewarns the deer that changes are afoot. Or maybe more likely, they simply, recognise the subtle change in our focus and behaviour, because there is one thing for sure, the deer’s seemingly carefree demeanour will change almost overnight as they become substantially harder to find.
The important thing is, they are there. So, if at first you don’t succeed don’t be disheartened. It’s called hunting for a reason. They may be a little harder to find, but with Christmas on the horizon, it’s a great time to harvest some affordable venison without paying the fees that can often be associated with the males. What’s more, autumn colours will be at their peak, something that adds considerably to the beauty and flavour of this high point in the stalkers calendar.
In Scotland things are different, with the season for stag and then hind running consecutively from the 20th/21st October, thereafter, stags are protected, and the hard work of culling hinds gets underway, before winter starts to bite.
Talking of Christmas, at the Capreolus Club we are delighted to have been invited to the fabulous Beretta Gallery in London. Canapes and fine wine will be courtesy of fine English wine producers Hoffman & Rathbone, Beretta are planning on revealing some exciting new product and we’ll be taking a look back at some of the highlights of 2021. If you are thinking of joining the club and would like to join us for the evening to see what a bunch of fabulous guys and girls we are, then contact us for more details.
Finally, this month’s film. Thinking of getting a new rifle? Well, this is going to be perfect for you. I head to ‘Braces’ of Bristol to speak with owner Dan about the current top rifles on the market today, ranging from entry level to mid-range and high-end. You can watch the film here: youtube.com/watch
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 S Jones - Editor)
