October is a great month to hunt deer. Peter Jones explains why it is his favourite month of the year to be stalking.
During most of the year, deer stalking takes place in near complete silence. The stalker typically goes quietly about his business until he chances upon a sighting. Save for the ‘bark’ of a startled animal, there is little audible clue to the presence of deer. During the autumn rut, this reality is turned on its head.
Rutting, Red, Fallow and particularly Sika, are extremely vocal animals, something that brings with it an unparalleled level of anticipation and excitement for the stalker.
As I step out this October with Capreolus Club members into the stunning Jurassic landscape of the Isle of Purbeck, the deep woods of the High Weald and open hill of the West Highlands, we’ll be met by an array of vocalisation that is absent at all other times of year.
The distant ‘roar’ of Red stag on the open hill, as we step from our highland lodgings. The eerie ‘wail’ of the Sika stag as it splits the cool air of the Jurassic Dorset heathland. The rhythmic ‘belch’ of master Fallow buck as they exert their woodland dominance. These ancient calls will all contribute to the sense of drama and excitement that comes with the autumn rut.
It’s not all about the vocalisation of the UK’s largest wild land mammals. At this time of year, there are also changes afoot in terms of behaviour.
‘Belligerent’ is a great word, and it perfectly describes the behaviour of the rutting male deer, as they joust and spar to maintain mating rights. Behaviour that contributes to them being distracted to such an extent that the stalker can get in close enough for a shot.
Coupled with golden, red hues, a hint of wood smoke in the air and shorter cooler days and I am in my element. Whether I find myself, on the heath, in the wood, or traversing the open hill, for me this is an unparalleled time of year to be hunting.
Whilst writing, I hope you’ll forgive me this month for going off-piste a moment.
Many of us will have started our shooting journey with an airgun. Indeed, the airgun community dwarfs deer stalking. Yet until now, there has been no nationally recognised airgun qualification. This is even true in Scotland, where possession of an airgun requires an ‘Air Weapon Certificate’.
This is now set to change, with the implementation of the UK’s first and only ‘Airgun Proficiency Course’ (APC) to receive formal third-party accreditation from LANTRA.
It is not mandatory, and neither would we wish it to be. Indeed, many people who grow up in shooting families will not need to do a course. However, for those that are new to airguns, the new APC Certificate will set the standard in UK airgun training and will prove invaluable to recreational and professional airgun shooters who wish to demonstrate a level of competence to employers, landowners, clubs and the police.
Why do I mention this? Well, the ‘Shooting & Hunting Academy’ is looking for ‘Approved Verifiers’ who are willing to assess the practical skills of candidate that have passed the theory element of the course online.
If you have experience with airguns, have some assessing experience and access to a suitable range, we’d invite you to follow this link to register your interest.apc-approved-verifier-course
Either way, please spread the word!
Thank you.
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 Bucks & CWD Doe
IN Season in Scotland: Roebuck, Fallow Buck, Red Stag & Sika Stag
OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind Until 21st October
(Peter Jones - Editor)
