What to expect from your Deer Stalking month by month. Enter your email address below to receive the Almanac:
Free Deer Culling and Deer Management Service
At County Deer Management we recognise that whilst deer are often an admired and fondly regarded animal they do require management. We offer a FREE Deer Management Service using properly qualified deer managers to help you achieve this.
Our service is FREE this is because our costs are covered purely from the sale of the resulting Venison. As such we ask only that any deer shot remain the property of the stalker.
How We Work
Upon your invitation we will visit your property and carry out the following:
- A survey of your land, providing you with an assessment of the likely species of deer and their approximate numbers.
- We will discuss with you and offer advice on appropriate forms of deer deterrents. Including the use of Deer fencing, Tree guards and electric fencing.
- If required we will then carry out a risk assessment in order to consider carefully the viability of a deer cull.
- If a cull is thought to be the best solution to your deer problems we will discuss a suitable cull plan with you.
- Why not give us a try? For more details please CONTACT US.
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25th April 2025
Why is May an optimum time to hunt...
In the UK the month of May represents an optimum period to be stalking the elegant and native Roebuck. But where can you find the best specimens and just why is May so good? We reveal all during this month’s look ahead. -
24th April 2025
Browning X-Bolt 2 Review
we take a closer look at the new Browning X-Bolt 2—a refined evolution of a well-known stalking rifle, featuring key upgrades in bolt design, trigger performance, and stock adjustability. -
16th April 2025
Deer Stalking Equipment & How to...
Tony Malkin offers a glimpse into his new book, The Efficient & Effective Deer Stalker, where he provides a practical breakdown of the essential equipment every stalker needs for a successful outing. -
08th April 2025
NEW Night Shooting Course for ALL
An industry-wide collaboration between the National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) and other leading industry experts in night shooting results in a new Night Shooting Course (NSC) for all those involved in shooting at night. -
27th March 2025
All Change in April
April is somewhat of an oddity as far as UK deer stalking legislation is concerned, and many stalkers might be forgiven for having to ‘swot up’ a little before venturing out. Thankfully, this is just what the County Deer Stalking Almanac is for!
Sika Deer Stalking
At County Deer Stalking we are able to offer what we believe to be the finest sika deer stalking in the UK.
We have grounds in Dorset and in Kent where we are able to offer first-class stalking over hundreds of acres of stunning scenery.
Sika Deer Stalking can be highly challenging as these deer are a secretive and whilly quarry. The best time of year to be hunting is during the rut in September to October, and during the early days of the season for hinds in November.
At County Deer Stalking we are delighted to be able to offer superb Sika Deer Stalking in Dorset and Kent for both cull animals and world class Sika stag trophies. Please contact us for details. 0203 981 0159
As well as in Dorset and Kent, many who choose to hunt Sika, will visit Scotland where there is a large population of Sika, along with an increasing number of Sika/Red Hybrids. Other large herds can be found in the New Forest and East Anglia.
Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon) are one of the larger UK Deer Species having originally been introduced to the UK in the 19th Century from Japan.
Typically existing in single sex groups but mixing more readily during the Rut in September, Sika deer are a highly vocal deer with a large range of unusual calls.
To watch a short film in which we are hunting Sika on our Dorset ground, follow this link: youtube.com/watch
Deer Stalking seasons vary between England & Wales and Scotland.
The Open Season for Sika Deer in England & Wales:
Sika Stags: 1st August - 31st April
Sika Hinds: 1st Nov - 31st March
The Open Season for Sika Deer in Scotland:
Sika Stags: 1st July - 20th October
Sika Hinds: 21st October - 15th February.
For more information about opportunities to stalk Sika Deer please contact us on 0203 981 0159 or email:
Back to Overview
Deer Stalking Seasons in England & Wales
Deer are protected by legislation which makes it an offence to kill or take deer during their close season.
Deer Stalking OPEN Seasons England & Wales:
| RED DEER | |
| Stags | 1st Aug - 30th April. |
| Hinds | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| FALLOW DEER* | |
| Bucks | 1st Aug - 30th April |
| Does | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| SIKA DEER | |
| Stags | 1st Aug - 30th April |
| Hinds | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| ROE DEER* | |
| Bucks | 1st Apr - 31st October |
| Does | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| CHINESE WATER DEER | |
| Bucks | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| Does | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| MUNTJAC DEER* | |
| Bucks | No Close Season |
| Does | No Close Season |
* These deer frequent County Deer Stalking grounds.
Please note that Deer Stalking Seasons for Scotland and Ireland differ from those of seasons in England & Wales.
For more information about the stalking seasons in Scotland take a look at our 'Deer Stalking Scotland' page: http://www.countydeerstalking.co.uk/outings-scotland.html
Chinese Water Deer Stalking
Stalking for Chinese Water Deer (CWD) is confined to certain areas in the UK. This is due to this deer’s specific habitat of Reed beds, River Estuaries and grasslands. Today some of the best CWD Stalking can be found in locations around Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, with other stalking available for smaller populations in Yorkshire & Shropshire.
CWD Stalking involves hunting one of the oldest species of living deer known to man, as they are thought to date back 35 Million Years!
Chinese Water Deer are peculiar to other UK Deer Species, due to the fact that the Bucks do not carry antlers, CWD do however exhibit long tusks.
The requirements of stalking Chinese Water Deer and their behaviour, usually dictates that the stalker use a flat shooting calibre. This is because shots are often taken at longer ranges than normal due to the deer's inclination to 'couch' in the middle of large open fields.
| CHINESE WATER DEER Open Season | |
| Bucks | 1st Nov - 31st March |
| Does | 1st Nov - 31st March |
If you are interested in stalking Chinese Water Deer or any other species then please CONTACT US for more details.
