Last October I saw for the first time a battle between two big fallow bucks. The violence astonished me and makes me wonder how often they are killed?
Jon Snowdon
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What do the different barks of a roe deer mean?
A colleague contacted me last week and told me about a roebuck that had barked at his presence in the wood, only to keep approaching him at a distance of…
How to help save the red squirrel
We are fortunate in Northumberland to still have pockets of the native red squirrel in several areas. This is not by accident. The work that is quietly being carried out…
Roe deer hunting – the five minute cull
We are in the thick of the doe season as I write and trying to catch up the numbers on one estate. Parts of this ground can be quite disturbed…
When should you take the shot?
Leaving aside the stalking skill, knowledge of the quarry, correct rifle mount, stability of position, breath control and all the other disciplines needed for an accurate shot, what do I wait for in…
How to avoid being seen, smelled or heard when stalking deer
Lately I was asked: “What do you consider the most important technique that should be put into practice while deerstalking?” I have to say the question found me a little off guard.…
French forest boar drive
This January, I was thrilled to be asked back to France by my old deerstalking guest Thomas and his father, Gilles, to take part in two driven shoots on boar…
How to spot TB in deer
The first recorded instance of tuberculosis having been transferred from a cat to a human was reported recently. I wonder if this surprised any of us whose work involves animals.…
Why poaching is inhumane
The many laws around deerstalking are designed to protect animal welfare, which is why poaching is not only illegal but often also cruel
Deer stalking: Meat loss or humane kill?
Forget about meat loss caused by a bullet, says Jon. The overriding consideration for every stalker is to bring about the quickest kill possible.