Your Stalkers Diary. February 2006.

With the pheasant season now over we are now faced with the usual rush to get the cull done before the end of the month of Feb. It is one of those strange things that some land owners with pheasant shoots are not keen for their ground to be stalked during the bird shooting season.

I believe that the impact and disturbance by stalking is minimal. Often there are public footpaths through the shoots anyway. The benefits of a stalker on the ground, who will always keep the vermin under control, gives another pair of eyes on the ground, in my view, far outway the percieved negatives.

As for the stalking, I am now seeing groups of 4-9 deer all over the place and I am culling to the density I am seeing rather on the plan I devised ot the start of April last year. In areas where there is a heavy brouse line and activity, I am shooting a higher proportion than normal.

Quality is superb this year with average body weights 10% up on last year. It must be said that the weather has been kind this year. I was correct when I observed a lower number of twins last August and have adjusted the cull accordingly.

Another point of interest is that recently I have been out all through the day and have always seen deer. Mornings and evenings are not always best.

Guest booking are starting to come in for the bucks!! As usual my Euro friends are always quicker off the mark with their planning. I would like to thank all my clients and friends for their support and company during the last year.

Many happy memories, great sport, and good crack. Myself, David and Paul look forward to seeing our old and new friends for the Bucks of 2006.

Pete.
Diary Slideshow