First deer

[Gimli 0]

An amazing day yesterday.

I'm in the final stages of my FAC application - I've had the visit, supplied references and have been told I should be told on Monday whether I will get a cert for a .22 and .243. The inspection officer was very optimistic.

 

As part of the support stuff for the application I've had a day's pre-DSC tuition and am arranging to do the DSC1 in stages. But I'd been offered the chance of a couple of accompanied stalks to prove shooting ability, safety in the field, knowledge of deer etc.

 

I had the first stalk y'day in Suffolk with a v good keeper and firearms instructor. After some zeroing and practice in a chalk pit, prone and using sticks, it was off to the fields.

 

We skirted round the edge of several fields of wheat stubble, scanning the hedgerows and woodland fringes. The stubble was full of hares, pheasants and partridges. After about 20 minutes, we spotted the first deer - a roe doe about 150 yards away. We watched her for a while to see if there was a buck around, but no go. On to then next field. We spotted two young does at about 75 yards - they must have seen and heard us but took no notice and went on feedling.

 

We decided to cut straight across the field to get to the woodland rides. Half way over we spotted three muntjac and a roe buck on the edge of the field, about 200 yards away. We were downwind and they were slightly in a dip so couldn't see us if we crawled. So down on all fours. Two hundreds yards later we stopped, waited a bit then slowly looked up - they were still there and very relaxed. So forward a few yards so that when sitting we'd have them in full view. Sat up slowly and as quietly as possible. The roe buck was yards away and head on. We set up the sticks, I balanced the rifle, checked my aim and distance and....WAITED. After five or six minutes he started grooming, then moved so he was exactly side on.

 

Aim, fire, deer down and kicking a bit. We waited, he didn't get up. So after a decent interval we went over. I'd hit slightly high but very efectively and he was going fast. The keeper made sure by breaking the Atlas joint at the vase of the skull.

 

We started gralloching when we noticed a young muntjac doe had emerged about 60 yards away and seemed totally oblivious. So, quietly reloaded, safety off, aim, fire and another clean hit and the muntjac jumped, moved a couple of yards and then went down.

 

So first stalk, one very nice roe and a small but very tasty looking muntjac.

 

Great day. Fingers crossed now for the FAC!

Edited September 11, 2008 by Gimli

[v-max 2]

well done to you did you not get blooded as in Scotland if its your first deer you get the blood of the beast facewash from stalker.

[Yokel Matt 918]

Nice one and a good read. Good luck with the DSC.

 

ATB

 

Local

[Gimli 0]

I missed the blood and guts facial. Wouldn't want to spoil my fine complexion - us prop forwards have to maintain our good looks!!!

[martin 332]

Well done Gimli,and,may you have many more mate...........Martin.

[Roz31573 0]

Well done!

 

And you got off lightly if you didn't get Blooded... most dissapointing lol!

[snapper5 0]

Great read and good luck for the FAC.

 

Well done!

 

S

[Deker 3,478]

Suspect you are still on a high

[Gimli 0]

A huge high - roast venison for dinner tonight with a really heavy Argie red wine. Venison currently marinading in homemade sloe gin with homegrown herbs!

 

Fixing another stalk for next week to get a few accredited kills to keep the firearms team happy about my level of experience if and when they give me my fac.

[Guest remmy]

well done on your first deer I hope you realise that its all down hill from now on, very addictive and will cost you a bloody fortune, but its worth every god damn penny, good on ya its great to be out among them rgds remmy.

[Gimli 0]

thanks remmy - and you'll be pleased to hear I shot them with a remmy!

[wildfowler-2007 0]

Great write up and you will always remember that one i cant belivie you missed out on getting coverd in the blood but hey many more to follow

 

regards

[Cernunnos 0]

Excellant job, good stalk Best of luck with your FAC

[Gimli 0]

Thanks, I've got my FAC. Went out today with my new (but s/h) CZ .22 lr and zeroed it, thern got good clean head shot on a rabbit with first shot at live target.

 

With my .243, I'll get my brand new remmy 700 sps next week. I have to have a series of accompanied stalks and kills with an accredited stalker and then the FEO will allow me to stalk unaccompanied.

[scrubworm 0]

damn thats a good start, great story,sounds like a great meal any more info your marinade maybe i will try it sometime. my favourite is sambar backstrap on a tray ,covered with mustard seeds ( just like you would cover it with clay) then cook until rare as will keep cooking when rested.cheers from aus.