Stroke of Luck

[Terry P]

I have just got back from chasing pinks north of the border, whilst out getting a few bits at the local shop I bumped into a keeper I used to do a bit of rough shooting with. After exchanging pleasantries he informed me he was just about to go and shoot some roe deer, he asked if I fancied joining him. I drove back to my lodging faster than I probably should have and got changed.

I met him at the agreed area and we drove around for a bit , the drizzle decided to up the anti and started to lash it down. Stopping an looking through bino's we spotted a deer feeding in some stubble. We parked and set off on a soggy but exciting stalk, as we got closer to where we had seen the deer we had to crawl to a small rise in the field, the keeper peered over and said the deer had gone. I cannot believe how excited I had got just trying to get into position for a shot.

After a few more minutes driving we spied about 7 deer feeding in a huge stubble field, we set off again getting soaked as I went, the keeper led me on a merry route around the edge to get in range. He stopped me and called me forward. Looking through the gorse I could easily see 3 big deer with in about 100 yrds but the keeper pointed out that they were all bucks that had lost their antlers, my heart was going into hyperdrive and I really needed to give myself a talking to just to calm my nerves.

A quick commando crawl had us in a new position and to my utter amazement there was another 8 deer happily feeding and all with in 80 yrds of us, after watching them for a while the keeper pointed out a deer he wanted me to shoot, he set the rifle on its bi pod and I got down to take the shot, I could feel my heart beating into the ground, the keeper told me to slow down my breathing and when ready just squeeze the trigger, I found the mark just behind the shoulder and did as he said, the deer dropped on its front legs to the shot, got back up to a couple of wobbly steps and fell down. I quickly reloaded a I had been advised to do.

When we reached the deer it was already gone, I cannot describe how elated I felt.

The keeper ran me through the gutting etc and kindly gave me the deer to take home.

I think i'm hooked and cannot wait to try again.

The only downside is due to the rain which I had forgotten all about was so heavy I could not get a photo of my first but hopefully not my last deer. Shooting rabbits is just going to seem soooo boring now lol

 

[toontastic]

Well done, sounds like you had a good outing.

[karpman]

Good old friend ya bumped into there mate. It's that "rush" that's keeps is hunting and venturing on through the rain and **** I reckon.

 

Karpman

[Paul taylor]

Sounds like a great experience congratulations and well done on a good shot, i know how much u can shake and easily miss a shot when excited.

[wildfowler.250]

Well done! Really need to get back into the stalking myself. It's an expensive hobby but great fun. Should probably do my DSC2 as well as most stalking leases seem to require it,(which is a massive pain).

 

Much luck on the geese? How far north were you?

[mereside]

you will never forget that moment and just so you know it doesn't always happen like that but exellent news on your first and i am sure it won't be the last one, sounds like a good friend to teach you as i will bet you will be itching to get back out, hopefully next time you might get a chance of eating one you shot its lovely, atb wayne