Elk hunter Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 (edited) Last week I has a phone call from a farmer in Norfolk who knows my brother. He wanted me to come over again and sort out the wild reds that become resident on his land, taking a couple and butchering for him. Well I never pass an opportunity to stalk deer but I like to help guys who don't get the opportunities I do. I gave a guy I've met through air rifle shooting, Harry he's shot full bore with me on a number of occasion and we have mutual respect for each other. But has not taken any deer since getting his 243. The conversation went something like this. "are you busy next week" "yes" "have you a couple of days free" "why!" "would you like to come stalking for reds" "what time do you want me at your house" "thought you were busy" "not now" A plan was hatched for Thursday and Friday but as Harry did not have time to collect any suitable ammo. So I knew he was comfortable shooting my TRG 308 I suggested taking that, although heavy its accurate. Down side part of the plan was an early start. On arrival at the farm it was already 8am and by the time we'd had a cup of tea and a chat with James. He told me the most likely places to head too and it was mainly hinds with calves seen, no stags around. It was gone 9 before the kit came out the truck. I'd had a map emailed over so a small head start in some way. Harry and I set off to the rough meadows next to the rape. Fortunately as we approached the rape there was 12 reds walking towards the meadows. We both lay down so not to be seen as the meadow falls into a basin, so once the the deer drop in we could move in. It was a tense 30 minutes as Harry followed my lead across the field and along the hedge to find a way through. Finally crept to the edge of the basin and there was a group of 7 animals including a pricket. Harry got into position around 120 yards from the animals and as the deer were not aware of our presents there was no pressure on the virgin stalker. Whispering to Harry what to take it was only a matter of time till the animal presented itself. Love seeing a novice take there first deer all the adrenaline pumping, the excitement and the anticipation. The hind turned side on for a perfect shot and all the time I talked Harry through it. Safety came off and I kept whispering "clear, clear.clear" then that distinct should of a moderated rifle. The bullet hit its mark and it was almost text book, the hind lifted its front leg and lunged forward, before dropping into a puddle. There was no time congratulate my apprentice as the deer were not sure what had happened I managed to take another hind with my 6.5 x55, before the they fled. Now I could shake Harry's hand as we walked over to the bounty. James came and collected the two animals so we could move on for another stalk. But not before I showed Harry the correct way to field dress the animal. Hard work bagging up the gralloch into old feed bags, but I didn't have to do it. That's the job of for the novice! First hind. Smiling from ear to ear we set off again I won't bore you with all the details but by the end of the day we had 5 red deer. I'd taken 2 hinds and Harry was fortunate to have taken 2 hinds and a small stag. James hung them up in the barn for the night while his wife sue made us a good old cow pie. After a pleasant evening with beer we were both in bed by 8.30. The bounty. Friday up early and on the road with a truck full back to Leicestershire. Back at here it was a crash course on skinning and breaking up a carcass as I wanted them in the chiller ASAP. Harry although a novice was a great help even if his knife work was, well different to mine! By mid afternoon all was done and all down to me. Sunday I will butcher and pack 3, then into the freezer for James to collect next week. Monday night I'll show Harry how to butcher the meat into its prime cut and steaks. Lots to do. Another great outing and good company to go with it, just hope Harry feels a bit more confident to take a deer or to out of his own wood now. Andrew. Edited January 10, 2015 by Elk hunter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew f Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 Top work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpy22 Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 great write up . well done for putting the guy on his first deer and the freezer will definitely be restocked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynny Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 Excellent stuff gents, cracking stalking session, Atb Flynny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belly47 Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 well done both of you, very rewarding i imagine showing someone the ropes. keep up the good work belly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bala Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 A very interesting post, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lampwick Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 Yes thanks for that. I really enjoyed the post. Bet Harry wont or get that day in a hurry! By the way how far North were you? Pm me if you don't want it public! Cheers Lampwick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berettacocker Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 Well done, 1 Fallow or a couple of munties in more than enough to skin and butcher for me. Fair play to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saggy61 Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Well done, not jealous at all cough cough , excellent work and great write up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daystate 177 Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 What a top bloke, and a right result for the novice stalker, iv been thinking about a rifle for some time but with a permission it won't happen A credit to the sport you are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Well done - I bet that put a smile on his face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Excellent write up and great for you both. Harry is very lucky, is he on here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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