The need for deer culling
For many people deer stalking is a recreational activity, but it is also necessary to protect agricultural crops and forestry and indeed, deer, since they are prolific breeders and, if numbers are allowed to increase unchecked, may become prey to starvation and disease.
The deer stalker’s obligations
The rifle you are using is capable of killing over great distances and every shot taken must be totally safe. A responsible stalker will have third party liability insurance, but the best insurance is responsible firearms handling. It is the stalker’s responsibility to know, and understand, the laws relating to the sport and, in particular, to be able to identify deer and to know when and where to shoot. The responsible stalker will, in addition, observe the Countryside Code at all times.
Knowledge and experience
All stalkers should aim to gain knowledge and experience both in the practice of stalking, and in the ecology of the deer. This can be gained either through recognised training courses, the expert guidance of an experienced stalker or a combination of both. Stalkers can demonstrate a level of competence through attainment of the Deer Stalking Certificate.
Consideration for the deer
Although deer are comparatively large animals, the vital areas for clean kills are small. No one should consider stalking unless they can consistently shoot a group of three shots within a 10cm target at 100m.
A shot should be taken at a range that will ensure a humane kill. Shots should never be taken at a moving or badly positioned deer, in poor visibility, through cover, or at any time when your aim is not steady. After taking a shot, always assume that you have hit the deer until you have proved otherwise by thorough searching. Always follow up and humanely despatch a wounded deer, regardless of the time and effort involved.
Firearms and ammunition
The stalker must only use a rifle and ammunition which are legal for the species of deer being shot. In addition to compliance with the law the stalker should be guided by knowledge, experience and personal preference in their choice of a rifle and ammunition. The legal requirements are laid down in the several Deer Acts and Orders.
Scotland
For roe deer, where the bullet must weigh at least 50 grains AND have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second AND a minimum muzzle energy of 1,000 foot pounds may be used.
For all deer of any species - the bullet must weigh at least 100 grains AND have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second AND a minimum muzzle energy of 1,750 foot pounds.
It must be stressed that all these figures are the minimum legal requirement.
For all deer stalking the bullet must be of a type designed to expand/deform on impact.
To ensure safe and humane shooting, stalkers must practise and maintain their skill with the rifle and must check at regular intervals that their rifle is still zeroed correctly - i.e. that the bullet is striking a selected point of aim at a chosen range.
The rifle must ALWAYS be test-fired, and the zero verified or corrected, after a knock or other impact, or after any unaccountably wild shot. No one should continue stalking in such a case, until this zeroing (or sighting-in) has been done.
Safety
Always ensure that there is a solid backstop behind the deer before taking the shot and that you have an uninterrupted view of the foreground.
Never assume that thicket woodland will stop a bullet, or, that a thicket is unoccupied.
Always check that the line of shot is unobstructed.
Shooting from high seats (in woodland) is generally safer than shooting from ground level but rifles must always be unloaded before climbing in and out of a high seat.
Always check the bore of your rifle before loading, especially if there is the slightest danger of the bore having been fouled with mud or snow.
Always apply the safety catch after loading and do not release it until you are about to take the shot.
Always unload your rifle before entering a house or any other building.
Always unload before crossing an obstacle.
If, for any reason, it is necessary to leave a rifle in a (locked) vehicle, ensure that it is out of sight and remove the bolt and ammunition where practicable and carry them with you together with your firearms certificate.
Taking a shot
Safety is paramount - never take a shot if there is the slightest doubt about safety.
Always identify your deer and ensure that no other deer, or any other animal is behind it and could be wounded by your shot passing through the target.
Never fire at a deer unless you are absolutely sure that it is well within your effective killing range.
Always ensure that your deer is broadside on. Never take a head shot as this often results in a shattered jaw or nose-bone.
A broadside shot through heart or lungs is strongly recommended.
Never take a shot at a running deer - sooner or later this will result in a wounded deer (the exception being a second shot at a wounded deer). If in any doubt over any shot don’t fire.
Before the shot, mark the position of the deer by reference to some adjacent feature - bush, tree or rock, for example, and then, if the deer runs off into cover, always assume that you have hit it.
Immediately load another round, apply the safety catch and then wait. You should learn to recognise the behaviour of deer, shot in different parts of the body, as this will dictate how long you should wait before following up. Whatever the circumstances, wait at least five minutes.
You should then approach the spot where the deer was standing and search for signs such as hair and blood. If you cannot find the carcass, do not give up. Follow the blood trail slowly, if possible with the aid of a trained dog. At all times be prepared to shoot again if necessary, but remember that at a range of a few metres the bullet will strike below the point of aim.
