In the UK the month of May represents an optimum period to be stalking the elegant and native Roebuck. But where can you find the best specimens and just why is May so good? We reveal all during this month’s look ahead.
Now, there are a number of reasons why May is so good.
Firstly, by May, Roebuck will have shed their brown winter coat in favour of a glorious glossy, foxy red summer coat. They will also have shed the velvet from their antlers and will be in what is sometimes referred to as ‘hard horn’.
Not only are the UK’s Roebuck at their most visually striking they are also at their most active, the large family groups that were common during the earlier months of the year, break up as testosterone levels rise and the males compete and jostle to establish territory.
Mature bucks will typically aim to exclude lesser males from their territory and females will be seen to chase away their previous year's young, often to make way for the arrival of twin kids. The result is a flurry of activity, a spectacle that won’t be seen again until the rut in late July.
Late Spring is also a terrific time to be out in the countryside. The woods are blanketed in a haze of Bluebells, many fields are full of vibrant yellow rapeseed, and the trees by now are lush green. In the warm late spring sunshine, the countryside at this time of year is a visual and audible treat and seems to literally hum with life.
As you head out this May, it’s also worth exploring those neglected corners of your ground, Roebuck thrive in the areas where they are least disturbed. The rarely visited copse, the secluded, set-aside, inaccessible areas of your ground. These quieter, less disturbed areas often reveal the most impressive Roebuck, who have been left to mature in the most secluded reaches of your permission. This May I urge you to tread the least trod path, take the harder to access route and explore those hidden corners, you may be surprised by the result.
Of course, around the UK other species are also in season and the following table will help you understand what is in and out of season during the month of May.
In the meantime, if you’d like to start deer stalking but don’t know where to get started then visit the Shooting & Hunting Academy where you can find the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 PDS1, it’s the perfect place to get started. Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1
Finally, a big thank you to those of you that stopped by to say hello at this years Stalking Show. It was wonderful to meet so many readers and viewers. We took the opportunity to turn the camera on some of you and here is what you told us: Are we getting it right? | Viewers have their say
IN Season in England & Wales: Roebuck, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Fallow Buck, Sika Hind, Sika Stag, Red Hind, Red Stag, CWD Buck & CWD Doe.
IN Season in Scotland: Red Stag, Sika Stag, Roebuck & Fallow Buck.
OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind.
(Peter Jones - Editor)
