For many experienced deer stalkers, the greatest luxury is not owning a rifle or having the latest equipment; it is having somewhere worthwhile to go stalking, whenever the opportunity arises.
There are few experiences quite like stalking fallow during the autumn rut. The ancient woodland, the smell of autumn leaves and the sound of bucks moving through the undergrowth make for an unforgettable experience. The occasional clash of antlers, together with the unmistakable belching and grunting of mature fallow bucks, can make for heart-pounding stuff.
For Samuel, a member of the Capreolus Club PLUS Scheme, a recent morning on the Club's Cotswold ground proved particularly memorable.
Stalking alone in beautiful ancient Cotswold woodland, with the fallow rut in full swing, Samuel eventually managed to get within range of a superb mature buck. With bucks belching and grunting around him, deer moving through the undergrowth and the occasional clash of antlers breaking the silence, it was an exciting and thoroughly rewarding morning in the field.
Afterwards, he sent the Club a message:
"It's been a fantastic stalk this morning! I managed to shoot a fabulous Fallow Buck. I was exhausted and tired, out on my own, but every single minute was worth it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
"Thank you very much for welcoming me as a member. Fantastic grounds and an absolutely fantastic team. Looking forward to many more memorable stalks."
As Chairman of the Capreolus Club it's particularly rewarding to receive feedback like this. But what Samuel's experience also illustrates is something that many experienced stalkers will appreciate: the freedom to organise your own stalking, visit good ground and head out when time and circumstances allow.
And that raises an interesting question. Is joining an established deer stalking syndicate the answer for those who want to enjoy more time in the field?
Finding your own deer stalking ground
Anyone who has spent time looking for their own stalking ground will appreciate that securing suitable land is not always straightforward.
Private stalking rights can be difficult to obtain, particularly in the more accessible parts of southern England. Even when suitable ground becomes available, there is the question of managing the land, establishing safe access, understanding boundaries, arranging extraction and ensuring that deer management is carried out properly.
For some, the answer is to negotiate their own permissions and manage everything independently. But for others, joining an established deer stalking syndicate offers a rather more practical alternative.
The attraction is relatively straightforward: access to professionally managed stalking ground without having to negotiate and administer individual permissions yourself.
Of course, not all syndicates are the same. The quality of the ground, the number of members, the arrangements for booking and the level of support available can make a considerable difference to the experience.
For someone looking to stalk regularly, these are probably more important considerations than simply the number of acres advertised.
The appeal of independent stalking
There is a considerable difference between booking an accompanied stalk and having access to your own stalking ground.
An accompanied outing can be an excellent experience, particularly when visiting unfamiliar ground or pursuing a particular species. But it generally means arranging a date with a stalker, working around their availability and paying for each outing.
For those who already have the necessary experience, equipment and firearms authority, the ability to organise their own outings offers a very different proposition.
A free morning, an unexpected day off or a change in the weather might provide just the opportunity to get out.
Rather than waiting for a scheduled stalk, you can make your own arrangements and head out when conditions are favourable.
This is the thinking behind the Capreolus Club PLUS Scheme, which provides members with independent access to a portfolio of private sporting estates through its Book & Go system.
The Capreolus Club PLUS Scheme
Established in 2014, the Capreolus Club has developed a substantial portfolio of sporting opportunities across southern England.
Its PLUS Scheme was created specifically for members who want something more than occasional accompanied stalking: the freedom to enjoy independent deer stalking across a number of professionally managed estates.
The syndicate currently comprises nine sporting estates covering more than 6,000 acres, with opportunities to stalk Fallow, Roe, Muntjac and Sika.
Grounds extend across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, West Sussex, Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire, providing a variety of woodland, agricultural and mixed sporting environments.
Importantly, the sporting rights are reserved for PLUS members, giving them access to ground that is not generally available for public stalking.
You can read more about the Club's development and individual syndicate grounds in our articles:
New Syndicate Grounds Revealed – Stockbridge, Hampshire
New Deer Stalking Syndicate Ground – Silchester, Hampshire
Capreolus Club Celebrate 10 Years!
How does Book & Go stalking work?
One of the principal attractions of the scheme is its Book & Go system.
Suitably experienced and approved members can book an available ground and organise their own stalking outing without the need for an accompanying professional stalker.
This provides considerable flexibility, particularly for those with busy working lives who cannot always plan their outings weeks in advance.
Members have access to the syndicate throughout the year, with bookings often available at relatively short notice.
The system is supported by professionally prepared maps showing boundaries, access routes and extraction points. High seats are installed where appropriate, and experienced deer managers are available to provide advice and assistance.
There are also no additional trophy fees on syndicate grounds, and members retain the venison from their legally harvested deer.
Of course, independent stalking carries responsibilities. Prospective PLUS members must demonstrate an appropriate level of experience and competence before being authorised to stalk unaccompanied. Those requiring additional experience or training can be supported through the Club.
More than just a piece of stalking ground
One of the advantages of joining an established club rather than simply acquiring an individual stalking permission is the wider range of opportunities that comes with membership.
The Capreolus Club has developed a programme of organised stalking outings, shooting events, training opportunities, overseas hunting trips and social gatherings.
Members also have access to advice and assistance with firearms licensing and deer management, together with opportunities to meet and share experiences with other stalkers.
PLUS membership incorporates the benefits of full Capreolus Club membership, so there is considerably more to it than simply having somewhere to go stalking.
For some members, the organised trips and social side of the Club are particularly attractive. For others, the principal benefit is the independence of the PLUS Scheme.
In reality, the two complement one another rather well.
What does a deer stalking syndicate membership cost?
The Capreolus Club PLUS Scheme costs £325 per month, payable by Direct Debit, with a minimum membership term of twelve months.
For those who intend to go stalking regularly, the economics can be attractive when compared with paying for individual accompanied outings.
There are no additional trophy fees on the syndicate grounds, and members retain their legally harvested venison.
Of course, whether membership represents good value depends on how frequently you intend to use it, where you live and the importance you place on having access to your own stalking ground.
For someone who enjoys regular outings and values the freedom to organise their own stalking, it is certainly worth considering.
Is independent deer stalking right for you?
A private deer stalking syndicate is not necessarily for everyone.
The PLUS Scheme is particularly suited to experienced stalkers who already have the necessary equipment, firearms authority and fieldcraft to stalk independently.
It is also important to recognise that having access to good stalking ground does not remove the responsibilities that come with managing and harvesting wild deer.
Members are expected to observe the Club's requirements, respect the sporting estates and undertake their stalking safely and responsibly.
For those who meet the requirements, however, the opportunity to enjoy regular independent stalking across a portfolio of established sporting estates is an attractive proposition.
Looking ahead to the 2027 deer stalking season
As we approach 2027, the Capreolus Club continues to welcome applications from experienced stalkers interested in joining the PLUS Scheme. Whether you're looking to secure access to good stalking ground for the coming year or simply want greater freedom to organise your own outings, now is an excellent time to find out more about membership.
Interested in finding a deer stalking syndicate?
If you have been looking for somewhere to enjoy more regular stalking, or would simply like greater freedom to organise your own outings, the Capreolus Club PLUS Scheme is well worth investigating.
With nine sporting estates, more than 6,000 acres, four species of deer and the flexibility of Book & Go stalking, it offers experienced stalkers an opportunity to enjoy considerably more time in the field.
You can find out more about the Capreolus Club PLUS Deer Stalking & Shooting Syndicate, including details of the individual grounds and membership benefits.
Alternatively, you can apply for Capreolus Club membership and indicate that you would like to be considered for PLUS membership.
For an informal discussion about your stalking experience and the scheme, contact the Club chairman Peter S Jones on 07789 747709 or call the office on 020 3981 0159.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deer stalking syndicate?
A deer stalking syndicate is a membership arrangement that provides access to privately managed stalking ground. Members typically share the cost of securing sporting rights and enjoy access subject to the syndicate's rules, booking arrangements and competency requirements.
How does the Capreolus Club PLUS Scheme work?
PLUS members have access to nine sporting estates covering more than 6,000 acres. The Book & Go system allows suitably experienced members to arrange their own stalking outings across available grounds.
Can I stalk unaccompanied?
Yes. The PLUS Scheme is designed to provide independent stalking opportunities. However, members must first demonstrate an appropriate level of experience and competence and receive approval from the Club.
How much does Capreolus Club PLUS membership cost?
PLUS membership costs £325 per month by Direct Debit, with a minimum twelve-month membership term.
What species of deer can I stalk?
The syndicate offers opportunities for Fallow, Roe, Muntjac and Sika deer, depending on the location and availability of the ground.
Where are the Capreolus Club syndicate grounds?
The nine estates are situated across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, West Sussex, Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire. They cover more than 6,000 acres of professionally managed sporting ground.
Do I have to pay trophy fees?
No. There are no additional trophy fees on the Capreolus Club PLUS syndicate grounds, and members retain the venison from their legally harvested deer.
