Find Articles by Category
What to expect from your Deer Stalking month by month. Enter your email address below to receive the Almanac:
Hunter Wellington Boots are an investment piece – there are clearly cheaper alternatives on the marketplace (from a myriad of brands you have never heard of and most definitely lack the Royal Warrant), the local garden centre is full of them.
UK Deer Legislation
The following is a guide to the law regarding deer stalking and deer management in the UK.
Deer legislation across the UK is not uniform. In both Scotland and Northern Ireland the legislation is different from that in England & Wales. For both residents of the UK and for the international hunter this is an important point to recognise.
The following are just some of the more important legal points to remember.
Although the Deer Act allow occupiers to protect their crops from excessive damage, and to permit the killing of an animal to prevent suffering, the stalker must not:
A) Use anything except legal firearms to kill deer
B) Shoot out of season unless authorised to do so
C) Shoot at night (one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise) except under licence
D) Shoot from a moving vehicle, or use a vehicle to drive deer.
E) Sell venison in Scotland, except to a licensed venison dealer.
(Please note a Game Licence is no longer needed to kill or take deer, anywhere in the UK).
Firearms & Ammunition
The stalker may only use a rifle and ammunition which is legal for the species of deer being shot. In addition to adherence with the law, the stalker should be guided by knowledge, experience and personal preference in their choice of a rifle and calibre. The legal requirements are laid down in the Deer Acts.
ENGLAND & WALES
For Muntjac and Chinese Water deer only- a rifle with a minimum calibre of not less than .220 inches and muzzle energy of not less than 1000 foot pounds and a bullet weight of not less than 50 grains may be used.
For all deer of any species - a minimum calibre of .240 and minimum muzzle energy of 1,700 foot pounds is the legal requirement.
NORTHERN IRELAND
For Muntjac and Chinese Water deer only- a rifle with a minimum calibre of not less than .220 inches and muzzle energy of not less than 1000 foot pounds and a bullet weight of not less than 50 grains may be used.
For all deer of any species - a minimum calibre of .236 inches, a minimum bullet weight of 100 grains and minimum muzzle energy of 1,700 foot pounds is the legal requirement.
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 80 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 more on Rifle Calibres suitable for deer stalking in the UK follow this link: rifle-calibres)
For all deer stalking the bullet must be of a type designed to expand/deform on impact. For example soft nose or ballistic tip.
(For more on Expanding Ammunition follow this link: expanding-ammunition)
For more information and advice about the legislation affecting Deer Stalkers in the UK please CONTACT US.
Deer Stalking is the term used in the UK to refer to Deer Hunting or the stealthy pursuit of deer. Though historically undertaken with the use of dogs modern deer stalking in the UK is typically undertaken with the use of a high powered rifle fitted with a telescopic sight.
Thermal imaging cameras used for deer management
Deer Stalking and Management in Wiltshire
We are delighted to be able to offer both accompanied and unaccompanied deer stalking in Wiltshire just 10 minutes drive from Salisbury over 1000 acres of stunning countryside.
Our stalking grounds are frequented by both Fallow Deer and Roe Deer with occassional sightings of both Sika & Red Deer.
Wiltshire offers some of the best deer stalking in the UK and attracts hunters from around the globe, many of whom are attracted to the high quality Roebuck.
Deer Stalking is conducted on a one- to-one basis with one of our experienced professsional guides. Guests are welcome to use their own rifle or one of our estate rifles, all of which are fitted with the very best Swarovski Optic's.
Alternatively, if you are suitably experienced and possess suitable qualifications you may be eligible to stalk unaccompanied as part of a syndicate scheme. Please contact us for more details.
Whatever your needs, at County Deer Stalking we are keen to help you get the most from your stalking. If you'd like to find out more about Deer Stalking in Wiltshire or in any other area, then please contact the office on: 0203 981 0159 / 0208 239 7311 or email the office:
We are the largest and most popular deer stalking provider in the south of England. If you would like to find out more about deer stalking then follow this link: go-stalking
We are making some exciting changes! Read more about what is to come.
April offers a great opportunity for some selective deer culling, but which Roebuck should you choose?
With the current poor spring what is happening to our arable farms and how does this affect Deer Stalkers?
Peter Jones Reviews the Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter Rifle.
All Deer Stalkers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Lymes Disease and how to prevent it.
