The Accurate Reloading Forums
Whistling to stop spooked deer

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5421043/m/1811073801

28 April 2009, 17:59
Boghossian
Whistling to stop spooked deer
Does anyone attempt this regularly? Not when the animals are tearing off, but just easing away?

I usually give it a try, with varying degrees of success and wondered if its a common tactic and ifdifferent species are easier to stop for a shot.
28 April 2009, 18:50
Gerry
Actually, any noise (not even particularly loud, either) will get an animal's attention, if not only for more than a split second for them to determine Flee or Fight Syndrome. Keys clanked against a rifle barrel, a Hand Clap, Whistling, Coughing, Exclaiming, "Excuse Me, Sir/Madame!" or Yelling are all tricks but Whistling is a good one because the loud pitch seems to get their attention, occurs naturally from different Spieces (Sika) in the field and because it leaves your hands free for "Rule #1 (see below).

Rule #1 is the "You'd Better Have Your Rifle Ready Trick"; beacuse the opportunity will be mostly, unless it is a Darwinian Deer, Fleeting (Pun intended).

On fleeing Game; occaisionally (<30% IMO) a loud, piercing Whistle will/may/could/perhaps stop them dead (not quite yet) in their tracks to take another split-second gander; but it will also be fleeting; so Rule #1 still applies.

Yes, I'll attempt most any Trick in the Field since I'm only one-step away from disaster on my Best Days and this is why we're on the Top of the Food Chain; so pretty much anything goes IMO.

My $0.02 - remember; you're getting your money's worth.

Big Grin


Cheers,

Number 10
28 April 2009, 19:00
Boghossian
quote:

On fleeing Game; occaisionally (<30% IMO) a loud, piercing Whistle will/may/could/perhaps stop them dead (not quite yet) in their tracks to take another split-second gander; but it will also be fleeting; so Rule #1 still applies.

Yes, I'll attempt most any Trick in the Field since I'm only one-step away from disaster on my Best Days; so pretty much anything goes IMO.


That's the situation I am talking about - rather than stopping a walking beast for a standing shot. I think the success rate is round about 30/40% but must have something to do with how pressured the animals feel.
28 April 2009, 19:07
Gerry
Sorry, Pal I was still editing my response.

Yes, when a Deer is in Full Flight - what's to loose? I'm most probably (depends on the circumstances) not gonna shoot unless a really good opportunity presents itself.

If not too alarmed; I'd prefer to take the risk of putting an Deer into Full Flight than take an iffy shot at a moving/grazing animal, too.

It the Scheme works, great - if not; we go back out again in the afternoon.

hilbily


Cheers,

Number 10
28 April 2009, 19:10
1894mk2
Muntjac I whistle, the rest I bark/grunt first. Generally works very well
28 April 2009, 19:47
Husqvarna M98
The roe that I hunt are barely possible to stop with a short wistle,

more sound or of other kinds just puts them in flight mode..

/Chris
28 April 2009, 21:05
Claret_Dabbler
I had a party of fallow ran across my front in Baldock this year. I had seen them about five minutes earlier, something had moved them.

They were moving at a fair pace, I shouted "stop", they all stopped dead and looked towards me. I was able to drop one and was just settling on a second when they moved off again.

So it definitely works, at least some of the time, but you do need to be quick on the trigger.


Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you....
29 April 2009, 02:52
steyrman2
hi i have used it a good few times on sika hybrids on the hill for the second shot when there is a small herd strange most of the time old hinds stop i have seen young prickets running flat out of site while the older hinds stop and stomp the ground give the bark i also use it on foxes at night time with great results you have a split second for the shot a few lads i have had out lamping have seen it work
29 April 2009, 13:29
Boghossian
Interesting responses, maybe I need to up the volume a little?

It always amazes me how much noise you sometimes have to make to stop an undisturbed deer, say one that is grazing. It usually goes along the lines of
...whistle....WHISTLE.....heh....OIIIII....BANG!

Wish they were this deaf when I'm actually stalking.
29 April 2009, 15:28
SIKA98K
quote:


Wish they were this deaf when I'm actually stalking.


+1 jumping