I thought it might be an idea for us to report on roe rut activity and stalking exploits on this thread.

Around my neck of the woods there appears to be no actual rutting yet but bucks are getting pretty active. Crops are due to be harvested very soon and the most exciting weeks of the year are only a few days away!

Good luck all you roe buck stalkers!

Mowed another 12 acres of hay this afternoon. Saw my master buck couched down among the big round bales that were baled yesterday. Time was 5pm and he looked sleepy.



I saw him chase off a 2/3? year old and a yearling buck last week. Both will get the good news if I call them in the rut.

I tried to call in an old buck I saw on Sunday but he was not interested! He was on his own mooching about so I guess the rut hasn't quite started in Hampshire.
Ed

Down here it should be a bit earlier, and I have seen some deer chasing, but not gotten any interests.

Last night I saw a big buck chase a small guys off, but even while that was going on he wouldn't stop to listen to the rape call.

I'll give it another try this arfternoon

This afternoon was a hot humid textbook roe calling affair. Both does and bucks were active. I spotted a 4 pointer on some set a side that I was ambivalent about shooting. I decided to shoot if he came to the call. A couple of squeaks and he slowly but deliberately went away - no wind so perhaps an old stager that has got wise. He did have a very snowy muzzle so could have been an old 4 point rather than a young un coming on. I ate my lunch in case he came back but he never did - I doff my hat to him.

Later on in the woods I called a couple of times overlooking a ride - no joy. I moved 100yards and got a response from a young cull spike. He came in from down wind and ran off, finaly walking off parallel and offering a good shot at 50yards.

Calling roe - the blue riband of stalking IMHO

Driving home last evening saw a nice buck grazing aftermarth silage grass. Parked on roadside and snook back and tried calling him... no interest, just grazed up to within 70 yards or so before I spooked him.
Pleased because my rifle is in dock having T8 fitted until next week.

Out yesterday early morning - called to a beaut - no reaction - but he was seen chasing later in the afternoon. Weather is wonderful - hot, muggy - textbook for getting this rut underway - should be a good one!

Transpond - you went for the moderator then - think you will be pleased with the outcome - just remember to clean the barrel and keep an eye out for the dreaded condensation induced rust! Let us know how you get on. Hope the dog is working well.

Rgds Ian