Kiri, I need to send you a cheque for this weekend.

PM your address and I will get it to you.

I just re-read this thread to remind myself what the targets for the weekend are. Looks like Muntjac does are the main menu.

I’ve never seen a Muntjac much less shot at one, so I’ve been browsing the web for pictures, descriptions and how to differentiate the sexes.

Does anyone have any field tips for stalking these guys?

Here are a few photos I’ve grabbed from the web (none are mine)




















Looking forward to the weekend.

cheers,
stu

Hi Stu,

I shoot quite a lot of Muntjac on my patch here in Bedfordshire and, to my mind, they are cunning little sod's. They are not a herding deer, they have ill defined territories and are always on the move. You have to be quick to spot and shoot the little beasts and, believe it or not, they can take some stopping.

I have shot them with anything from a .223 to my .270 WSM and some have ran for 100 metres with no heart!

Anyway, they are great little deer to stalk and I am sure you will enjoy the weekend very much.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Bill

P.S. Here is a photo of a gold medal buck I shot here a couple of years ago. Whilst I am not a trophy hunter, it would be nice to get another sometime

Stu,

Further to my last, and to answer your Q's about field tips, you can call Munties with a Roe call (such as the Buttelo) but you have to be careful as most who will come looking will be Does that have a kid stashed somewhere. I try to only shoot Bucks or heavily pregnant Does in order to not orphan a kid.

Also, if you see a Muntjac walking (and they nearly always are) a quick squeak will often stop them for a second to allow you to take aim and shoot.

Hope these tips help.

Bill

Guys,

I now have the visitors permits in my hands, and in adressed envelopes. The post office is closed now so I will send them tomorrow mng, or Monday first thing if they are closed tomorrow.

Regarding the other questions;

yes the main quarry will be Muntjac does, as they are included in the package, but everyone has a Buck on their ticket for the weekend of any quality. I would expect us to see one or two nice bucks shot given the volume of rifles going out. Additional bucks and roe does may also be shot at a flat fee.

Apparently there is a herd of Fallow that has moved in sporadically so we will work out what the plan is on those closer to the date, but they will also be on the menu if they appear before you.

The Reds unfortunately are off limits, due to a fall in their numbers.

We will make time on the Friday afternoon to sit down with the whole group and give a pree hunt briefing, and you can ask any questions you have. Of course all questions can also be posted here!!

We are getting close now and the temp is rising. The pigeon shooters should be in for some great sport if the weather stays good, and we are seeing a lot of Fallow in Sussex for those of you coming to the "warm Up" session with me!!

In the mean time I'm going to go out tomorrow and see if I can get a guy his first ever deer so that should be fun. I haven't shot one myself yet this year!!

Rgds,
K

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Pink:
Hi Kiri,

Finally made it to the forum.

Looking forward very much to our weekend, and to meeting all the other guys.

See you sometime around noon on Friday 19th

Bill

Welcome Bill, good to have on the forum and look forward to seeing you at the meet.

Amir

Thanks Amir, looking forward to it too.

Pink...Bill Pink.

All that BS about a 270 WSM!

I know you execute these little beasties with a double-tap to the back of the head with a silenced Walther PPK.

See you in Suffolk.

I'm off to poach one of Kiri's fallow.

Mr H, at least I don't have to borrow a rifle to do it. Oh, and please call me Bond, James Bond

Just got back from Kent with blood on my hands - a little fallow bucklet.

Looking forward to munching it after the butcher from West Wickham has done his thing.

My rifle isn't borrowed this time it's 'stock'!

Bill, thanks for the tips and posting the photo of your buck. The taxidermy work looks to be pretty well done too. Looking forward to meeting up soon.


Kiri - good to know the permits are on the way. I've managed to find maps of where this weekend is being held. If you could post here or PM me the address of the Sussex place so I can make sure I've got it marked before I leave, that would be great. A contact phone number for you and/or the estate would also be great.


thanks,
stu

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Pink:
Mr H, at least I don't have to borrow a rifle to do it. Oh, and please call me Bond, James Bond

Ask him how far his fallow run.

All,

If you go to Google Maps and put in the address and/or postcode of the hall:

Livermere Hall, Great Livermere, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 1JP

Then hit the 'Satellite View' tab you will see an aerial photo of where we are staying. The photo shows a red car and a white one parked outside. The hall is just to the East of Ampton Water.

Bill

You guys know of course Muntjacs originate from the far east and is usually found in altitudes in southern china. What we encounter here is not there natual habitat but what they have adapted to over the last 80 - 90 years.

I have a DVD with English running commentary depicting muntjacs and chinese water deers in southern China in their original habitat. I will bring it for all to view. I presume there will be a DVD player or laptop somewhere on the estate.

Seeing chinese water deer swim in paddy rice field is a sight to enjoy.

Kiri

Will there be time to drive some of our visiting friend to nearby constable country. in between hunts ?

Gentlemen,

Kiri called this afternoon to state he would be temporarily indisposed.

Therefore; could I be so kind and inform the participating members of the 3rd Annual AR Weekend that their Firearms Certificates have been put in the post today (08-02-10) at @ 15:00 (Mickey's big hand on the 12, his small hand on the 3).

A heads-up so we can anxiously be looking in our mailboxes daily in anticipation of finding something joyful rather than threatening letters from the Internal Revenue, Debt Collectors or Credit Card Bills.

Hoping everyone's paperwork arrives timely ......

Looking forward to seeing most of you in a coupla weeks .....

quote:

Looking forward to seeing most of you in a coupla weeks .....

Hey Gerry - it's next week!

Thanks for the heads up about the paperwork.

stu

quote:

Hey Gerry - it's next week!

Stu ..... Ugh, Yeah.

You are correct; most know my calender/clock/watch ticks to a different beat!

Gerry,

That reminds me of one of my favourite [mis]quotes.


"If you alone can keep your head, while those all around you lose theirs. then you haven't fuly understood the gravity of the situation!!"


Anyway,

We were out at the weekend and there were a lot of Fallow moving about for those that way inclined. smallbore shot the first ever Muntjac to be shot on our shoot. I had a herd of about 40-50 infront of me but after a small issue with a jammed case and broklen stix, I only managed a single pricket. An interesting shot that I'll relate in Suffolk, given it is the first deer for a while requiring a follow up.

I have been assured that you will all have your permits in time. Unfortunately some were late coming in which is what held things up for those of you with a more nervous disposition, along with plod being a bit slow to boot.

Time is close now and we are looking good, so any questions let us know.

K

quote:

Originally posted by Fallow Buck:

smallbore shot the first ever Muntjac to be shot on our shoot. I had a herd of about 40-50 infront of me but after a small issue with a jammed case and broklen stix, I only managed a single pricket.

Kiri,

That is a big group of Muntjac, will we see them in those numbers in Suffolk.

DJM,

the herd of Munties working it's way upto Digs seat was spectacular. ~I've never before seen Muntjac mixed in and travelling with Fallow before.....

FB

In that case I will bring a long lens because a picture like that will sell ............. Can somebody shoot for me while I take a picture ?

Aaaahhh, hopefully my Muntjac spell will be over this time.
Really like one of those buggers.

quote:

Originally posted by Arild Iversen:
Aaaahhh, hopefully my Muntjac spell will be over this time.
Really like one of those buggers.

Don't worry Arild, i'm sure we'll get you one!

Even if we don't get you an actual muntjac, I'm sure we'll get you a trophy of some description to take home mate.....

Looking at metcheck for Next weekend, it is looking pretty chilly. Temps around freezing plus windchill.

Bring lots of warm gear guys.....

Ghubert.
That´s most comforting.
Jo knows everything about me and the munties...No good record to put it gently.

Brian.
What about footwear?
Muddy and wet or dry and fosty?

Have Muck Boot wellies and 10" Garmont Gore tex lace on leather boots.
What to bring?

It's usually safe to plan on muddy and wet mate.....

Do you have any of those neoprene lined wellies?

Yes, the Muck Boot is neoprene lined, reach next to the knee.
Warm and comfy, but if it get damp inside it takes days to dry up again.

Guys,

Paperwork arrived this afternoon, took 2 days from UK to The Fatherland - hopefully everyone else should be receiving good news shortly .....

Exteneded 10 day weather forecast for the area is rain/snow showers and temperature of 0°C with "Feels Like" into -5°C range. Not too frigid but certainly cold for those who don't dress accordingly.

Leather Boots are not good for English Mud; which has an adhesive additive, and is different from normal Mud. It clings to leather like glue.



The optimist I am I'll bring both leather & "Wellingtons" (Rubber Boots for the rest of the World).

Toe Warmers for the Wellies are a solid suggestion .....

Gerry's advice is very good, the best way to make sure you don't end up a certain creek without a particular motive instrument is to bring more than one pair of boots.

They will have a drying room but if you can leave a soaked pair to dry for a day whilst you wear the other so much the better.

Kiri,

Does anyone need picking up from airports or things like that?

I need to know soon-ish if I am to arrange a large car.

308mate and I will be arriving in Stansted around 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon. I have a car booked. If anyone is stuck around that time we could take one.

Who will be there for a beer and food on Thursday night?

Got my paperwork in the post yesterday as well. Two days from Blighty to Switzerland isn't bad.

Looks like I'm all set. See some of you on Wednesday next week and the rest of you on Friday.

cheers,
- stu

I'm picking up Solvi.
Sometime on Thursday I think.
So hope to be up there in time for some action and a bit of a session.

Ok, I had forgotten that Kiri is away for a couple of days so here is the announcement:

Is everybody sorted for their transport from airports and things to the ground?

If anybody is even the slightest bit unsure please post or send me a pm and we'll get it sorted out for you.

I'll see all of you between Wednesday and Friday next week.

quote:

Originally posted by Stu C:
Got my paperwork in the post yesterday as well. Two days from Blighty to Switzerland isn't bad.

Looks like I'm all set. See some of you on Wednesday next week and the rest of you on Friday.

cheers,
- stu

Did you get my PM, Stu?

I got your shotgun permit together with my TFP. I will arrive in Gatwick a couple of hours after you.

If anyone reads this and knows Stu, please help me make sure he gets the message.

quote:

Originally posted by Anders:

quote:

Originally posted by Stu C:
Got my paperwork in the post yesterday as well. Two days from Blighty to Switzerland isn't bad.

Looks like I'm all set. See some of you on Wednesday next week and the rest of you on Friday.

cheers,
- stu

Did you get my PM, Stu?

I got your shotgun permit together with my TFP. I will arrive in Gatwick a couple of hours after you.

If anyone reads this and knows Stu, please help me make sure he gets the message.

Anders,
Just got your message and replied. Thanks kindly.
- stu

TFP recived today, all set

I noticed the amount of cartridges allowed to import is 40 pc.
Guess I better take 10 out of my 50 pc MTM box then...
40 should be plenty enough anyway...

Weather forecast still wet/chilly?

Hi All,

Just checking in on a connecion I've managed to get onto for a short while.

For those of you coming over to have a go at the Fallow ith me first. General consensus seems to be that a Wednesday evening stalk will be put into the plan. This should allow for a leisurely rise for us on the Friday morning and travel upto Suppolk without a rush. Stu is the only one that I haven't run it past but I have no problem taking him out alone on Friday morning if the new plan clashes with his schedule.

As for the main event. We are talking about east anglia here, witch is big and flat and the winds con in from the north sea. Probably sounds like home to Arild, but the rest of us will need some cold weather gear. High seast are metal and not enclosed. You will be sitting there for about 2 hours at a time so a small thermos, gloves, hat etc are all a good choice.

Rifles will be checked if required prior to the start of the hunt, but most of you travelling from abroad will have already had a shot and a chance to zero at mine. A rifle slip along with your hard cases is also a helpful item to have along with you. A few rags and some gun oil will probably be available, (I'll try and remember!! ) so we can dry off the guns at the end of the day.

For those of you travelling to the travel lodge, then please do NOT leave guns/ammo unattended in the rooms. This is likely to create a major incident!! Guns should be kept with you at all time please with bolts out and mags empty.

The pigeon shooters will be fully kitted out and I will do my best on Saturday to shoot a few to have some natural decoys available. Shells for shotguns can be bough on location.

I think that about sums up any loose ends. We'll be meeting at the hall (address as posted by Bill Pink) at midday on Friday so I'll look forward to seeing you there if not before.

I'm back in the UK tomorrow and will have internet access from the on until Friday so any questions I'll get onto as soon as I get back.

Rgds,
Kiri

Hi guys,

Another thought regarding gralloching. The estate would like stalkers to perform a green gralloch on their animals at least, or a full one if possible. Gralloching can be done close to a hedge for easy disposal.

As such I thought a roe sack or a rucksack of some type would be handy to carry your deer out with the short distance to vehicle access. Bigger carcasses than munties will be recovered by the estate or anyone that specifically needs the help.

Rgds,
K