Hi,
I met Griff earlier this year on Arran whilst taking part in the BASC Red cull. He suggested I ask for some advise/help on your site.

My situation is that despite shooting for years, I now live in a new area and am finding it very hard to get into some stalking opportunities in the Hamsphire area.

I currently have a bit or Roe Stalking (Limited to high seats) on a piece of land I shoot on as a syndicate member for Pheasants (Rough shoot)etc.

However this is dependent on an 80 plus year old keeper who's health is now failing.

I would love any help, advise or pointers anyone can provide in obtaining some free or low cost stalking in the Hampshire area.

I'd rather some free sporting rights in order to help out a friendly farmer etc as I can not afford to purchase what could be expensive shooting rights.

I would be delighted to help out on any local or national culls in order to gain further experience. But also need some help in finding some local land.

I hold a DSC Level 1 obtained in Jan 2004. and have current membership of BASC and the BDS.

Thanks

Robbo

quote:

Originally posted by Robbo:
I would love any help, advise or pointers anyone can provide in obtaining some free or low cost stalking in the Hampshire area.

I'd rather some free sporting rights in order to help out a friendly farmer etc as I can not afford to purchase what could be expensive shooting rights.

Robbo,

Hampshire is probably the premier roe stalking county in the UK. As such it has a longer history of trophy stalking and farmers/estates who have had more time to get used to commercial rates for the sporting asset.

I think it very unlikely that you will get any good sizable parcels of land for free - it would require someone to forgo a piece of income.

I would suggest you find a good local professional and pay for some accompanied outings. Impress him and see if he is interested in a hand with the does.

I would definately try small privately owned woodlands that are overlooked by the established stalkers.

Patches of 5 acres can yield a surprising amount of deer over the year and are generaly gratis apart from the odd haunch ready for the freezer. If you get a good reputation from a couple of householders then your name might come up one day with someone who has a bigger block of land.

Unfortunately it takes patience and a LOT of hard work. I started off where I am with a 20acre wood and now have enough to keep me busy for 5 outings a week year round. Then you have the fun of trying to keep hold of it against others (such as yourself )



I have heard that the classic counties such as Hampshire and Dorset are extremely difficult indeed to get stalking on

1984MK2,

Thanks very much for the response.

Patience and hard work are something I've learnt.. So am not afraid of either...

I suppose your feedback is what I expected..

Any piece of suitable land that needs work will do for me.. and gaining someones trust I believe is easy enough if your a sound character and willing to put in the hours and work involved.

My problem is who to trust and getting in with some of the local pro's and people on the scene...
I am of course happy to pay for a number or trips that are reasonably priced, however cost is a concern whilst trying to balance the usual household expenses.

Could do with some contacts if anyone is able to provide these... Clearly i've heard of numerous stories from those I have met.. so anyone who could recomend a suitable guide/contact I would be very grateful.

Thanks again

Robbo