This is what the DI think of non professional or armature stalkers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/e...ntryfile_18_01_2009/

About 6 mins. in. Have a look. That DI would like to get their hands on ALL stalking in England and Wales to the detriment of anyone they do not like.

Beware

I my experiance the DI have been nothing but helpful, in fact they have assisted a couple of friends of mine to link up with landowners who were in need of people to manage the deer on their land.

One of the Land owners was the RSPB the Other was NT

I saw this on televison and I can't recall seeing anything to be alarmed about what the DI spokesman said. Please enlighten us!

Ok ,OK.

The DI have, for the past 5 years, set about targeting land owners around the country trying to get them to buy into the stalking schemes that the promote. By that I mean the DMG they set up.

At the meetings they host, only land owners are welcome. Stalkers that show up are given short shift and made to feel unwelcome.

This, and I speak from personal experience, is because the DI want farmers/land owners to give up the stalking rites to one of their DMG's and push out the hobby stalkers that may be already on the land.

Try joining a DI DMG and see how far you will get.

The statement made that "armature stalkers are ineffective," and that " they are not on the ground enough" point toward more organized culling that is needed.

Strangely enough, the Forestry Commission is selling up huge amounts of its land to finance the government. This, almost all, is going with all of the shooting rites,including deer.

What will happen to all of the FC rangers that culled the deer on these grounds now they are out of a job?

Strangely enough, they are all tied in with the DI. Ready to set up DI DMG's in your area. And after your stalking as they can be their 24/7.

If we do reach the 3 million deer mark by next year , and the government decide that something has to be done, who do you think thay will call.....not ghost busters, that's for sure.

Also, why mention the DCS. We all know how popular they are with their bully boy attitude to the complete annihilation of deer north of the boarder. For those that do not know, the Deer Commission of Scotland has the right to enter your private land or estate and cull any deer that they say is surplus to requirement's or are causing damage.

That can do this after serving 30 days notice on you to get it done, or they will come in and do it. LEAVING YOU WITH THE AFTERMATH, CARCASSES AND ALL.

All I am worried about is the gentlemanly state of stalking being eroded by government bureaucracy.

looks like you had a bad experience. The DI in my experience are professional and assist stalkers where they can. I have participated in planned culling in the past organised by the DI. No problems.
If you have an issue with them then go to the man in charge and report back to this forum when you have an answer. I'm sure they will be happy to help.

Regards

Z

Hi, Just watched a little interview on the local news channel, A Deer Initiative Ladyperson expounding how many deer collisions are happening , some with human fatalities, the lady was advocating a stronger approach to culling, no mention of them as an organisation "Taking the lead", The area they were in during the interview was Thetford, with some hilarious stalking by the forestry ranger, He was hampered by a camera crew with all the attendant lights etc, He saw some good opportunities evaporate before his eyes