The End of Deer Stalking As We Know it.

Scottish government abolish the closed season for male deer. Professional Deer Stalker Peter Jones comments on the new 2023 legislation that will affect all those who hunt deer in Scotland.
Follow this link to enrol to Proficient Deer Stalker Level 1 (PDS1) Course:
www.huntingacademy.co.uk/bund...
Check out Courses and Masterclasses delivered by the industry experts on Shooting & Hunting Academy:
www.huntingacademy.co.uk/
If you are a professional stalker, have DSC2, PDS2 are a Range Officer or equivalent, become an Approved Verifier for PDS1, by taking this short course and getting registered:
www.huntingacademy.co.uk/cour...
If you would like to learn more about County Deer Stalking then visit: www.countydeerstalking.co.uk
Or if you would like to learn more about becoming a member of Capreolus Club please visit:
www.capreolusclub.co.uk
Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone]

[@kenbaker9673]

We have a saying in Canada “there’s a season for a reason”...

[@richardgeal3196]

This is an appalling time for those of us that stalk and manage deer populations. How long before it takes its path to england and wales. We have to stay together on this and as professional shooters hunters managers . Stick to our seasons as we have in the past ,and manage the population as we professionals always have within the laws!!!!!!!.

[@JP-rv6hg]

100%!

[@richardhill4023]

I just hope everyone who shoots in Scotland use common sense and and leave the stags alone when they are in poor condition .All we have to do is carry on with the close season as it was before ,just because the idiots change the rules does,nt mean we have to abide by it

[@theocdfisherman]

Absolutely ridiculous they are considering the same thing here in Ireland where we have very few deer managers . It shows a total lack of respect and understanding for deer and deer management . They are even considering putting a bounty on deer over here which means the poachers will have a field day . True sportsmen/women respect and understand their quarry

[@tomaszpaluszkiewicz3189]

Lack of knowledge..... Shame......

[@derekedgley5074]

It’s typical of the abject failure of SNP and the greens, to listen to the science and irregardless introduce this ill thought out legislation. It’s really the start of a second highland clearance scheme and DEFRA similarly, no friend of the countryside and public enemy number one for the farming community with their adversarial approach and conduct. Then we have Drakeford and cronies to consider with their similar attacks on the countryside and rural life. It’s a sad time to be living in the U.K.

[@robbfrodsham9671]

It’s a pity the government agencies don’t take the time to speak to experienced deer managers and their teams, the guys and girls that actually know how deer management and the countryside work. Thank goodness the guides and estates where I shoot are imposing their own closed season!

[@horseguy1230]

Some people really don't like change. As you said none of this is compulsory, but none of this is new either. Out of season permissions have been routinely used for years by many land managers. Give it a year or two and I suspect we will wonder what all the fuss was about.

[@robphillips100]

I think you missed the point…. There won’t be a season.

[@horseguy1230]

@@robphillips100 That IS the point - there wont be a season for males but effectively there hasn 't been for decades for the larger land managers - particularly those in the public sector.

[@robphillips100]

@@horseguy1230 yes I understand, but this will lead to good strong stags with decent heads on them, being shot while wintering in the lower grounds. Larger numbers will be taken (if the Estates allow it granted) and when paying clients are present that’s a high probability. Personally speaking think it’s a bad move and definitely not what we need in the highlands with already dwindling numbers.

[@horseguy1230]

@@robphillips100 Only time will tell, but in my experience most estates are quite picky about when and what they are willing to shoot with clients. I seriously doubt they will start slaughtering their best stags just because they have a few months more to do it before they start casting - it certainly isn't in their longer term interests to do so. Of course they have no control over what happens on neighbouring ground, but if the landowner there is wanting to maintain low deer numbers chances are they have already been shooting out of season anyway, which goes back to the original point.

[@Paul-kf1ws]

I am sure that the professional and most recreational stalkers will continue as is in terms of males in Scotland. They recognise the stags need to recover post rut and feed up before winter. As for the roe bucks, time will tell. Paul@testvalleyvenison

[@tomjones7593]

Very well put, sir. As a very amateur stalker I can see only too much sense in what you say, though I confess I wouldn't have spotted the flaws as clearly as you set them out.

[@Tippermixer86]

Like you say it will come down to common sense and morality among managers and stalkers. Thanks for explaining it so clearly. Been struggling to get my head around the decision for a few days🤯🤯🤯🤯👍🏻👍🏻

[@peterjones4442]

Thanks for watching Simon and for the comment. Glad we could help.

[@outdoor585]

Well said and let's hope it doesn't come south. I don't know why people vote for these individuals what has happened to common sense these days.

[@RememberBannockburn1314]

We didn’t vote for these TWATS ! or they’re pals , the GREENS ! It seems that every time they say something is being considered , it’s already been decided.

[@allandobbs7059]

Agree ill thought out and with poor foresight!😮

[@neilrobbins7844]

Trouble is with all the deer fences going up deer have to move to other areas making more deer in one area more impact because they can't just go anywhere they wanted they are just forcing deer on roads ect

[@williambaird8807]

I been saying it for year’s, they do what they want . It matters not if it’s sensible or not. Example air gun certification 90% against it passed flying colours. When the antlers drop then that willl be the new closed season.

[@fingaonthatrigga]

Here in Ireland they are changing the season to august 1st to the 31st of march for the 2024 season. To control the exploding deer population here in Ireland. What has happened in Scotland is a joke I hope that stalkers there will practice their own season.

[@RememberBannockburn1314]

There’s always some greedy bar stewards that won’t !

[@angusmoodie1026]

I and others I go out with will no doubt keep to seasons. Absolutely ridiculous the seasons came around in the first place for a very good reason. Typical off the Scottish leadership I’m not surprised. They’re all about winning votes and support nothing else

[@thememorybank2623]

So, off topic but I live up in the Highlands and the property I had permission to stalk has been sold. I haven't been here long and don't know many folks. Anyone have suggestions for finding a bit of ground that isn't going to bankrupt me? I'm primarily out in the field for meat and memories. Not fussed about trophies. I've spoken with a few farms in the area (Dingwall/Alness) but have had no positive reception.

[@MrGrizzely]

Disgusting legislation.

[@brianduffy5193]

Very good video, but the biggest problem of shooting is not rules, it's the nepotism in trying to get permission, 75 Scottish farms over 5 years??

[@cal79]

I wont be shooting out of season... ridiculous

[@tomaszpaluszkiewicz3189]

Thats some crazy shit. Seriously.... Hard to believe....

[@johnmcphee2201]

once again rules and regulations are being made . probably by some one who has never even seen a dear in its natural environment. the closest they come to dear is when they order venison for lunch in a hotel being paid for with expenses taken from the public coffers.

[@shtumba4282]

Wow! Here in the USA our laws are way different!

[@robertmurray632]

Sad to say our world famous stags and bucks, have less legal rights than a hare. Shameful state of affairs

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

Legislation made by people who don't understand deer management but hate sport hunting of all kinds. I hope most estates will continue to manage sensibly.

[@peterjones4442]

Thanks for the comment!

[@hstwodrainage.1410]

Dropping of the bullet weight? Always thought using the heavier bullet weight was better for transfer of energy for maximum kill was best.

[@peterjones4442]

The logic is so that it will allow people to continue to use the popular .243 calibre with non lead ammunition, something that it was struggling to achieve with 100 grain minimum bullet weights. Thanks for watching.

[@jbgladstone]

As you said opening up the male season is bad deer management. The Scottish government simply want to hit the estates that make revenue from taking guests out to shoot stags during the rut. There will be less stags to shootable stags if they are shot indiscriminately over the winter by contractors from their trucks. However when a guest pays £900 to shoot a stag this employs people and supports a family and a rural way of life that is being crushed. Some say its a modern highland clearance.

[@rodneygroom5345]

Attitudes like yours brought about the situation in scotland. Its not disney. Way too many red deer on the ground mostly because of selective culling for 'deer management' Roe are a massive problem if you grow trees. Sika shouldnt be there and are spreading which cant ever be good to native flora and fauna. Fallow are just as hard to handle in Scotland as in England where they get into large heards. I would argue that you have just seen the first relaxing of 'hunting regulation' and should be happy that for once its not the tightening. Id also argue that it gives all landowners more choice and a new management tool to use should they wish. Improves venison quality and availability, saves man power on licensing and changes nothing should you want to carry on as normal. Also, the rules are probably easily reversed if need be.

[@opsoverseas]

Opens the door to poaching and messes up the species behaviour. That's all....

[@marccallaghan7997]

Very, Very sad!

[@CallumHepworth-Smith]

Some points i agree with but the comment regarding Roe deer is utter rubbish... "Are Roe deer a serious problem on most Scottish estates? i think not" Shooting Roe bucks without antler (i.e out of season) will not warrant the same stalking fee and will not attract clients. i suggest you take a visit to the commercial forestry in the borders. As a "professional stalker" and training provider i would have thought you would have known the problems Roe deer present in the Borders A nice effort to inform people tho