You are here: Home > Ladies > An introduction to stalking / hunting for ladies

Jenni goes Stalking in South Ayrshire

Jenni Fielding recently attended a 2-day introduction to stalking course with Chris and Anne Dalton at South Ayrshire Stalking. The course, which is primarily field based, is intended to give an insight into all aspects of stalking and includes amongst other things instruction in technique, field craft, range safety and firing and also covers the Firearms Act and deer legal rifles. This was also an opportunity to gain an insight into the DSC Level 1 qualification and to learn more about deer ecology.
Chris has for some time been keen to encourage more ladies to come along to experience these courses, and hopefully dispel the myth that seems to exist that stalking is primarily a male preserve. Anne helps with the stalking as well as running the B&B side of the business.
Jenni very quickly proved an accurate and competent shot and had no problems on the range; all the rifles are moderated and very comfortable to fire, again a factor which seems to concern some of the gentler sex. The evening was spent discussing deer matters in general along with the theoretical side of stalking, deer identification and selecting cull animals etc.
Day 2 is spent out in the field stalking; field craft is covered and evidence of deer pointed out, fraying and territorial marking along with deer damage are examined. However, the main objective is to stalk into and shoot a deer and Jenni had some opportunities to do this, Chris stalked her in close to both Red and Roe deer and they were able to observe at close quarters both sexes, however none of the cull animals selected were in a safe position to take the shot and so were left.
Towards the end of the morning Chris took Jenni into a very good 6 point roe buck; the rifle was set and Jenni had the opportunity to shoot at approx 80 yards, however declined the shot.  She said afterwards "my heart was beating so much I thought it would burst".
I have been out with many seasoned male stalkers who have experienced exactly this feeling !!! Remember what it's like !!!!!
Jenni stated, ‘’What a fantastic few days and a privilege to be out and watch deer in their own environment and such fantastic scenery.  I have learnt so much and I cannot wait to come back.’’

Chris and Anne run South Ayrshire Stalking from their home at Garryloop in South Ayrshire where they provide accommodation, introductions to and accompanied stalking, along with training for both DSC Level 1 and 2. They specialise in individually tailored packages and provide all forms of country sports, including a new Introduction to Fly Fishing package, and are particularly keen to see more ladies out in the field.
Details can be found at http:// www.ayrstalk.co.uk or Chris can be contacted on 07710 871190.

Written by Chris, South Ayrshire Stalking

Lady featured is Jenni Fielding from Yorkshire. Jenni had never stalked before and is now preparing to take her DSC Level 1

Testimonial from Sue Beveridge:

"My First Stalking Outing

Earlier in the year, I went stalking with two friends, just as an observer. I was curious to see what it entailed, but also to see what my reaction would be to seeing a deer being shot. Being a vegetarian for most of my life, I wasn’t sure how I would react. In fact I was surprised; the whole stalking, shooting and gralloching totally fascinated me. I decided to go and get some first-hand experience.

A search on the internet led me to the Scottish Country Sports Tourism website which, much to my surprise, had a ladies’ page! There, I read an article by Chris Dalton of Ayrshire Stalking about taking a lady out stalking. Sounded a nice approach. I booked an introduction to stalking with 2 extra outings.

To start with, we went on to the range where Chris explained rifle safety and I had some practice shooting from various positions and distances. The rifle felt quite heavy and cumbersome in my hands and the first shot was a bit of a shock but with practice I started to feel more comfortable.

I had 3 outings and on the third one I shot a 2 year old roe buck. Not the easiest of shots, on my knees, in corn, rifle balancing on sticks, my hands shaking, but when it came to the shot somehow I held it together, stopped shaking and got a good lung shot. A good clean kill. Chris then showed me the gralloch in the field.

It was a very exciting and rewarding experience; for a few days afterwards, I was in some sort of trance remembering it. A big event, bit like childbirth, less painful.

So while there feels like something instinctive and primitive about being the huntress, for me it was also about the ‘head space’ I got from the stalking. 5am walking around in the woods, a couple of hours sitting in a high chair, just me and the peace and the natural surroundings; it was a great change from my usually busy life.
And did I eat any venison? "
Sue Beveridge

Country Sports

• Ladies' events
• An introduction to stalking / hunting for ladies