Throughout the UK deer stalking has long been a sporting pursuit that has involved controlling the numbers of wild deer, which today are more numerous and widespread than ever before.

The term “deer stalking” is widely used by sportsmen in the UK and actually refers to the extreme stealth and wariness deployed in approaching wild deer in their natural habitats.

The traditional picture of deer hunting involved scent hounds and unarmed followers on horseback, yet the enforced ban in 2005 made hunting with hounds illegal. However, the stalking of deer in Britain today is still very much part of rural life and crucial for the conservation of land and its management.

The culling of deer also helps to maintain and protect native plants, wildlife whilst also aiding the economy.  As deer have no natural predator, deer culling remains the only form of control to ensure their numbers stay manageable.

There are six species of deer in the UK; these are Red, Roe, Fallow, Sika, Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer. Of these only Red and Roe deer are deemed “indiginous”. Fallow Deer were introduced for sporting purposes by the Normans, with Muntjac, Sika and Chinese Water Deer thought to have escaped from deer parks.

Requiring patience and stealth, the act of deer hunting is a highly skilled sport where placement and movement is key to a successful spot. Orgnaisations such as the British Deer Society (BDS) and British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) offering excellent advice regarding the laws and the codes of practice surrounding deer management.

BASC are also a founding member of the Wild Deer Management Qualifications, offering people the chance to become involved in deer management and welfare.

As the awarding body, WDM also offer Deer Stalking Certificate Levels 1 and 2 where you can learn more about national standards, management, welfare and a host of information relating to the sport. Visit www.basc.org.uk and find out howyou can get involved involved.