Roe buck stalking is one of the most popular hunts in Europe and for good reason, a strong population in most countries, interesting and varied trophies, nice weather, and a variety of hunting methods available mean that no two outings are the same.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert hunter, we look at some hints and tips to make the most out of your season.
1. Know your gun inside out.
No matter what hunt you are on, safety should be paramount. Ahead of going out, make sure you have checked your rifle (or shotgun in some places) for any issues or blockages. Likewise, make sure you know the distance of your zero, your drop at different distances and how much to account for different wind. It is also imperative to not shoot outside of your comfort zone, it is better to leave an animal and remember the experience than to wound it by risking a shot you are not confident in.
2. The wind is all important.
No matter how quiet your approach is, if you get the wind wrong, the deer will wind you from far away. Ensure you have the wind in your face and you minimise the scent you give off to give you the best chance (remember the old poacher’s saying.. “With the sun on your back and the wind in your face, this is how you poach from her grace”). Use the Wind Direction and Scent Cloud feature in the MyHunt app to keep track of any changes.
3. Know where the sun is and how to use it.
Talking of sun… you never want to stand out when approaching an animal and with stronger sun at this time of year, the chance of silhouetting yourself is greater than ever. Try to approach the buck with the sun is his eyes. Combined with mastering the wind, if he can’t see or smell you, then you are good for an approach. It goes without saying that you should never skyline yourself either, especially with a clear blue sky as a backdrop!
4. Plan your hunting carefully.
Think about where bucks have been spotted recently, have you noticed any patterns? Seen any does that might tempt an old wily buck out of hiding? The MyHunt app is great for recording your sightings and building up a picture of where your roe bucks are and how they behave. Try not to rush around your hunting area leaving scent everywhere and disturbing everything. Instead focus on small areas at a time, carefully watching for the slightest sign. It is also a good idea to work out where you want to end up for the magical last light where your best chances are and get there ahead of time to let things settle as you wait and watch. It is also a good idea to try to keep disturbance to a minimum and give each area time to rest between hunting visits. Using the MyHunt app's new overview feature, you can see when the last harvest in each area was to ensure you go to a well rested area in advance.
5. Don’t be tempted to ruin your management plans.
Whilst it is exciting and tempting when you see that huge medal buck in your sights, stop and think before you pull the trigger… Has he passed on his genes sufficiently? Is he starting to regress, or does he have another year or two in his prime yet? Good management should look at the long-term gain not the short term. Focus on taking out the poorer bucks and those regressing. It will payoff in the long run!
6. Seat or Stalk?
Sometimes your area will make your choice for you, other times it can be the terrain itself. Either way, both have their positives, you make less noise and disturb less in a high stand as well as having a better back drop for your shot whereas you can cover more area and be more reactive to a change in situation stalking on foot. Whichever way you decide to hunt on your next outing, perhaps try a different approach next time, variety will keep you fresh and allow you to see your area in a new way.
7. Practise makes perfect.
If your rifle hasn’t been zeroed for a while or you have changed ammunition, head to the range to check and boost your confidence. It’s also worth checking you are comfortable, quick and silent moving into a shooting position. Practise as much as you can so when the important moment comes, it is one fluid quiet movement. If you use shooting sticks or a bipod, make sure setting this up is as smooth as the rest.
8. Technology can help improve your chances.
Whether it is checking the weather forecast, the wind direction or planning the likeliest spots based on your previous sightings, make sure MyHunt is with you on your hunt. Likewise, a rangefinder allows you to accurately gauge distance, whether built into your binoculars ora stand-alone item. Lastly, thermal imagers have been gaining popularity in some places, however they are not allowed everywhere, and some hunters prefer not to use them from an ethical point of view. There is no doubting their usefulness though, even if it is just for surveying your numbers before planning your season’s hunts.
9. Learn how to call Roe.
One of the most exciting types of hunting bucks is calling them during the rut (where allowed). If you have never tried this, it is worth watching some videos or asking a local hunting friend to show you how to call them. The easiest way is the Buttalo, a simple plastic call that anyone can master in half an hour. Mouth calls are harder to master but do keep your hands free! Don’t overuse the call though, you don’t want the buck getting wise to your intentions.
10. Look after the meat.
Once you have been successful, your job doesn’t stop there. Make sure to treat your buck with respect, ensure it is given the“last bite” and any photographs taken are tastefully done. Lastly, if the carcass is free of disease, it should be entered into the food chain as cleanly and quickly as possible. Let us know on our social channels if you have any recommended recipes!
