Typical Day & Tactics

Hunters generally arrive to Heathrow International airport in London and are greeted by the outfitter or a shuttle driver, delivering hunters to the quaint hotel or cottage accommodations for the hunt. Arrive in time to prep hunting gear and enjoy a nice dinner before bed.

The following morning will start off in the pre-dawn arriving at the hunting area slightly before sunrise. Sika are notoriously nocturnal, and the rut is certainly the best time to both confirm their presence by the piercing sound of their whistle-like mating calls, and catch them off their guard as they filter from open to wooded country. Like most crepuscular deer species, early mornings and late evenings often produce the highest likelihood of an encounter with a mature stag. While populations are good, Sika are very cunning, shy, and elusive which makes for a challenging and rewarding hunt. So, calling, glassing, sitting in high-seats, or stalking in the early morning hours are the typical strategies.

Come mid to late morning, and hunters are usually brought back to the lodge for a hearty traditional brunch with all the English fixings. That is of course unless in hot pursuit of a vocal stag, throwing his survival savviness aside as they can during the rut. But typically, a midday nap and some R&R occurs until it’s time to resume the game of cat and mouse for the evening hunt. Typical but reverse tactics are now employed, as stags are either stalked through timber, waited on from a strategic high seat, or overlooking a feeding/rutting field waiting for the herds of Sika to begin emerging from the forests.

In the meantime, Roe deer are very plentiful in all the hunting areas, while Muntjac can also be hunted in various select regions. Free-range English Red Stags may also be available upon special request with a relocation further west if desired. Additional Sika stags may also be taken on a flat-rate trophy fee basis if successful early in the hunt. Certainly, something for everyone in jolly old England!

Landscape & Climate

Southern England is a patchwork of small, old hamlets, rich agricultural or pasture fields dotted with mature deciduous dominated woodlots, and the odd pine plantation. To this, add medieval castles, churches, and manor homes in the distance set amongst gently rolling hilltops. Huge gnarly English Oak, Elm, and Beech trees become covered in ivy scattered among the holly and rhododendron bushes. Medieval era rock walls and dense hedgerows compartmentalize the landscape. Some of the Sika hunting grounds occur along the English Channel and are coastal in nature, with the characteristic reed-filled tidal marshes that these deer are often associated with.  Before long you find yourself in an ancient, picturesque, and very huntable landscape. Exploring it alone is worth the trip.

During the October rut, the leaves are still generally green with fall colors just commencing. Mornings are generally dewy, but frost is uncommon. While visibility in the woods is somewhat hampered by the foliage, the tradeoff is more exposed soil and quieter stalking conditions allowing hunters to sneak more silently through the timber. Rain is always possible in southern England but generally not a wet time of year. In fact, the weather is quite lovely during the fall season which makes for pleasant outings with cooler mornings and evenings and warmer middays. For detailed weather data, Wikipedia is an excellent resource for historic weather trends found in the “Climate” section available for any city worldwide.

Meals & Accommodations

Stay in either a beautiful heritage castle or manor home, now converted to a rural hotel, often complete with a bar and restaurant. Or a quaint rural cottage on the outfitters homestead located directly in the hunting area, with commuting times often only mere minutes. Enjoy traditional, local, homecooked meals if at the outfitter’s home. If staying at one of the hotel accommodations, enjoy private rooms with all amenities. There may be a local pub on the grounds or a short walk away that makes for a nice after-hours treat.

Meals from the hotel restaurant are already included in every package with a list of traditional English fare. Breakfasts are typically light, with a hearty home-cooked or buffet-style brunch upon returning from the morning hunt.  A midday pub-stop for lunch may also occur, depending on the hunting area. Order what you like off the menu for dinner. Fish & chips, bangers & mash, gourmet burgers, local seafood platters, curries, pizzas, and pastas are just some of the great items to choose from each night.

Key Equipment Suggestions

This hunt only requires basic equipment. A day pack, 10x binoculars, rangefinder, headlamp, comfortable walking boots, earth-tone or olive drab layered hunting clothing, rain gear, and a camera cover the essentials.