The Deer Diaries

Last week, I was chatting to our friends at Browning when this very conversation took place. After inundating them with questions about where, when, how and with what,  I just wanted more. So I took it upon myself to do a mass callout to our deer stalking pals to hear their favourite stories surrounding the art of the stalk. 

From the GWCT Suffolk Grand Slam Winner to a first timer with an epic rifle, we dive into some of our favourite tales from the field. 

Fergus’ Suffolk Grand Slam 

The Surprise and The Plan

I can hardly believe it - five deer species in a single day! It all began with a lucky GWCT raffle ticket. Suddenly, Peter, my Danish hunting mate, and I were plunged into the Suffolk Grand Slam: 36 hours of sheer adrenaline.

Thursday afternoon kicked off with target practice and a few nerves, but Peter’s WhatsApp updates quickly set the pace - roe and muntjac already down! Excitement, friendly rivalry, and a hint of national pride made the hours fly.

The Hunt Unfolds

Friday dawned misty and magical. Pre-dawn reds lay hidden in fog, hearts racing as we lay flat in the open fields. Thermal scopes revealed massive red deer, and after a tense wait, the shot rang out. Woodland, hedgerows, and coastal marshes became our playground. 

Chinese water deer, more muntjac, and finally the tricky fallow kept adrenaline high. Every stalk demanded patience, skill, and a touch of luck - but it was a thrill at every turn.

Triumph and Reflection

By sunset, the quad groaned under our haul, twenty-five deer in two days. Laughter, banter, and a cold beer in hand, golden light spilling over the marshes, made every moment unforgettable. 

The Grand Slam wasn’t just about the bag - it was about camaraderie, challenge, and the joy of being in the Suffolk wilds. Absolutely unforgettable.

David’s First Stalk

When GunsOnPegs wrote to me asking me to recall my favourite stalking experience, I was a bit surprised, as I am not known for my stalking prowess. However, the weekend that sprung to mind was obviously my first. 

Eating More Game

My New Year’s resolution last year was to eat more game. I love the ritual of shooting a bird, taking it home, preparing it and eating it with my family. There is something quite primal and satisfying about the process. I also really adore venison, but have never had the chance to do the same. So.. with that in mind, I emailed an old buddy from my finance days who recently moved just outside of Perthshire to take me on my first stalking adventure. 

Getting The Gun Right

My first priority? Get hold of a decent rifle. I chose the Browning X-Bolt 2 Veritech Black. Now, I have shot a rifle a few times, on ranges, out looking for hares and a few spots abroad, and this rifle is by far my favourite. The Varitech stock was really adjustable meaning the rifle was tremendously comfortable to shoot and I was relieved to have the stainless version when realising I would likely need a sound moderator. 

Stalking-Eve Anticipation 

Once the rifle was secured, it was time to prepare for the day in the breathtaking woodlands and misty hills. The night before I pored over what to wear and pack. The anticipation and excitement for a long day stalking, which is very different to the night before a driven shoot, was completely immersive. 

After not much sleep and a very early morning, it was time we headed off in our finest camo and waterproofs, armed with rifles, binoculars and an EKA knife - ready to make a day of it. 

What A Day

And what a day it was. We first came across a beautiful red stag on the apex of a hill about 100 yards from us. I fear, on this occasion, my inexperience got the best of me. Spotted by my buddy, with an incredible eye, all for me to deliver an epic mistake. Whilst we prepared to set up, I dropped my bag, leaving my ammo, packed lunch and extra layers crashing to the ground,  immediately spotted by our new friend. Before I even had the chance to look up, he was gone. A gruelling look from my friend and on we went. 

A sense of disheartening was swiftly pushed aside when before long we encountered a solid fallow deer amongst the woodland and I knew this was my moment. I shouldered the X-Bolt 2, looked down the sight, took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger. It was the perfect shot (yes, I will say so myself). The deer went down immediately and I leapt with excitement, joy and a bit of disbelief. 

A Hero’s Haul

Sharing the load of carrying this beauty back to base, we were completely giddy. We discussed how we would prepare the meat, debating recipes and making bets on whether we would have to buy a new freezer. An undeniably life changing experience and one I cannot wait to do again.

Avian’s Near Stalker

There are many aspects of my life that lack order. My garden is overgrown, my office is a blizzard of paperwork and half finished projects. I have no ordered boxes of screws in the shed and I rarely remember a birthday, especially my own.

But with shooting, I confess to being methodical, pragmatic and, some may say, anal. 

An SGC holder for 40 years, ten years ago I applied for my FAC. I attended a Firearms Awareness course and secured permissions over suitable ground. I diligently went through the six month mentorship, a retired police officer prepared to hold my hand, controlling rabbits with my beloved Browning T-Bolt .22LR and progressing to .243 for fox control.

I was granted an open licence, building my confidence and skills on paper targets and vermin control. Deer stalking was my next goal. After a couple of fruitless but enjoyable guided stalks I bagged my first roe buck, a suitable beast to take and rather fine eating to boot!

DSC-1 was next and I studied hard, attended the 4 day course, passing first time. My permissions were keen to manage the burgeoning roe populations and the forestry manager was desperate to protect his new planting.

That was two years ago and I still haven’t mustered the courage to head out. I have the equipment, permission, quarry, rationale and the skills so why haven’t I got on with it?

Inertia. I worry I’ll take the wrong animal. I worry that I will make a mess of the gralloch, miss an obvious issue. I worry I will fail to break down the carcass properly and anyway, I don’t have the space to freeze it. Generous friends offer to accompany me but I haven’t accepted.

Meanwhile, the deer numbers multiply and the saplings suffer. 

This spring it’s time to pull my finger out!

The Browning X-Bolt 2 Varitech 

Here is some more information about the Browning Varitech that David used.The X-Bolt 2’s Vari-Tech stock is designed around fit and adjustability. The composite stock features an adjustable comb, interchangeable sporter or vertical pistol grips and four internal spacers that alter length of pull from 327mm to 373mm.

Rubber overmoulded grip panels improve handling in wet conditions, while the thicker Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil. The rifle also pairs the stock with Browning’s adjustable DLX trigger and short 60-degree bolt lift for faster cycling. To find out more about this rifle click here.