Stalking Deer: a guide to getting close to New Forest deer

	Fallow deer buck during the autumn rut

Stalking deer is an ancient craft. Indeed, stalking deer was one of the earliest skills learnt by man, a skill that developed out of necessity when animals were first pursued for food, and the hunters needed to combat their quarry’s keen senses of smell, hearing, and sight.

Nowadays, of course, few people hunt to eat, and stalking deer is no longer the sole preserve of those intent on killing.

In fact, stalking deer is equally important to wildlife photographers, people who wish to study these fascinating creatures and those who simply want a better view. And there are certainly few greater thrills to be had in the countryside than getting close to genuinely wild animals, whether by accident or after a lengthy, harmless pursuit.

The advice outlined here includes general principles for Stalking Deer, suggestions for Equipment and Clothing suitable for Stalking Deer, and Fieldcraft Skills for Stalking Deer. It is unnecessary, though, to slavishly follow all the recommendations, particularly if brief, infrequent, long range views will satisfy. Attention to detail, however, will invariably be rewarded with more frequent, closer and more prolonged sightings.

But always remember, please, to avoid causing disturbance to the deer. This is particularly important in May and June when births take place, and during the rut, the deer’s breeding season and a critical time in their calendar. In particular, always leave the area as quietly as you arrived - after successfully stalking deer, it’s often tempting to relax and walk noisily away, which is likely to concern the deer just as much as a clumsy first approach.