View Full Version : Tools of a huntsman..
So what do you carry in your hunting kits then?
i only hunt with an air rifle, so its usually just pellets, penknife (for gutting) and some plastic bags to put the rabbits/pigeons in when i get back to the car.
cheers gb
Carcajou Garou
20-06-2004, 15:12
I carry a small/med pack with the following items: a heavy duty mylar blanket, small rain tarp, 50' nylon rope, a game drag, a SS messkit with cup/utensiles/kettle, game shears, 2-diamond laps (med/coarse), folding Gerber saw, GB hunting ax, extra wool socks/gloves/tuque, 2-large garbage bags, 2-plastic bread bags, spare knife/compass/firesteel, extra ammunition, first aid kit, 2-35mm cans strike anywhere wood matches, snare wire, water purifier, SAK, whistle, 2-tinder kits, soap, disposable towels, TP, flashlight, (extra batt), candle lantern, field dressing kit,
extra tobacco,
Rations: 2-sandwiches, salty peanuts/almond and raisins, thermos of tea, soup mix, jerky,
"E" rations: 3-cans of sardine in olive oil, hard cheese, 6-chocolate bars,
6-hard tack or corn dodgers, doz. tea bags, sugar/salt/pepper packets, tobasco sauce
In/on my hunting vest/coat/pants: compass, belt knife, mini-binoculars,
fire steel, paper/wood matches in a tin, GORP, tobacco/pipe, a large garbage bag, ammunition. Rifle of course on a sling. It might seem a lot but it is still small/light and easily carried, where I go I may not see anybody for days/weeks so I can rely only on myself if I spend the night. If you are prepared, spending the night is not bad it is good lets you think :-D
just a thought
so how often do you go hunting Carcajou Garou? And what do you like to hunt?
Not quite as intensive as our Canadian friend. I stalk in Scotland - both on open mixed ground - moorland, livestock grazing & commercial forestry mix and 'on the hill' proper.
In the UK, stalking ( hunting ) trips tend to be from a fixed base - house or hotel - and you are just out for the day.
In addition, our deer species are much smaller than elsewhere - Moose/ elk etc. We feel very hard done to if we have a 15 stone stag to drag. Hence we do not butcher on the spot as they may well do in remote parts of the US/ Canada etc.
For forestry stalking, typical kit is -
Rifle, scope, bipod and sling ( Tikka 6.5x55, Schimdt Bender 6x42 )
Binoculars ( Eschenbach 7x42 )
Spare Ammo in Uncle Mike wallet ( 10 rnds plus 4 in mag )
Soft rubber wellies
Wool mix stockings
Plus 2's ( wool )
Ulfrotte Wool top or silk shirt
SASS DPM Smock or Keela Ventile
In hot weather that drops to light trousers and a green T shirt plus Real Tree net suit
Two knives - Gerber Bolt action folder, Various other fixed blade
Bahco Laplander saw.
Drag rope
Sterile hand wash - Surgical gel from SP Services
Field First Aid kit
Radio/ Mobile ( ringer off! )
Strobe
Marker panel/ Survival blanket
Bush Hat & face net/ mask
Piece ( lunch )
GPS - depends where going
Map/ Compass
Water in 1 pt pilot flask - SASS
Survival kit ( mini )
Kit and Caboodle flex bore cable.
Insect repellant
All goes in pockets.
Hill
Wool Plus 2s and silk/ Ulffrotte as above.
Wellies replaced by gaiters and Cabelas boots
May up rifle to Browning 30-06 - identical scope.
All else as above, but include goretex oversuit
Second ammo wallet ( if culling hinds )
Longer drag rope/ 2nd rope
Fleece
Goretex bivi bag
All carried in a Berghaus Munro
Stick
Deerstalker hat - and yes I do tie the flaps down! And no there arent any pictures!
Extra chocolate bars - what ever guide/ stalker likes. These are then used to distract him/ her if they are hell bent on walking the legs off you! Failing which, use spare ammo to knee-cap them :-D
Sounds a bit paltry compared to Canadian friend. Though hope provides a useful contrast. What about other UK 'hunters'?
Oakleaf
Carcajou Garou
20-06-2004, 19:00
We try to go as often as we can in the fall. In a year's time I will be retired and will be going out at least every weekend plus a good deal of the fall season. Small game: rabbits, partridge, squirrels. Large game moose, deer and I act as back up for bear. Not much into water fowl yet but in the next year we will be starting. Hunting is not just going out and shooting something, it is being and observing nature, appreciating what the Creator has given to us. Killing for no good reason to me is a sin of wasting a bounty, I hunt and kill but I use what I collect, give thanks to the Creator for his gifts and the animal that sets his life down for me and my family. Not mystical but gratefull.
just a thought
Carcajou Garou
20-06-2004, 19:08
Oakleaf, I like to hear what others carry in their situations, to me Scotland seems exotic and intriguing. My son wants to travel to Scotland and be out and about, might even stay and work for a bit, would give me reason to go :-D The bushcrafter forum is a well of information from a different view point and I appreciate your sharings, Nyah Wen!! (thank you)
just a thought
ChrisKavanaugh
20-06-2004, 19:50
I recently acquired an old british african rifle in .275 ( 7 mauser) with a 26" barrel and leaf sights. It only likes the heavy 174 gr bullets. My hunting is for deer near the California Condor recovery program and countless marijuana farms, so the Barnes solid bronze bullets eliminate lead ingestion danger for the birds and are deadly on drug dealer's 4WD engine blocks. I carry; Fallkniven F1, survival kit, Pilot's survival flask,fruit cake, chocolate and jerky, map and compass, small first aid supplies. I like to travel light, which is a real neccessity in this terrain anyway. I give myself plenty of return time before nightfall, which is used up looking at pretty flowers while some motionless deer stares at me not 20' away :oops: . Hey, they don't shoot at me, I don't shoot at them. the lousy drug dealers poach more deer to protect their illegal crop anyway :-x
Hunting is not just going out and shooting something, it is being and observing nature, appreciating what the Creator has given to us. Killing for no good reason to me is a sin of wasting a bounty, I hunt and kill but I use what I collect, give thanks to the Creator for his gifts and the animal that sets his life down for me and my family. Not mystical but gratefull.
just a thought
here here
Carcajou
Noted both your subsequent posts.
Agree whole heartedly with the first.
To me, stalking best fits my outlook on life. I am much taken with the Lakota Souix saying - Mitakuye Oyasin - All our relations.
I stalk to satisfy various needs within me - being out and very in tune with surroundings. Mental/ physical challenge of mastering the rifle. Observing the woods/ moor close up and with time to ponder. Despatching my quarry in the most practical and humane manner I can achieve. Treating the carcase with respect and making good use of it - feeding myself or froends or going to feed others who choose not to stalk. The gralloch going back to the soil and to support foxes, eagles, buzzards, insects etc.
It is not deer killing. I go out to stalk not kill. I kill to have stalked. Does that make any sense?
In areas where things work, the deer groups and land owners work together to try to maintain a stable and healthy population. In parts of the UK it is arguable if this is being achieved and there have been some disgraceful episodes of deer killing. But all the stalkers with whom I talk have the same basic interest - a fascination with deer ( and usually all wildlife and nature ) and their well being.
If I take a novice out to stalk, aside from safety I am watching for that X factor - call it respect for life, call it humility - I dont really have the vocabulary. But if it is not there, they will not be allowed to take the shot.
Onto your second post - if either you or your son do come to Scotland, you must consider me mortally offended if you do not get in touch. May even be able to arrange some stalking for you. Shooting or no, please do look me up.
I am English by birth, but Scottish by heart. You'll either understand that sentiment or not. The proper Scotland is a land of incredible beauty and bounty. Those that properly belong, that are of the place not in it, are some of the most open, friendly and kind people you could hope to meet. Strangely, we look on places like Canada with the same fascination and interest you appear to show this way!
Obviously, people who have only done Parkhead on a Saturday may not entirely agree :-D .
A great philosophy for the novice or even experienced stalker Oakleaf. :ekt:
Carcajou Garou
20-06-2004, 20:40
Oakleaf;
It is not deer killing. I go out to stalk not kill. I kill to have stalked. Does that make any sense?
Extremly well said and understood 8-)
As far as Scotland well that is an intriguing possibility in the future.
Young Bushman, keep seeking and asking and experiencing nature, your kit will by experience, form itself to the needs of the surroundings, I would be marginaly prepared to "stalk" in the British Isle until I actualy was there and guided through at first, different area different needs.
just a thought
Firstly - just thought that maybe I was straying off thread topic - so my apologies to Young Bushman and Mr Moderator if I have.
Must admit that the phrase regards stalking was poached ( no pun intended ) from the gist of a phrase from the works of Ortega Y Gasset. Fairly widely published philosopher. Been after a copy of his work - Meditations on Hunting for a while ( that count as kit? :-D ) but waiting for cheap paperback rather than £70 plus for hard back!
Justin Time
20-06-2004, 22:04
Great thread :-)
I don't shoot/hunt though I think I understand what you are both saying about the stalk. I dabble a little bit in nature photography, I think for the same reasons, although I doubt I've got the fieldcraft yet to really pull it off. or perhaps to be more exact my fieldcraft sometimes gets me in the position to take good photos but the camera is either at home or in it's pouch and any movement would spoil the moment. I guess I don't have the mastery of both together to make it all happen.
Got lots of photos of red/brown things in the distance which are foxes or deer, honest....
Carcajou Garou
20-06-2004, 22:27
Young Bushman, What do you carry in your kit and how do you carry it?
Oakleaf, How much is a "stone" in lbs?
I notice that many people mention fleece, is this the wool of sheep or the synthetic polar type of fleece?
I envy your access to extremly good woolens products, do most people use woolen clothing as their main outdoor wear? other than slickers?
just a thought
Buckshot
21-06-2004, 09:13
I agree entirely, I find I don't always need to fire a shot to have a good day. It's the appreciation of nature, a paradox of what some people think you're doing. To go shooting you have to spend long periods of time outside, the more time you spend with nature, the more you appreciate it.
In terms of what kit I carry? I tend to carry the minimum. Because I can get my Landy to anywhere I shoot a deer I don't need to carry much.
Rifle (Sako 75, .308, Swasoski (sp) 2.5-10 x 50, moderator)
I'm just experimenting with a gun sock to cut the glare of the gun metal
Spare ammo
Shooting sticks
Bipod
3 knives (Alan Wood Woodlore, Stainless skninner, back up folder)
Disposable gloves (The blue kind because they're stonger, 2 pairs)
Scrim scarf as face netting
Insulation tape to cover the muzzle
Gloves (even in hot weather to stop the glare)
Various calls depending on season
Paracord
Folding saw ( both to use for dressing the carcass)
Phone
FAK
All are carried in pockets of my Army jacket made water repllent using Nikwax ( I don't stalk when it's teaming down). I tried using a Roesac, but found I have to unsling it to shoot which is noisy, time consuming, involves movement just when you don't want any and produces an unstable shooting position.
As I say, I don't need to carry the beast out because I can get a vehicle near enough without a problem.
The list changes if I'm Pheasant/ pigeon/ goose shooting but that's the deer kit
I think that's everything but probanly not...
Cheers
Mark
Various things to respond to -
Weight - strictly 14lbs to a stone, though if its for my medical can we call it 10lb? :-D
Wool - I love wool gear; for stalking it is often the quietest ( fleece pretty good too ). Quality gear lasts and last - very tough/ hard wearing. Most importantly it stays warm when wet.
Particularly on the hill, I frequently end up crawling through burns ( streams ) or ponds. Or even just across saturated peat. Wool stays warm.
Will try to see if I can get a scan of a picture from last stalk at Sannox Estate on Arran. It shows us presenting the head stalker with a toy snorkel after a week of spectacularly soggy stalking!
Cabelas seem to do some wool kit - I was quite taken with two wool huntig jackets they listed - think one was by Columbia? Anyone had any experience with these?
Swanndri also pretty good - just I find it very itchy. In addition, their standard green is just the wrong shade to blend well.
Also really like the Ulfrotte gear. ( see Ray Mears )
By Fleece I do mean the polartec type stuff. It is quiet too and the new gear combined with a wind/ waterproof layer is very useful. However, if normal fleece gets wet it tends to feel cold and wet.
Combining the wool kit part with Buckshots excellent take on stalking not 'killing' -
Stalked on Goat Fell two years back with head stalker. We glassed ( traditional three draw telescope used on hill ) a possible cull hind and calf further up the Glen. Only approach was to crawl up a Spur. Arran is strange in that you get very waterlogged slopes - it was effectively soggy bog with streaming water. In places the water was frozen. I unclipped one end of my rifle case and used it as a drag bag.
We crawled 400-500 yds - hands and knees. Thereafter it was flat on ground and snaking for say 200 yds. This took us past the back of a young stag - say 5 yds away. Last 150 yds was flat down, pulling with finger tips and pushing with toes. Head down and face just above water.
The Stalker peeked up and uttered 'oh deary me' ( sounded like that anyway - could have been in Gaellic? :shock: ), we froze - at the time I was laying on top of his ankles ( not going to elaborate on how many pounds I am! ). The hind was walking toward us. She stopped short and started to graze. We lay frozen - in both senses. For maybe 15 minutes. She slowly turned, still feeding. She had a wee - we were close enough to both smell it and get slightly caught by the spatter.
As she moved off we risked a peek. The calf and hind were in great condition - not suitable for our cull plan.
So as not to disturb them we turned around and I help drag the stalker for a bit as his ankles were locked up. We crawled right back out past the stag to our starting point. There we finally sat up - maybe 1 1/2 or 2 hours after starting? We both had smiles that you could see from the road in the bottom of the Glen. We sat for maybe 20 minutes just giggling. It had been a fantastic stalk. No shot taken, rifle never left its cover. The intent was there - that made the difference.
Moderators - be interested how Buckshot finds his. My Browning fitted with a Boss - which tunes the barrel and reduces recoil. But the back blast is horrendous. A moderator also tames recoil and from the ones I have seen cuts down a full-bore rifle to sound like a .22 rimfire.
Well I must be doing something wrong or right.
Apart from my usual outdoor gear and air rifle the only 'hunting' items I carry are a pair of stalking boots (british army hockey pumps to be exact).
On a hygiene note if I had a bad cut or some such on my hand I might had surgical gloves but usually a plaster does the trick.
Buckshot
21-06-2004, 11:12
I knew i forgot something on the list...
Cut proof gloves made from woven steel to wear under the disposable ones when gralloching.
Oakleaf, The mod is great. :-D
Reduces sound to unsurpressed .22 levels - a justifyable reason on H&S grounds alone !
Reduces muzzle flash to almost nothing because all the gasses expand inside the mod rather than in full view.
Reduces felt recoil to somewhere between a .22 and a .243. (for my .308)
It moves point of impact from the unmodded barrel because of the different harmonics, but doesn't widen the group so accuracy is still good - sub inch groups at 100m
I went zeroing with a couple of stalking friends to show them the moderator. One had a .308, the other a .243. They had a go with mine, the following week both put their tickets in for a variation for a mod !
I would definatley reccomend one.
Be aware that if using as variable scope on low power with an around the barrel type mod (Reflex etc.) you can see the mod alot through the scope.
It depends if you adjust the mag on your scope as to whether this is an issue for you.
I would guess your 30.06 wouldn't be a problem as you'd be shooting at longer range on the hill and therefore use a higher mag, but for woodland stalking some people prefer the thinner type of mod that fits infront of the barrel (I have that type).
Horses for courses...
Cheers
Mark
Buckshot
Defn on my wish list. Reflex would be preference ( both stalking rifles scoped with 6x42 S & B ). Jackson Rifles the importer do a model to fit straight onto the existing Boss threads.
Renewal next year so may sort then.
Tried electronic ear defenders - but wind noise drives you crackers.
Not too bad for a single shot, but if culling hinds etc, there is serious ear ache with the Boss.
How do you find the Woodlore knife for gralloching etc?
Buckshot
21-06-2004, 17:13
I know what you mean about wind noise. I use mine for target work only.
The woodlore's fine, some people may say you need a stainless knife but that's only correct if you're selling the meat. If it's for your own consumption there's no problem. For our situation I'm not sure it makes a huge difference anyway to be honest.
Any knife gets very mucky though - as I'm sure you know, so it's a good idea to carry wet wipes or similar to give a quick wipe down before sheathing it.
I'm not in the office tomorrow so I'll catch up with this thread (and the rest) on Wednesday.
Cheers
Mark
rapidboy
21-06-2004, 19:10
Any problem getting a moderator put on your ticket?
I'm in NI and no one i know has one on a full bore.
What reason do you give , for stalking or for health and safety (your hearing) or for noise pollution?
My fullbore is on for range use only (Swedish mauser 6.5 x 55) but im thinking about trying stalking as a few of my mates do it in the South.
Have to get my level 1 first.
RB
Rapid boy
Prob best for those that have gone thru process to reply, but i know Buckshot away a few days etc.
My understanding is that used to be virtually impossible - as usual with things varying hugely between Police forces.
Then about three years ago the health and Safety implications surfaced and the Police were advised they may be held liable for hearing damage etc.
Since then they appear to apply the law ( OK arguable ) - ie if you show good reason, then they should authorise.
Those that I know applied on following grounds -
1. When stalking impractical to wear ear protection. Safer for user to moderate blast. In addition helps stalker remain alert to walkers etc - he/ she can hear them.
2. Reduces ground disturbance - other users and game birds etc
3. Reduces recoil - combined with reduced noise, aids stalker in observing strike of shot and following up with a second shot if required to despatch quarry humanely.
Range use opens up the old chestnut of zeroing etc - so you may have to argue the point. Traditionally much less of an issue to wear ear protection on a range.
I am a NRA RCO and in my experience the firing line is an easier place to control if people are able to shoot and hear clearly.
Hope helps. Others with more practical experience, please pitch in.
rapidboy
22-06-2004, 18:14
Hi Oakleaf,
A few guys at the range had been talking about trying the "health and safety / compensation for damage to hearing" approach, as it seems like a fairly good "lever".
I like the idea of moderators for several reasons and i would like to present a good case when the time comes for me to apply.
As i said ,i don't know of anyone here who has one one a fullbore ,but there always has to be a first time and for some reason the PSNI are granting moderators for rimfires without any hassle now so perhaps that time is coming.
Thanks for your help
RB
Buckshot
23-06-2004, 12:23
I believe there was a court case in Europe (Belgium I think) where a shooter took the police force to court for hearing damage because they wouldn't authorise him to have a moderator and won on H&S grounds.
I don't know the exact circumstances but that's the gist of it.
Anyway, since then the UK police forces have become far more accomodating to the use of moderators on full bore rifles, in fact, I don't know of anyone having an application of a moderator refused. Perhaps Adi or someone more in the know would be able to shed some more light on that.
Obviously, as Oakleaf says, the 'Good reason' clause needs to be upheld.
I suppose it's arguable that shooting only on a range is less of a reason because everyone else would also need to use moderators to get the benfit. Otherwise you'd have to wear hearing protection for thier guns rather than your own.
However, if you're stalking there's usually only one or two guns being used so it's easier to make sure they all have mods on.
When I applied for mine I just said I didn't want to wake everyone in a five mile radius at 5 in the morning !
In terms of using a stalking rifle and moderator on a range for zeroing :
This is perfectly legal and you can (and should) also use expanding ammo on the range as well (as long as the range is certified for it).There's no point in zeroing your gun using different ammo to the sort you're going out stalking with !
Your ticket should say something along the lines of 'for use on approved land and ranges for zeroing' I can't remember the exact wording and I haven't got my ticket infront of me but it's along those lines. If it hasn't, I sugest you contact your Firearms dept. to confirm and get it changed.
BUT you can only zero using expanding ammo, if you enter a competition using expanding ammo you are no longer zeroing as part of your stalking activities and therefore the ammo is subject to section 5 regulations e.g. it's illegal.
I zero on a range with my full stalking kit - rifle, scope, moderator, bipod and expanding ammo laying next to the target shooting boys with their open apiture sights, eye patches and single point slings.
I was going to enter a target comp using my kit in F class (which allows bipods, scopes etc. until I realised I'd have to use solid ammo which means re-zeroing...)
Hope this is clearer than mud !!!
Cheers
Mark
RovingArcher
29-06-2004, 22:02
O'siyo Carcajou. I agree with your words on the hunt. Well said.
I carry my hunting kit in an OD multi pocketed vest. On my belt I carry a Mora 2000, a Victorinox SAK w/saw and scout firesteel, as well as a leatherman tool and mil issue canteen w/cup.
Because I hunt with an American design reflex/deflex takedown longbow, I carry an extra finger tab, hot melt glue, a few extra fletches and fletching tape, extra string w/silencers and a back quiver with 3 small game arrows and 2 roving arrows, on my bow is a bow quiver with 4 matched big game arrows.
In my vest I carry:
Buffalo jerkey and parched corn, ground together into a coarse flour/meal
55 gal. industrial grade drum liner
Space blanket
Compass
Map of area
FAK
2 feminine napkins (kotex supers)
Wool socks
Lined jacket
US mil issue poncho
2 do-rags (scarves)
TP
Accusharp sharpener
1oz. plastic squeeze dropper bottle w/bleach
2 ea. 1 gal ziploc freezer grade bags
2 game bags (deer/wild boar size)
1 pair cotton gloves
2 pair surgical/exam gloves
Salt and pepper packs
Spark-lite firestarting kit w/tender
Adjustable disposable lighter
Esbit stove w/4 fuel tabs
2 Pitchwitch firestarters
LED light that clips onto my wool crusher
I probably forgot something but that's most of it. Yep, forgot 50' of parachute line and my mini fishing kit.
What I'm hunting seems to dictate some of what I carry. Also how far I am going. If hunting small game, then it could be 22mag revolver or 22 rifle which uses long or shorts. If bird hunting then a shotgun, .410 or 20ga. goes with. A small sheath knife comes along. Always wear my leatherman wave. In vest is matches, compass, small fak, whistle, very likely another knife and plastic bags. When hunting larger game, then I take my lever action 44-40. Magazine holds 10rds. I will put an extra 10 or less rds. in a pocket. I tend not to carry to much extra ammunition, mainly because it is not needed. If it is an overnight hunt then more comes, including camping equipment. I also bring a good piece of rope for draging large game. Here in the high desert, you want to get back to your truck if you can at the end of the day. You can only haul so much water with you. There are really a lot of variables that only experiance will tell you what to bring.
Buckshot
30-06-2004, 08:29
Ahh RovingArcher, hunting with a longbow. : -l)
In the UK, bows of any kind are only allowed to be used on targets not game.
I think the powers that be decided there is too much chance of wounding a animal rather than killing it. Either that or it goes back to the dark ages to stop peasants poaching :shock: .
There's no substitute for shot placement.
Cheers
Mark
MartiniDave
30-06-2004, 09:22
Well Guys,
My "stalking" is restricted to rabits - bunny bashing as its known. My kit is usually an air rifle, either an Air Arms s400 or TX200, both .177, 35mm film canister of pellets,(sometimes .22 rimfire and ammo instead of air rifle and pellets) knife - either opinel or swiss army, mini maglite, string - usually baler string, 2 pairs surgical gloves. Kit carried in pockets and largish army surlus shoulder bag.
Clothing will be army lightweight trousers, hi-tec boots or le chameux wellies, tee-shirt & jumper if needed covered with x-large realtree long sleeve tee shirt (NEVER machine washed), green thin gardening gloves with index finger and thumb removed, hat - Rogue and face veil.
Pigeon shooting sees a 12 bore shotgun, 150 cartridges & sometimes cammo net replacing the rifle. My barbour coat is usually there too.
Quite jealous of you stateside guys, I had a few weeks living in Kalispell (edited for spelling - thats what I get for typing at work while looking over my shoulder :-)) Montana, you have some great countryside available.
Dave
RovingArcher
30-06-2004, 12:06
Mark, you hit the bull on that one. Shot placement is everything, as is knowing ones own limitations with the weapon and not exceeding those limitations.
Buckshot
30-06-2004, 13:37
Agreed, it all comes down to respect for the target you're aiming at.
There's an archery club that practices near by. I would like to go along and learn how to it properly but I don't have enough time for work and hobbies at the moment, let alone another one :cry:
Perhaps in a year or two. :-?
Cheers
Mark
I think I may have found the ultimate stalker boot - USAF Survival Moccasins. Yep only in america!
I have a friend sending me a pair will let you know how they work out!
RovingArcher
30-06-2004, 16:19
Gary, thanks for the tip. :-D Been looking for a replacement pair of soft soled and quiet boots. Survival mocs, if they resemble their namesakes, may just fit the bill. :wink:
Sorry you guys are so limited. But hey no crime there right! :roll: I never met a hunter that let wounded game get away. Then again, I think another hunter might find it and take it home. Never found any myself. Only those hit by cars. Funny in most places you can't shoot a deer to put out of it's misery after it has been hit by car. Have to use a knife or club. Find time to learn the bow. It is like fly fishing, very addictive and relaxing.
Out on the estuary in winter, for coastal wildfowling, I have a Browning 12 bore O/U shotgun - actually the back-bored GTi model which is really intended for clays. However, it fits me well, and the 2 3/4 inch chambers aren't a massive handicap. There is nothing finer than being out on the foreshore at dawn, the smell of the sea, the waves crashing, the red glimmer in the eastern sky and the sight of wild geese - sometimes!
Of course, the odds are heavily loaded in the quarry's favour. A box of 25 goose cartridges might last me 4 or 5 seasons.
Also have a cheap and nasty French bolt action .410 shotgun. Don't use it much.
Have occasionally taken the odd rabbit with my .177 BSA Airsporter S - a classic design first launched in 1947. I was given it nearly 20 years ago by my folks for doing well in my exams! I sometimes think about getting a pre-charged air rifle, and probably will one day, though they all look ugly to me. Tried a Daystate Harrier once and quite liked it.
Also have a 1968 45lb Bear Tigercat recurve bow - obviously not for hunting in the UK, though perhaps its previous owner took deer with it.
For trout I have a Shakespeare Expedition fly road. Not a bad bushcraft choice as comes in 4 sections in a robust olive Cordura case. Good value too.
Is bowfishing illegal in the UK?
Buckshot
02-07-2004, 08:47
I think I may have found the ultimate stalker boot - USAF Survival Moccasins. Yep only in america!
I have a friend sending me a pair will let you know how they work out!
I've been looking for a pair of quiet shoes for a couple of months, let us know how you get on.
Doc.
Is bowfishing illegal in the UK?
:rolmao:
Cheers
Mark
RovingArcher
02-07-2004, 11:36
If you ever get the opportunity to do any bowfishing, it's great fun and very rewarding. There is a bowfishing message forum at http://huntingbbs.com[/url]
Buckshot
02-07-2004, 16:06
I've heard Grenadefishing works very well :wink:
Cheers
Mark
RovingArcher
02-07-2004, 20:09
:lol: I've bowfished and spearfished. Both are great times. I even tried an Atlatl and it was good fun, but I'd starve before hitting a fish with a spear from one. :lol:
The local indigenous people (Costanoan-Esselen) used to take steelhead in our little river here by sprinkling the dried and ground root of a local plant that grows locally. It would stun the fish and they'd float to the top for easy havesting. Similar results as the hand grenade, except they'd still have to clean the fish. :wink:
Where did you find the USAF moccasins? I tried to find them, but was unable to find a source. Gracias!
RovingArcher
06-07-2004, 01:49
I did a search as well Quill, with no results. Even called a couple of Ranger friends and one heard of them but had no clue as to where to find them.
Just a quick legal note - hunting with a bow in the UK is illegal. Laws vary greatly from country to country but as far as the UK is concerned it's illegal. If you are anywhere else and are unsure, check your local laws. : -l)
Buckshot
06-07-2004, 13:36
Quite right Adi.
In this counrty the closest we can get to bowhunting is field archery.
For those that don't know it's shooting at animal shaped (and sized) paper targets, usually in a woodland environment all at various ranges.
The theroy is because the target can be as thin as a snake or as large as a Buffalo it makes you think about the shot your about to take.
Perhaps it's a little like stalking bowhunting without the stalking, or the hunting, or the adrenilin, or the blood.
Hmmm - I'm sure it's still fun though : -l) , probably more exciting than shooting at a round target in the middle of a field.
Cheers
Mark
TheViking
18-07-2004, 19:53
Hi...
Normally it's just airgun hunting, but next year at age 16, I will take a hunting license and go gun hunting instead. :wink: :super:
Airgun w. scope
Pellets (match)
SAK
Hunting bag (cotton)
FAK
Dog
Suitable clothing
I never sleep outside while on hunting, only when bushcrafting.
When my dog and I are bushcrafting and he spots a rabbit or hare, in the field, I'll set him up and release him on it. Quiet funny to watch actually! :-D 8-) (Don't worry petlovers, he doesn't harm a fly!! It's sheepdog 'designed' to herd... :wink: :wink: Would never do that. He's been pretty close sometimes at the animal, but never close enough to grab it. If he one day should succed, he would just play with it, without any biting! 8-) )
Poaching........ :nono: :nono: :nono:
I haven't done any serious hunting before however i would like to get out for a couple of days just laying in the grass with an airrifle for hours and just being close to nature. Thank you for giving me an idea of the kit you use :-) :o): :super: :-D
Doc - I've seen remarks around the web that bow hunting is illegal in the UK EXCEPT for taking fish. I don't have any authoritative reference to confirm it yet though.
I've just finished a beginners course at my local field archery club and as well as thoroughly enjoying myself, I was very impressed with their attention to safety. Their site is even good for spotting wildlife with grass snakes, adders and kingfishers all reported in the log.
Cheers
RovingArcher
19-07-2004, 03:30
Field archery and 3D shooting is all good fun. Here, they use life sized 3 dimensional self healing foam targets that if properly placed, are very lifelike in appearance. Here's a link to one of the shoots that the wife and I attend.
Gene Foster Traditional Rendezvous (http://archeryweb.com/archery/foster.htm)