Expect the unexpected

Jon Snowdon believes if there is one thing you can say about roe deer management, it is that it’s unpredictable

- Jon Snowdon

As we enter the woods, we never know what is going to appear around the next tree. Yes, we are aware of deer that frequent a particular territory on their daily foraging, looking for those tasty morsels so full of the energy that is critical to their well-being, especially when they are young at foot as now. And, yes, roe deer are territorial – more so in the summer months than at any other time of year – but we cannot be aware of the whole ground any individual considers home or of every deer that has moved in.

It is likely, especially during May and early June, that there are roebuck on the ground that we have never, may never, see. However, because they are not seen doesn’t mean they aren’t there. A sudden appearance of such an animal, particularly a buck, will often take the stalker by surprise.

Skilled stalkers are able to develop a state of controlled calm but there also has to be an alertness to the unexpected. I know. I have been stalking through a wood on a particular deer only to be brought up short by a large buck appearing out of nowhere a little more than 10m away. While on his rounds he was checking who was making all of that noise (me), and what on earth did I think I was doing?

Considerations

Is the roe deer that has been spotted able to be clearly identified by the stalker? There are factors to be taken into account with regard to gender depending on season.