A beautiful story
Shooting Times & Country|April 28, 2021
There are a number of important reasons that we keep deer heads, says Graham Downing, not least because they are an essential record
Graham Downing
A beautiful story

Why do we prepare and keep the heads of the deer that we shoot? Why do we measure them and treasure them in the way that we do? Since the dawn of time, hunters have retained the antlered heads of the deer that they have taken in the chase. Initially, no doubt, it was in order to demonstrate their own personal prowess and the richness of the hunting grounds over which they had control and also for sheer delight at the beauty of the antlers themselves — one of nature’s wonders.

Appreciation and enjoyment of what is effectively a piece of natural art is still with us. One only has to look inside the average interior design shop to see that the artificial representation of an antlered head manufactured for hanging on the wall of a living room or study is still alive and well. They may be multicoloured miniatures sculpted in plastic or resin, but stag’s head wall mounts remain popular decorations.

For the deerstalker, though, the urge to retain and display antlered heads is about more than simply decorating the house or workspace. Each head tells the story of a successful hunt. It helps us recall a day when, through our own skill, we took a wild animal from hill or wood. It enables us to bring to mind precious memories, to celebrate our quarry and afford it the respect it deserves.

Each head also lays bare the story of the deer itself. Its age and status within the population, the time of year at which it was taken, or maybe the effects wrought by injury or disease. At once, it becomes more than a mere memento. It becomes part of the record of the species and its management.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023