The new revolution

The stalking community is preparing to stop using lead — but how do the alternatives compare? Megan Rowland trials them on the hill

The lead versus non-toxic debate is nothing new to those of us actively involved in the management of deer. This isn’t going to be an in-depth technical analysis of the minutiae of bullet design. It is an insight into my experiences using various non-toxic rounds at the coalface throughout the most recent stag and hind seasons.

First, though, I want you to cast your mind back; all the way back to 40,000BC to our hunting ancestors.

Geographically, we’re leaving chilly Britain and heading to what is now the warm, sunny Dordogne in the south of France. Then, too, it had welcoming weather; the interglacial period resulted in a mild climate. With lush forests, flowing rivers and abundant game, it was a very good place to be a prehistoric human.

Now picture a hunting party. A group of half a dozen individuals making their way up the river valley. Two of the youngest in the group had been sent to scout ahead, returning with the news that a herd of deer was grazing at a bend in the river.

The group proceeded carefully, spears sharpened to thrust at prey in an ambush. One of the party was thoughtful. They had a different kind of stick, a piece of antler with a notch carved out of one end that cradled their spear. They had tried it and it had worked. So they practised refining their technique and the tool.

There was much ribbing and eyerolling from their clan. “Look, we’ve always used these spears to hunt and they work.” However, the group dispersed. Our hero moved forward, creeping through the brush.

Choosing a beast, they notched the spear in its holder, drew their arm back and launched the dart. It flew at unprecedented speed, striking a deer in the side, causing it to run forwards and topple at the water’s edge.