When the deer are in cahoots with the cows

Al Gabriel makes up for lost time on a bucolic permission near Newcastle as he gets off to a successful start with the roebuck cull

Although roebuck season had been in full swing for three weeks, thanks to home renovation and a hectic work schedule I had not picked up my rifle since March. After a week of rain, finally there was some sunshine. I made my way to sunny Newcastle to a ground not far from the airport. It was high time that I made progress on the cull plan. I must admit, in all my stalking career, this year has been the most challenging in terms of finding time for the field. April is the most productive month for roebucks on this ground because many of the fields are inaccessible for much of the season, thanks to cows.

As I got to the rather bucolic ground, it was a clear morning with minimal wind. I saw the dreaded cows in their sheds — the day was really looking up. I had some unfinished business with a few roebucks that outsmarted me last season. I don’t venerate them lightly; they have earned it. There are at least nine roebucks that have been in cahoots for years, living among the cows. I loaded up my .243 rifle with 85-gr Federal copper and made my way straight to the heart of their territory. The minute I opened the first gate, I could see a deer 100 yards in front of me. I was only 50 yards from the farmhouse and the farmer was still asleep; I couldn’t possibly take a shot this close to the house.