Roaring stags in the red-hot sun
Shooting Times & Country|July 05, 2023
Not many would associate Australia with red stags, but stalking this species down under is a rich experience, says Thomas Nissen
- Thomas Nissen
Roaring stags in the red-hot sun

It had just stopped raining when we turned off the asphalt road on to the dirt track that leads down to St Lawrence. The town was far from charming, but it meets all requirements for the 50 or so permanent residents who have settled in this bit of outback. We drove through the town and reached Greg Coyne's farm just a few minutes later. For the next few days, this place would be the starting point for what would turn out to be a truly unique stalking trip.

The oppressive, humid heat hit Mark Longhi Andreasen and I with an unpleasant force, immediately causing beads of sweat to break out on our foreheads. The heat wasn't just uncomfortable, we were also nervous about whether the stags would break cover in such conditions.

The next morning, we didn't leave quite early enough, as we had to wait for the tide. Our plan was to go by boat and there needed to be a certain amount of water on the beach in order for us to be dropped off at the outer edge of the property. We sped off over grey, murky water and a few minutes later were set ashore a few kilometres from the starting point. We had to take off our boots and socks to jump into the water, where we waded to the shore in water up to our knees. At the beginning, we walked along the sandy beach in bare toes before turning towards the small slope up towards a flat, marshy plain.

Our earlier concerns soon disappeared as we could hear stags roaring on the plain on the other side of a large shallow water. It seems that the red deer have adapted to the completely different living conditions, and there is something unique about hearing a stag roar in the middle of the morning in 25°C heat.

この蚘事は Shooting Times & Country の July 05, 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Shooting Times & Country の July 05, 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
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 分  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
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 分  |
August 02, 2023