Deer Stalking-The shot and after By Norman Mulvany
We’re now into the month of October and the Sika rut is building up slowly but surely. On a few of my beats I’ve noticed last years wallows being used again and heard the occasional whistle. Last Sunday, 2ndOct, I enjoyed a great hunt with my eldest son, Oisin. Although only 10 years old, his ability to stalk is uncanny and he really familiar- ises himself with the ins and outs of hunt- ing. Anyway before I digress too much we decided to hunt one of the lettings I have from Coillte. Climbed into the high seat at 5p.m but got back down after noticing walkers in the wood although I HAD ERECTED WARNING SIGNS AT THE EN- TRANCE!
Plan A was out the window so we decided to hunt private ground where Id seen a nice stag the previous week. Settled our- selves in nicely and it wasn’t long before a hind and calf emerged to graze. This is what hunting is all about in my opinion. Being able to sit there at one with nature, undetected and enjoy watching a mature sika hind with her calf was something spe- cial. Anyways before I get too poetic! 4 more stepped out and grazed their way towards the others who had being further joined by 3 more hinds. Dusk was now ap- proaching way too fast for my liking as well as a dreaded ground fog.
Just when all seemed in vain Oisin noticed
a stag running from the wood and making a beelines for the hinds. Nose down and with a strained neck he ran from hind to hind sniffing for signs of oestrus. This is the mo- ment when nothing else matters, the bills are forgotten about!, the football final goes out the window, all that matters is the ani- mal in front of you and the failing light. I turned the magnification setting to 6X power in order to gather in more light and waited for the stag to stop. Settling the Zeiss crosshairs on his neck I squeezed off a
shot which was followed by a confirmed thump of a hit. The deed done I looked at Oisin who was just amazed and only said “I heard the slap”!! The hind scattered back to cover maybe thankful I saved them from a carnal sin, who knows!!!! He was a fine stag with 7 points, an unusual head in that he had grown a large u shaped cup on one side which will make an interesting conver- sation piece. A truly great hunt and made better by sharing with my son, a hunter in the making.
Some readers have been asking if I can do an article on skinning and butchering a deer so lets just do that and see what you think. I wrote about shooting last month and where to humanely kill a deer. After the deer has been bled and gralloched the hard work begins of dragging.
Tip- never drag from back legs as you will
be going against the direction of the hair growth which will believe it or not add re- sistance to the pull.
For a large stag I tie a length of rope around the base of the antlers, 3-4 ft and knot this around a stout handle, a sweep- ing brush handle will do, wide enough to hold with 2 hands. This can easily fit into a jacket pocket or knapsack so no excuses! Once back in your home hang the deer from his back legs and remove the anal cavity if you haven’t already done so. This reduces the risk of bacteria and further helps with the cooling process. If you have a cold room or a large fridge hand the deer for 5-7 days to tenderise and stretch the fibres in the meat. This does 2 things- makes for easier cutting and better taste. It's hard to describe step by step without a short clip how to butcher a deer but I’ll give a brief how to here.
I Shoot and Fish E-Zine October 2011
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