Carcass handling and butchery
This course will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills to undertake home butchery of a deer carcass.
How to choose a deer stalking syndicate
One of the best ways to get into deer stalking is to join a syndicate. Many advertise online, or in the shooting press and, like anything in life, some are better than others.
To steer you through this potential minefield, here are some aspects you should check before parting with your hard-earned cash.
How much does it cost to join a syndicate?
Prices for syndicates range from a few hundred pounds right up to several thousand. The cost usually varies based around the number of deer present on the syndicate and the numbers expected to be taken on the syndicate.
Likewise, the species present will have an impact on the price, as will what’s included as part of the deal. A syndicate giving you free reign to stalk at will and cull as many deer as you like and keep the carcasses will cost significantly more than one that offers you four outings a year to sit in a high seat for one deer a time and no meat at the end of it.
It’s worth getting clear on what you’re looking for, how much you’re willing to spend then seeing what’s out there that ticks as many boxes as possible for you.
How will it work?
As mentioned above, there are many different ways that syndicates will operate. Some will happily take your money and leave you to it, others will look to keep a bit more control over things. There’s nothing wrong with either, it’s just about what you’re happy with.
A good syndicate should assess the capabilities of a new member before letting them loose on their own, just to make sure the two key factors of safety and humaneness are observed.
Throughout the duration of your time in a syndicate there should be good levels of communication all around. From reporting and recording sightings and cull data, to finding out who’s out on the ground, it’s always good to have a good working relationship with the other members of the syndicate.
Get it in black and white
A key to joining a deer syndicate is always to sign a physical contract. Don’t rely on handshakes and gentlemen’s agreements. Always make sure to read the small print, too. Such a contract should spell out your rights as a member and what happens if, for example, the syndicate folds or loses the lease. BASC has a sample template for this, which can be found here.
What about qualifications?
Most syndicates require members to have at least a DSC1. This is to ensure that the members can properly and legitimately inspect the carcass and gralloch shot deer. Many will want you to hold DSC2 as well to show your competency. Likewise, most, if not all, syndicates will insist on seeing the appropriate level of insurance cover, as well as a relevant and valid firearms certificate.
Other useful qualifications and certificates that might be required would be an appropriate first aid certificate (usually at least the +F element which covers gunshots and other forestry-related scenarios), an ATV certificate and, if in Scotland, a fit and competent certificate. BASC runs several relevant courses.
Ground specifications
Always try to go and have a look at the land before joining a deer syndicate. Are there open areas, or is it solid forestry where deer can only be shot crossing a ride? Is it hilly or flat? Any areas that are unsafe for shooting? Look for signs confirming deer are actually there – slots, fraying, dung, etc. Are there high seats/doe boxes? What are the boundaries and is the access relatively easy? All of this will factor into how you stalk and with what success.
What species can you shoot?
Some leases may house several species of deer but specify that only certain species are to be culled. If you join expecting to stalk red stags but can only shoot muntjac for instance, you might end up disappointed!
Look at the cull target and returns
Are deer actually being shot on the ground? Some syndicates boast about the numbers of deer on their land. But then you discover that members have only shot one each in the whole year, even though they all visit the ground every month. Asking existing and past members their opinions can often prove valuable.
When can you go?
I was a member of a syndicate where I had to book at least two weeks in advance with the leaseholder. This did cause issues when all the days I could go were already booked by others. So, make sure that you know, and are happy with, what you are signing up for.
How many can the ground hold?
Can the ground accommodate more than a couple pairs of stalkers? You don’t want to book your stalk only to find there are lots of other stalkers already there and the ground has been disturbed. This is where a good leaseholder/syndicate organiser can be invaluable. They can make sure that stalkers are spread around the lease area safely and effectively.
How often do others go?
Do they live locally, and can they attend regularly? Or do they live far away and rarely make the trip?
Are there any extra charges?
There can be ‘trophy’ fees for shooting males of a certain size. Some places also charge you the weight of the carcass for each deer taken.
Are there any limits?
This depends on what you are looking for, too. However, if, for instance, you pay an annual fee to shoot a limit of, say, four deer and take these in one evening, you have lost out on your stalking for the rest of the year. I would always go for a syndicate without a limit.
Where can I stay?
Before joining a deer syndicate, think about the logistics. If the syndicate is a bit further away, you might need to look for somewhere to stay. Is there a caravan, lodge, bothy, etc.? Or will you have to sleep in the truck? No matter where you decide to stay, make sure you keep the transportation and storage of your rifle, bolt and ammo as safe and secure as possible.
Can you take a guest?
Some may allow you to take a guest perhaps once or twice a year. On the other hand, some won’t allow any guests at all. I always think it’s a bonus to be able to bring others out for a look around.
Is there easy access by 4 x 4 to extract larger deer or access to a quad?
It’s always a bonus to have the ability to easily extract your deer – especially the larger deer species – as lengthy manual extractions will soon become tiresome!
What happens with the carcasses?
I always choose a syndicate where I can take the venison home with me, but that’s down to your own preference. Some syndicates keep the carcasses to sell on. To take one yourself, you would need to ask and pay extra for it. Other syndicates will let you keep the carcasses free of charge. Again, check the small print to find out.
Any other shooting available?
Often, stalking syndicates will have access to other forms of shooting such as game days, rough shooting, fox control, pest control, etc. This bit of variety can make the world of difference.
Other things to consider
Can the public get on the land? Is there access to a larder to store carcasses? What about tracking dogs – would one be available at short notice when needed? Is the rotation of members substantial? If so, why? This may seem like a lot of questions, but if you do your homework, you can avoid getting stung and join a deer syndicate that suits your needs.
If, at the end of the day, you decide that the answers don’t stack up and the syndicate is not what you’re looking for, don’t be despondent. Keep looking for the right place which can give you satisfactory answers. Don’t feel pressured into joining one just because it is advertising right now and you don’t want to miss out. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t forget that as a BASC member, you can take advantage of our exclusive members-only stalking schemes which offer great value for money. See the deer pages on our website for more information.
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