A great deal of my day job involves roe deer, particularly as we approach the rut. Each year, around early August, we welcome stalking clients from far and wide, all…
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Step up your stalking footwear: Chris Dalton investigates
When I welcome new guests to Garryloop, I’m always intrigued to discuss what they consider the essential kit for stalking. I ended up chatting to one recent visitor about stalking…
New stalking boots – Chris Dalton puts two pairs to the test
An army, so they say, marches on its stomach. Well, as an ex-military man, I can tell you that is only true to a point and can categorically confirm that…
Can any dog be trained to become a deer dog?
Most readers will be aware that I almost always have a deer dog with me when I am stalking, and have operated like this for many years. I am working…
How to carry a rifle correctly, comfortably and safely
What is the best way to carry a rifle when woodland deer stalking?
My first time with a single-shot rifle
The use of a single-shot rifle in the stalking field is not something I had given much thought to, but that changed after a conversation with someone in the gun…
The first day of the roebuck season
We are already a quarter of the way through 2023 and the roebuck season is upon us. Daylight hours have been lengthening rapidly and there is, at last, some warmth…
The toughest deer to stalk: which of these six species is hardest?
A conversation I have had many times over the years has centred around the different challenges faced by hunters as they try to master stalking the resident deer on our…
Best hunting trousers: tried and tested in the field
The best hunting trousers should be waterproof, as kneeling and crawling over wet grass will feature on most days. (If you’re looking for the best shooting smocks read here. )…
Sharing deer stalking knowledge with the next generation
There’s a damaging portrayal of fieldsports in the media. I’m referring to anyone involved in country pursuits, from part-time beaters to veteran deer stalkers. Some come in for more stick…
Winter stalking kit: what you need to deal with the weather
As the weather changes with the onset of winter, so does the selection of winter stalking kit hanging in the Garryloop utility room. My morning routine is to wander in…
Deer stalking in remote areas – why it’s worth it
One of the benefits of running a stalking business is the variety of people you meet. Some make the trip from far-flung corners of the globe and many become frequent…
Beretta BRX1 field test – Chris Dalton’s stalks red stag
We are into July and with it comes the opening of the red stag season. It’s strange, though, that this date seems to drift past with little interest when compared…
Why studying your local roe deer population is essential to good stalking
April is always a busy month for stalkers. This year, it is even more so as we return to post-pandemic normality. It has been particularly nice to welcome regular stalking…
Roebuck stalking using non-toxic ammo
There are plenty of dates in the stalking calendar that I look forward to. I love stalking does during snowy Highland winters, calling roebucks during their rut in late July…
Chris Dalton talks about living in the golden age of roebuck
Heading into April, the thoughts of many stalkers turn towards roebucks. It’s one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year, akin to the Glorious Twelfth for keen Shots,…
Stalking kit chosen by Chris Dalton for Shooting Times
Early spring is a crucial time for deer managers, and I spend a lot of time on the ground monitoring deer movement and activity. Both sexes are becoming more active…
Deer management: GBSA winner Chris Dalton’s real-world guide
One of things I am constantly being asked about, by both experienced and inexperienced stalkers and, surprisingly, non-stalking B&B guests at Garryloop, is what exactly deer management involves. Now that’s…
Deer stalking clothing: this is what to wear
One of the things I most enjoy about deer stalking is working with newcomers. Often these are people who have done a fair bit of game shooting or fishing but…
Gralloching kit – these are the essentials
What is gralloching? The term ‘gralloch’ is derived from the Scottish word grealach and defined as “the process of removing the entrails of a dead deer”. An efficient, timely and…