Sika stag hunting,  stalking shooting advice and information

Sika are arguably one of the most difficult animals to stalk and shoot. This is not hunting pressure but in their nature to be highly sensitive to any strange movement or noise. If they detect your presence – even at a couple of hundred metres – they may look hard for 10 to 15 seconds and then run. With this in mind, to maximise your chances of success, you should be able to shoot quickly at a target at 100 metres not lying down but using an attached bipod or sticks or sitting at 100 metres within a 12 cm circle. Rifles should be zeroed for point of impact at 150 metres. Although smaller than Red deer, these animals can carry shot and can be extremely tough. It's not unkown for correctly shot animals to run considerable distances before falling (usually into deep cover).  Larger calibres are best and  you should avoid the .243 or 6.5mm calibres, which although perfectly legal,  will considerably reduce your chances of success. Calibres of 7mm and above are preferred.

The Sika we have in Scotland & elsewhere in the UK are Japanese Sika Cervus nippon and originated from the Himalayas - so they thrive in our milder wet climate in the North and West of Scotland. Heavy rain and wet ground conditions are no hindrance to these deer and there seems nothing they like more than standing up to their bellies in cold wet mud!

During the stag season, your best chances are at first and last light so most outings take place in the early morning and late evening. You can expect to walk and stalk along rides or the sides of open areas or to use high seats. We use high seats much more for this nervous species - especially in the evening outings.

Stalking takes place from the beginning of September to October 20^th. for stags. There really is no ‘best time’ and contrary to popular opinion, the height of the rut in the later weeks may often be more difficult because although more may be seen , deer are chasing and moving much more.  

Expectations are not easy to predict as so much depends on the ability of the hunter to stalk quietly and shoot quickly, but you can  generally expect to shoot 2-3 stags in 5 days.

Mature stags have 4 points or more . The maximum number of points for Japanese Sika is usually 8 points , but occasionally they have more.  If the first Sika stag you see is a 4 pointer, you should shoot it – it may be the only stag you will see. Hunters who are only prepared to shoot large 8 pointers would be advised to hunt elsewhere. In the last 2 weeks of the season, Sika stags may have broken antlers due to fighting.

In our hunting areas, you  are best to have your own or rented car (only used on good forestry roads) – if you do not have your own transport, please realise you are not near shops or taxis. Hind stalkers during the winter should have a 4x4 due to the increased risk of snow from late November onwards.

Equipment & kit: A decent hat with a wide brim or wide peak. Fingerless mittens to cover your hands (there is no time to remove them before taking a shot!). Midge net for stalking anytime from late May to the end of October. Waterproof soft jacket & trousers (no waxed jackets, they are too noisy!). Waterproof lace up tall hunting boots. Bipod attached to your rifle (the longer two stage bipod which can be used for sitting as well as prone shots). Camouflage patterns are good but should not be too dark.

Whilst I'm on the subject.... a word or two about camouflage. As a general rule, dark colours are more easily seen. (A black dog on a hill is highly visible but a light coloured dog is not so easy to see). Breaking your silhouette with a wider brimmed hat works well - I always know I'm doing things right when I have a deer at close range standing and rocking its head from side to side to work out what my frozen shape is because they cannot see the usual human profile.   It's movement which deer detect most easily - you can have all the latest cammo. face nets, hats & gloves, but if you fidget and move too much / too quickly - the deer will spot you. Move smoothly and softly when walking, lift binoculars to your eyes slowly when glassing and lower them slowly. It's the slow stalker who does best - not the fanatic who has to cover as much ground as possible. 

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