I went for a short hunt this afternoon and came home with nothing to show for it. No animal, no photos, hardly even worked up a sweat, but it was one of the best bush stalks I have ever had.
Within 15 minutes of getting in the bush I had spotted two deer around 40m away. I could see they were deer but couldn't see either clearly enough to place a shot or get a photo. It was quite dry underfoot and for 15 minutes I just had to watch and hope they would move into a position I could get a better look at them. Eventually they both moved off into the wind and disappeared. I slowly began moving in the direction they had gone and after about 10 minutes I heard a hind bark 60 odd meters ahead. I was sure they were unaware of me and the wind was good so I was a bit puzzled as to what had upset her. After another 15 minutes of very slow, very careful stalking I spotted one again. Just glimpses through some thick pole beech. It too moved off and I followed, in very slow, careful pursuit. After finding my way through some thicker pole beech I spotted the deer again. This time 3 and I could get a better look at them. A hind and young one were moving slowly to the left and another animal was moving to the right. I spotter antler and with the fleeting glimpses I got of it, I was pretty sure it was one I had just got photos of in my game camera. It was moving through the pretty open beech forest and again was not keen on offering a shot with rifle or camera. It paused, and I moved forward about 20m hoping I would get a better look at it. I poked my head out from behind the next big tree in time to see it making it's way off about 40m away, still unaware of me. Bugger.
Now I had a dilemma. The wind was across us and if I went in the direction of the stag it could wind me. If I went to the right I would be up wind but behind a thick patch of pole beech....I went right. It took me around 10 minutes to negotiate the beech thicket and when I got around the end of it the forest opened out into a beautiful basin. I stopped and looked, and looked and looked. Nothing.
I took a breath and decided it was time to head home. I had followed these deer for around an hour and am sure they never knew I was there. Even though I didn't shoot anything or get any photos it was a very satisfying hunt.
They may not be so lucky next time.
