Scotland’s recreational deer stalkers left out in the cold
Scotland’s deer population is estimated to be in excess of one million, but many trained recreational deer stalkers in Scotland struggle to access deer management opportunities.
Recounting the Stalking Show 2024
Sponsored by BASC, this year’s Stalking Show was a roaring success, says BASC’s Vicky Chesters-Sutcliffe.
With more than 300 exhibitors for 2024, the Stalking Show continues to grow, but has managed to keep it’s friendly atmosphere – which I think is what makes it so popular. This is in part due to every stand being directly associated with stalking, shooting, working dogs or wild food.
That’s all apart from the one stand selling flapjacks, but no one is going complain about that. And, considering it’s a show dedicated to stalking, at £15 a ticket, it’s not too deer (pun intended).
BASC’s stand was busy all weekend and we were delighted to sign up new members and chat to anyone who wanted some advice or information about BASC and deer management.
Head-measuring was a particular draw over the two days and our team assessed around 50 heads throughout the course of the show, with many making medals and others sharing their own unique story.
Something for everyone
There is no better place to record a deer-focused podcast than at the Stalking Show. It was only right therefore that host of the BASC podcast, Tom Evans, should join us on the Saturday, chatting to our deer team alongside top chefs, show visitors and representatives from optics specialists, Leica. Keep an eye out for all that in our next podcast due out on 1 May.
Our teams were also joined across the weekend by BASC trade members Midcounties Blacking and Perrys of Eccleshall.
Darren, Tam and Stef from Midcounties Blacking artfully demonstrated how to make hooks and gambrels, as well as showcasing the precision and patience needed to chequer a stock.
Steve and his team from Perrys of Eccleshall got everyone involved in skinning a carcass, breaking it down and making sausages. Young Lillie and Dylan (pictured below) were a great help and their hard work was rewarded with a bag of sausages, which they were adamant they were going to eat for their tea.
Cookery and deer calling
There was always something going on at the Cookery Theatre too; chefs Jose Souto, Rachel Green and Chris Marney were supported by BASC’s Wild Food team too keep their audiences glued over the weekend.
Eat Game Award winner Joe Mann made a star appearance and took part in the butchering and cooking of a fallow and wild boar. Jose ran a butchery competition over the two days, with some amazing prizes and some top-notch tasters as a bonus.
Finally, a nod must go to the deer call competition which took place on the main stage. It’s fair to say it turned a few heads and was an interesting soundtrack to the event!
The Stalking Show is a definite date for the diary for anyone who is involved in deer management, or who wants to be.
There is a great atmosphere, lots to get involved with and plenty of retailers, both large and small. Visitors left the show with some essential new kit and a renewed sense of community. We hope to see you there again next year.
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