What is stalking ?

Stalking is a hunting method that was formerly used only for controlling or observing animals. Today this ancient type of "silent" hunting has become a perfect complement to beating.

Stalking is a hunting method that was formerly used only for controlling or observing animals. Today this ancient type of "silent" hunting has become a perfect complement to beating. It is less stressful for the animals and for wildlife in the hunting area. Since this type of hunting is different to beating, it has its own set of rules.

#1 - The principles of stalking.

ETHICS

Originally and for purists, stalking and hunting from hides were reserved for controlling game populations in terms of both quantity (numbers) and quality (controlling sickly, ill or weak individuals).
It is still the main way of putting down animals for sanitary reasons.

SHOOTING

When it comes to shooting, the basic principle of stalking is TO FIRE A CLEAN SHOT

There are three conditions to fulfil for a clean shot:

• The animal should be stationary.
• The animal should be facing away.
• There should not be any obstacles between the animal and the hunter.

First and foremost the hunter must ensure complete safety and check that they can shoot without any danger. Hunters should also take shots with the help of a rest (bipod or tripod for stalking, or a ledge when hunting from a hide).

THE HUNTER SHOULD ONLY SHOOT AN ANIMAL THAT HAS BEEN FULLY IDENTIFIED (AND PREVIOUSLY SELECTED).

THE SHOT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN HASTILY.

THE HUNTER SHOULD BE AIMING FOR A HUMANE KILL (NECK OR HEART).

THE SHOT SHOULD BE TAKEN FROM A REASONABLE DISTANCE (AROUND A HUNDRED METRES).

SHOTS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN IN THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
• DOUBTS OVER SAFETY.
• MOVING ANIMAL.
• SHOOTING THROUGH COVER.
• AN UNSTEADY AIM (DON'T SHOOT WITHOUT USING A REST, OR SHOOT FROM TOO GREAT A DISTANCE)

AFTER TAKING A SHOT

After taking a shot, there are two possible scenarios:

THE ANIMAL IS HIT AND IT STAYS WHERE IT IS
THE HUNTER SHOULD TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

• Mark the spot.
• Dispatch a wounded animal.
• Immediate evisceration.

THE ANIMAL FLEES
THE HUNTER SHOULD ACT AS FOLLOWS:

• Carefully observe the animal's behaviour and note which way it fled.
• Wait several minutes (4 to 5 minutes), check the place where the animal was and look for tracks (blood, hairs and bone).
• If there are tracks, mark them visibly.
• Walk beside the trail, not on it.
• Call in a registered bloodhound handler (after correctly marking the tracks).

#2 - Stalking equipment.

Stalking requires the specialist equipment outlined below.

WEAPON
The weapon used for stalking should be a hunting rifle with a correctly adjusted scope (this should be checked at the start of the season).
The calibre of this weapon should also be suited to the animal being hunted (generally 6 mm for deer and 7 mm for stags and boar).

ACCESSORIES
Along with their rifle, hunters should have a bipod or tripod support. They should also carry a pair of binoculars so that they can identify their quarry without using the rifle's scope.
On top of this, hunters should have a rangefinder for assessing the distance between them and the animal.

GARMENTS
Stalking is all about disguise, which is why better camouflage will boost the chances of a successful hunt.
Clothing will of course depend on the season, and the environment.

If several people are involved in the hunt, they should carry fluorescent equipment for added safety.