Why Deer Management Matters in The UK: Sarah’s Experience with Outfitter Tales

Cautious to Curious: How I Became Interested in Deer Stalking and Management

I’ll start by saying I’ll be honest, deer stalking wasn’t something I ever imagined I’d get involved in. It’s a topic that naturally stirs strong feelings, whether ethical, environmental, or emotional, and I had always, much like many, been a little cautious, rather than curious about the subject.

When my brother, Matthew Holland, also in the Hollands Country Clothing Family business, gained his DSC1 licence, it was probably the first time I had been properly introduced to the concept of deer stalking. Given that we literally sell clothing for field sports, including deer management, I figured it was time to be proactive and broach the subject with an open mind. 

I began researching and consuming content, not only out of my own interest but also to understand the context behind these products and their customers (and of course, so I knew my stuff when talking to suppliers or brand reps!)

The more content I came across, the more questions I had, and I found myself getting curious, wanting to learn more.

 

Curiosity to Action: How I Got the Chance to Try It

That’s when I came across Outfitter Tales on YouTube. A channel celebrating the deep connection between hunters and the land. So I messaged one of the guys to let them know I liked their down-to-earth content, and we struck up a conversation.

They asked if I would like to join them, learn more on the range, and ultimately go out on a deer stalk. With the opportunity to be involved directly, it felt much better to base my views on real experience and form my opinion rooted in genuine understanding, rather than theory.

So, after thinking about it and speaking to people already connected to the sport, including Matt, I decided to pluck up the courage, step into the field, and see what deer management really involves.

 

Action to Experience: My First Day on The Range

It was a sunny May morning as I headed off on the journey to the Outfitter Tales HQ. Tucked away in a private estate in Ayrshire, Scotland, I was met with beautiful open fields and dense woodland, where, admittedly, I felt a mix of feelings about what to expect.

Before we even considered heading out into the field, it was an afternoon with Chris on the range, going through all the necessary preparations and safety for my big day ahead, depending how I fared on the rifle, of course. There were detailed safety briefings, an introduction to the equipment, and plenty of guidance from my stalker (the professional kind, I should add!). It wasn’t merely a tick-box exercise; Chris needed to be 100% confident in my ability to take a safe, accurate shot. And rightly so. If I hadn’t met the standard, that would’ve been the end of any potential stalking the following day. 

With two practice shots taken in prone position, I was convinced I’d not even hit the board, let alone the target, but to my surprise, I’d pretty much hit two bullseye shots! We practised a bit more, but ultimately, Chris was confident that I had a solid eye and no concerns. 

Experience to Reality: The Day of The Stalk

As morning came, it was time for the real deal. Although I barely slept a wink in the anticipation, arguing with myself over whether I should even consider taking a shot, should the opportunity arise. I was up and ready to leave at 4 am sharp, just as the birdsong was starting.

Out in the field, Chris’s demeanour had shifted- quiet, focused, and serious. It made perfect sense; he was taking it seriously as he should. After all, he had a rifle, was a novice, and potentially, the life of an animal he respected deeply in his hands. For the next three hours, we moved mostly in silence. I stayed behind, observing him, a professional at work. At one point, he said something that stuck with me: “I’ve observed thousands more deer than I’ve ever shot.”

He passed on several searching for one that was right for ‘culling’, and I was struck by how thoughtful and deliberate the process was. Eventually, he found one that made sense. I carefully set up, spotted the deer in my crosshairs, and felt surprisingly calm- maybe from the adrenaline. But it was too close to a fence line, a position I wasn’t remotely confident about. I didn’t go near the trigger, and importantly, I didn’t feel pressured to.

By now, I was thinking that it was unlikely, given how long we’d been out, that I would actually take a shot, but nevertheless enjoying being out in nature- no screens in sight. Chris decided we’d try again, this time crossing a fence to follow the deer. The short grass meant I was able to get into a prone position, with the deer moving across the field (about 170 metres away), and none the wiser that we were nearby. I reminded myself I’d only take the shot if it felt absolutely right. Then, in a split second, it stepped into a clear opening. Calm but focused, in a way I hadn’t felt before, I pulled the trigger.

Chris quickly followed up, making sure the animal was dispatched- swift, clean, and over in seconds. I felt an overwhelming feeling of relief and calmness; there was no suffering, no transport stress, no uncertainty, just a single respectful moment. Chris would immediately grollick the deer in the field, and we took it back to his place to prep the meat for a restaurant nearby or for their own consumption.

Reality to Responsibility: Why Deer Management Matters

One thing I learnt from this experience is that deer stalking is not just a sport; it’s a responsible wildlife management practice, and is more important than ever here in the UK. With no natural predators and a rapidly growing population, deer numbers have surged in recent decades, which can come with real consequences:

• Environmental impact: Deer can cause serious damage to young trees, wildflowers, and fragile habitats, damaging conservation efforts and threatening biodiversity.
• Farming concerns: For farmers, deer can wreak havoc on crops, leading to economic losses.
• Public safety: Deer can cause serious public safety issues, such as deer-vehicle collisions on roads.
  
• Deer Population: Unregulated population growth can lead to overpopulation, poor health and starvation, particularly during harsh winters.

Deer stalking has a wider conservation goal, with responsible deer management helping to restore balance to the landscape, people, wildlife, and the wider ecosystem. When deer are responsibly culled as part of this ecological management, the resulting meat is often ethically sourced and a by-product of necessary population control, avoiding waste. 

 

Responsibility to Outcome: How the experience changed, or challenged my perspective

Of course, deer management is not without its ethical and practical considerations. As someone who initially had my reservations about taking the life of an animal myself, what really stood out to me was just how professional and regulated deer stalking is when done properly.  

So much care was taken throughout the entire process, with many deer observed to ensure we got one suitable for culling. The emphasis was always on a humane, quick kill and full respect for the animal—no hoorays or cheers after the shot. Getting involved responsibly showed me that, most importantly, trained stalkers don’t just know how to take a shot; they know when not to.

And it doesn’t end there, as the whole deer is used, from meat to hide. It’s a genuine field-to-fork process, and considerably more sustainable and traceable than most of what ends up on supermarket shelves today.

 

My Key Takeaways

From my first-hand experience, and as someone who was somewhat apprehensive about the topic, I can safely say that well-managed stalking plays a vital role in keeping ecosystems balanced. While some may suggest passive alternatives like rewilding, which has its place, in many UK landscapes with no apex predators and fragmented habitats, it just isn’t enough on its own.

With its many preconceptions, for me, the reality of stalking was much more thoughtful and regulated than I think people expect. It's essential conservation, with people who care deeply about the welfare of the animals, the countryside and the sustainability of our food chain. There’s ultimately a huge amount of care and consideration involved, and an underpinning appreciation for the connection between people and land - something I didn’t fully appreciate until I saw it up close.

If you’d like to learn more about deer stalking and deer management, the British Deer Society's website has a wealth of information. And of course, check out the great guys at Outfitter Tales on their YouTube Channel and Instagram, where you can check out my deer stalking journey in video form! 

 

 

About the Author

Sarah Holland

With her extensive first-hand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland has a genuine appreciation for the tradition of rural living. Whether it's country sports attire or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect equipment for their outdoor lifestyle.