Product Description

A totally revised and updated edition taking into account changes in the law. The author explains the history, background and rationale behind deer stalking in the UK. He covers the choice of stalking rifles, optics, ammunition and accessories, and deals with the all-important issue of safety. The law relating to firearms and deer is covered in detail, together with guidance on firearm security in the home and when travelling. Stalking tactics are discussed and explained from the perspective both of the stalking guest and of the more experienced hunter whose responsibility it is to plan and execute a woodland stalking outing on his own. Finally, the book deals with the preparation of the carcass for the game dealer, through to butchering for the home kitchen.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15092 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Review
The author is very knowledgeable on the subject and writes well. He has put together a work which will be read with great interest by the many who are currently coming into this growing fieldsport. --Fieldsports

The apparently impenetrable language and customs of the stalking sect can be baffling or discouraging, but this book coherently explains everything from rifle calibres to the natural history and habits of the different deer species. --Shooting Times

The apparently impenetrable language and customs of the stalking sect can be baffling or discouraging, but this book coherently explains everything from rifle calibres to the natural history and habits of the different deer species. --Shooting Times

About the Author
Graham Downing has shot since his early teens and has stalked throughout Britain and Europe. He manages muntjac, fallow and red deer in north Essex and Suffolk and stalks woodland roe. He is a regular contributor to The Field, Shooting Times and Shooting Gazette and is editor of the British Deer Society s journal Deer. His previous books include Shooting for Beginners (Swan Hill Press 1996) and A Sporting Century (Swan Hill Press 2007). He is a vice President of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, a Council member of the British Shooting Sports Council and Shooting Consultant to the Countryside Alliance. Graham and his wife own a small farm in Suffolk which is managed for shooting

Customer Reviews

Stalking handbook
This book has been excellent so far, very informative for the new comer to stalking, and im sure for people who already know about stalking it will add things to your knowledge.
The book contains alot more information than i thought it would, it goes greatly into detail about ammunition, guns, scopes, and clothing that would suit your requirements, ANd fully illustrated with photos.
I have shot for years but never stalked, this book is excellent.

An excellent read
As a keen amateur stalker, I am glad that I bought the new edition of Downing's book. The book is not patronising or pretentious, and instead offers a lot of tips and advice useful to all but the most experienced stalker. It also covers the relatively recent changes in legislation about the use of .22 centrefires for muntjac and CWD. As 'Buckstalker' said in his earlier review, the colour photography is very good and helpful.

Definitely worth buying!

A brilliant book
Hi all
If you are a Deer Stalker or thinking of taking it up and want an excellent read and introduction to the art then look no further.
The Deer Stalking Handbook by Graham Downing really is a gem for beginners.
I am so glad that I chose this book for my initial research into the craft. It explained clearly and concisely all the basic elements of the sport together with the legalities and steps necessary before applying for an FAC.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to any beginner. I have also dipped into it on numerous occasions since, as a reference book. Graham has a very down to earth approach in his writing style and this is very helpful to the novice.
Of particular help were the sections on kit and calibre choice.
I also found the section on carcass preparation and the Gralloch really good. This was clear and concise with good photo's and enabled me to learn the ropes from this book.
So, there you are-well worth a read and a revised version is due out this summer with a few usefull updates to various chapters and changes in the law added.

Buckstalker