Stuffed with Roe!

There is a block of wood at Dibden that we take the dogs to for their exercise that seems to be stuffed with Roe. The picture here is of a doe that was only 60 yards away and was not put off by us at all, including the dogs. The area is very popular with walkers so hence the lack of nerves re the Roe. The previous evening we came across 3 doe's and 2 bucks both of which had a decent set of jewels.(No camera that time). If only the Forestry Commission would allow stalking in the New Forest........

The last lamping session was frustrating again. Took a shot at an adult fox for only to miss again. Doubt soon took over whether the rifle was zero'd in. Stephen set up a target approx 50 yards away with the shot 1.25" above the bull which answered my worry about the zero. Must of got fox fever and pulled the shot...plonker!!

Fox 2 Lampers 0

Apart from the night sky picture the lamping session proved fruitless with regards to any shots taking at reynard. Two were spotted during the night which started after the feed and water of the poults. The first was a fleeting glimpse and the second was a rather frustrating attempt to get an adult fox into a safe area so that a shot could be taken, to no avail unfortunately. The weather turned against us as well with the sky almost crystal clear and the moon doing a good job of lighting everything. Metcheck proved right.

Good news though is that the farm have started to harvest the oil seed rape so the next session should allow additional fields to be scanned plus with the current good weather other crops will mature and maybe also be cropped. Hopefully some hotspot fields will come into action........

Be aware there is someone's beloved moggy (has a reflective collar on) in the left field on Lovedean Road.

Bullseye for Martyn

Lamping session on Saturday night resulted in Martyn taking a young vixen from one of the Lovedean Road fields, it came in from my attempted calling on one of my fox callers (the first time it has worked - or maybe I managed to work it properly).
Saturday was a long day to start, took one of Rogers stalking first thing, so at the pub by 5am. Walked the top side of the farm without seeing a buck and then proceeded to Sausage Wood with no joy. Weather was against us with a strong wind and overcast conditions. Client, Thomas, was from Denmark and had cracking eyesight with tow doe's spotted in amongst the crops.
Back home by 9.30am and then back to the shoot by 10pm to meet Stephen and Martyn. The pressure was on to get a result before the recently cropped fields were ploughed again. The first field in and bingo the resident fox as out to play. After waiting for it to get in a safe shootable position I took a position leaning against the truck bonnet, it didn't feel comfortable but as it was a chance on this sly resident I took the shot and plainly missed.....was not impressed at all and spent the next half hour swearing at myself.
All was not lost though as Martyn redeemed the night and killed the young vixen, down to my calling, ha ha and Stephen's lamping.
Back out tonight again, a chance to amend for my miss.

The blighters are in!

After a few hours prepping the release pen on Friday with the help from Keith and wife plus myself and Roger the first batch of poult's were delivered in the afternoon. These youngsters were fit and healthy, caught me by surprise when half a dozen took flight straight away and not just clearing the fence height but a good 15ft......they are going to be very good sporting birds come the season, apparently they tend to bolt straight up. Will be interesting to see what the shot to kill ratio will be.

Libary Pics

If anyone requires a decent pic of wildlife etc I should be able to source. There maybe a small fee attached. Please let me know what you require and I shall try and get it free.

Roe Buck trophy.

Collected back from Roger the Roe Buck head from my kill back in May 2008. I now have the gear to prepare the head myself. The picture shown is of the skull being bleached. Spent Saturday night boiling the head before peeling away must of the skin and flesh. The antlers were covered in velvet hence the pale colour. The skull was then blasted with the pressure washer to remove the remaining stubborn flesh on Sunday morning. Then back in the pot with fresh water and a bleach solution to gain the white look on the bone. Once that was completed it was left to dry for a few hours before the first stain on the antlers. Will post a pic once the trophy is fully completed. It is not a medal head but my first roe buck so hence the trophy being made etc plus it will give me good practice for future heads, bronze, silver or even gold....yes I'll keep dreaming.

Saturday Pen Work 12th July.

Kevin & Greg at work on the pen door (Left) Keith digging a tunnel trap hole (Below)

Saturday's work party on the pen at Beachwood included Roger, Kevin, Greg, Keith and family plus myself. General maintenance work was carried out around the pen including the pen door frame, a new tunnel trap plus cutting back the privot shrubs inside the hedge on the top side. Feed bins and drinkers were brought up from the farm in readiness for the arrival of the poults this coming Friday. This leaves 3 bolts holes to fix in and the electric fence to be in operation which will be done on Friday hopefully before the poults turn up. I think we have a number of people who have said that they will help out on Friday so it should all go smoothly.