Hi again,

forgot to say, I hunt everything the law allows. Pigeons, Rabbits, Hare, Ducks, Geese and Deer to name but a few. The season is quite short, it stretches from 16 of August to the end of January. however, a large amount of the birds we are allowed to hunt are migratory, so you have only a month or so to hunt them.

I will let you know how we get on

A quick update, the Buck hunting season started at sunrise on the 16th of August. I was in position on a large, flat topped natural rock with a about 100-150 meters of grass then forest on all sides.

Watching the forest awaken at sunrise is something special, clad in camouflage, it is a rare privalge to be able to watch the birds and animals undetected.

Only saw a small point buck in the morning, I let him go even though he was legal, I wanted something bigger for my first buck deer.

I was back in position that evening, finally at 20:42, just after sunset, a fine Buck wandered through the mist shrouded trees and into the field. At first he was out of range, he came closer and closer, finally at about 80 meters out he turned sidewards to me, presenting me with a perfect shot.

I have to tell you, at that moment I really did go through my reasons for wanting to kill this animal, I realised that I was at a watershed, either I would commit, or I would hang up my rifle for good.

Despite shaking hands and galloping heart, I took the shot, he ran for about five meters then fell.

This was probably one the most exhilarating moments of my life (wedding night apart). I know some people say that it is wrong to be exhilarated by a kill, but this is why I became a hunter. Simply for the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of eating meat I had shot, dressed, skinned and butchered myself.

The season is operning up now, I will be scanning the pages for recipes for Venison, Pigeon breast and wild Goose, which is what I have in the freezer up until now!

Regs, Ray

PS if you want a picture I will post one.