ENGLAND - CHINESE WATER DEER/MUNTJAC HUNT (COMBO)

This hunt is best during the winter months, seeing as Muntjac shed their antlers in April, and regrow them by October, despite being open year-round with no bag limits. Seasons for Chinese Water Deer hunting in the UK seasons however extends from November to the end of March, making this winter window (early Nov - end of March) the best time for these unique combination hunts.

-Additional Muntjac: Can be taken as targets of opportunity for a flat-rate trophy fee.
-Additional Chinese Water Deer: Can be taken as targets of opportunity for a flat-rate trophy fee.
-Japanese Sika Deer: Can be taken on a flat-rate trophy fee basis, as targets of opportunity.
-Roe Deer: Not available, as seasons are only open in late April, and are drop antlered by Nov.
-English Red Stag: Season is closed – with prime time being early fall during the Sept/Oct roar.

These hunts come standard at 3 days (x6 outings) with a total of x3 morning and x3 evening hunts. Greet your guide each morning and afternoon at the lodge. Arrive to the hunting areas by dawn and use spot & stalk tactics for CWD who favor big open country, only residing in select hunting areas. Calling or slow stalking tactics in strategic areas are best for Muntjac, who many deem a more challenging but very abundant species. Muntjac can also be hunted from high-seats over active bait piles monitored by trail cameras in thick cover, or at times even with thermal optics just after sundown. Once successful, attention can be turned to additional specimens of each species, or towards a bonus Japanese Sika stag as a target of opportunity. Physically the terrain is flat or rolling, and not strenuous to navigate, making it possible for hunters of every fitness level.

We strongly encourage clients not to bring personal firearms from home, especially if wishing to do any tourism while in the UK or Europe before or after the hunt. The outfitter has various quality rifles (Sako/Blaser with Swarovski optics) always available for clients, already included in the cost of the package. Rifles are usually bolt or slide action, with the most popular caliber being .243. Nearly all international clients have borrowed rifles rather than bring them.

Archery hunting is not legal in England.

Southern England is a patchwork of old hamlets, rich agricultural or pasture fields dotted with mature deciduous dominated woodlots, and the odd pine plantation. To this, add Medieval castles, churches, and manor homes in the distance set amongst gently rolling hilltops. Huge gnarly English Oak, Elm, and Beech trees become covered in ivy scattered among the holly and rhododendron bushes. Medieval-era rock walls and dense hedgerows compartmentalize the landscape.

During the winter months, the deciduous leaves have largely fallen with the exception of beech trees, ivy’s, certain hedge rows or dense fern thickets. Visibility in the woods is quite good, but the fallen leaves can be noisy if conditions are dry. Mornings are generally dewy, but frost or snow, and temperatures below freezing are quite uncommon. Rain is always possible in southern England this time of year, but rarely is it a prolonged downpour, and more often occasional belts of rain clouds.

Stay in a lovely old manor home, that has now been renovated into a rural bed-and-breakfast style lodge, with an adjoined restaurant and classic English pub. It’s a beautiful heritage structure that offers clients all the amenities only minutes from many of the various Chinese Water Deer hunting areas. Enjoy private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, heating and air-conditioning, and daily maid service, if desired. There are several quaint common reading or lounging areas, dining halls, as well as a covered veranda offering a pleasant place to unwind. The local pub makes for a nice after-hours treat!

Meals are hosted at the adjoining restaurant and are already included in every package with a list of traditional English fare. Breakfasts are typically light, with a hearty cooked-to-order or buffet-style brunch upon returning from the morning hunt. A midday pub-stop for lunch may also occur, depending on the hunting area. Order what you like off the menu for dinner. Fish & chips, bangers & mash, gourmet burgers, local seafood platters, curries, pizzas, and pastas are just some of the great items to choose from each night.

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive to Heathrow International Airport in London, England, where they will be greeted by the outfitter or a driver. The various hunting areas are located within a 1-2 hour drive roughly west of London.

Travel Suggestions: London is easily reached, often with direct flights and no connections from many major airports. Fares are well priced, flights are quick & easy with many bonus travel or sightseeing options conveniently available.

After successfully hunting in England, most clients visit with the taxidermist personally. Here, the complete work on the trophies can be done, or choose to simply prep, tan, permit, and crate trophies for shipping, and the taxidermist can coordinate with European shipping agents. General turnaround time to delivery is approximately 8 months.

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