***Remastered this is fresh update to the Outdoor Gibbon Podcast ***

What happens when an expert airgun shooter faces the challenge of his first deer stalk? Lee Perryman, pro staff for Harkila and Pulsar, travels eight hours from England to the rugged Scottish Highlands seeking not an easy trophy, but a genuine challenge.

"I want something that's a challenge," Lee told host Peter before arriving. And challenging it was—navigating the treacherous terrain of clear-fell forestry, crawling through thick undergrowth, and confronting the emotional weight of taking a larger animal for the first time. This episode captures the raw, unfiltered experience of crossing that threshold from small game to deer stalking.

The conversation takes us through every aspect of Lee's journey: from test-firing unfamiliar rifles on quad sticks to the heart-pounding moment when a perfect roe buck presented itself at 158 yards. You'll feel the tension as Lee steadies himself for the shot, the mixed emotions after the successful harvest, and his thoughtful reflections on the difference between taking a squirrel and a deer. As he admits, "On the drive up here I was thinking about it, and the thought was lingering in my head if I could even pull the trigger."

Beyond the stalk itself, we dive deep into the gear that works across hunting disciplines, the importance of proper field craft, and the complete field-to-freezer process. Unlike many commercial stalks where clients are spared the details, Lee experiences it all—tracking the blood trail, field dressing the buck, and learning to properly butcher his harvest. The discovery of the buck's broken tine and chipped teeth adds another dimension to the story, suggesting this was an animal that may not have survived the coming winter.

Whether you're contemplating your first deer stalk or simply curious about the emotional and practical aspects of transitioning to larger game, this episode offers authentic insights rarely captured in hunting media. Listen in as two passionate outdoorsmen discuss not just the how, but the why of ethical, challenging field sports.

What will your first deer stalk be like? Or if you've already crossed that threshold, how did your experience compare to Lee's? Join the conversation on our social media channels and share your thoughts.

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