The countdown to the Stalking Show 2024 has begun, and this exclusive preview with show organizer David Freer reveals why this rapidly growing event has become the unmissable gathering for the UK hunting community.

Born from late-night conversations in a Scottish pub about the decline of specialized hunting exhibitions, the Stalking Show has evolved from a passion project into the premier dedicated stalking event in Britain. As David explains, what started three years ago with 94 exhibitor stands has exploded to 246 for the upcoming April 13-14 event at Staffordshire County Showground.

Unlike broader country shows where hunting vendors get lost among hot tubs and window salespeople, the Stalking Show maintains a laser focus on hunting and stalking through a strict vetting process. Every stand must demonstrate clear relevance to the hunting world, creating an immersive experience where visitors can engage meaningfully with every exhibitor they encounter.

The 2024 show features several exciting expansions, including a dramatically enhanced deer calling competition with Harkila sponsorship and prizes including Leupold scopes, Swarovski binoculars, and thermal imaging equipment. The Really Wild Kitchen returns with Jose Suto and Rachel Green hosting butchery competitions featuring thousands of pounds in prizes. A Scottish piper from the Isle of Skye will add traditional flair, opening both the show and the deer calling competition.

For visitors, the Stalking Show offers an unbeatable weekend experience. With tickets priced at just £15 online (£5 less than at the door), free parking, and exhibitors encouraged to offer genuine show deals, it's a rare opportunity to combine premium shopping, learning opportunities, competitions, and community connections. The event attracts attendees from across the UK and Ireland, many making a full weekend of it to ensure they don't miss anything.

Want a chance to win some incredible prizes? Find me at the show to enter our exclusive competition featuring stag stalking, Richie Nanks knives, a Deer Central three-point leather sling, Katie Hargreaves' deer species book, or an Outdoor Gibbon beanie.

Mark your calendar for April 13-14, grab your tickets online, and join the UK's most passionate stalkers and hunters for a weekend that celebrates the best of our community!

https://www.thestalkingshow.co.uk/

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Discover the fascinating world of Swedish hunting through the eyes of Beatrice, known as "the hunting psychologist" on Instagram, as she shares her journey and the unique aspects of Scandinavian hunting culture.

The conversation begins with a striking revelation about Sweden's comprehensive hunting qualification system. Unlike the UK's relatively open approach, Swedish hunters face rigorous theoretical and practical examinations before receiving their hunting permits. Beatrice walks us through the process of obtaining not just a hunting license but also the surprisingly stringent requirements for owning a hunting dog – a process she describes as "almost like a job interview."

What truly shines through is Beatrice's passion for hunting with pointing dogs. Her voice brightens as she describes the almost magical quality of watching a dog go completely still on point – "That pointing gene just never stops to amaze me." This connection between hunter, dog, and quarry forms the emotional core of her hunting experience, revealing how similar passions transcend national boundaries and regulatory differences.

The podcast takes a thought-provoking turn when discussing the ethics of social media content around hunting. Beatrice advocates for thoughtful representation that goes beyond "just dead animals in awkward positions," emphasizing the importance of storytelling and showing proper respect for harvested animals. This perspective offers valuable insight for hunters navigating the delicate balance of authentically sharing their experiences while considering how non-hunters might perceive their content.

Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion of wildlife management challenges, particularly Sweden's wolf reintroduction program and its unforeseen consequences. As wolves specifically target hunting dogs, many hunters avoid releasing their dogs in wolf territories, creating unhunted zones where game populations grow unchecked. This complex interplay between conservation decisions, hunting practices, and wildlife populations demonstrates how even well-intentioned policies can have unexpected ripple effects.

Ready to explore more international hunting perspectives? Subscribe to the Outdoor Gibbon podcast for more conversations that bridge hunting cultures and share diverse approaches to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.

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Arthur's journey from vegetarian London urbanite to passionate hunting educator is the compelling foundation of The Wild Order, an innovative program designed to introduce newcomers to ethical hunting and wild game processing.

"The countryside isn't just a place – it's a relationship," Arthur explains, reflecting on how his first taste of meat during travels in Asia sparked a passion for understanding where food comes from. After struggling for years to break into the traditionally closed-off world of deer stalking, he created The Wild Order to offer others a more accessible pathway into hunting.

Unlike conventional hunting courses that require significant commitment or prior knowledge, The Wild Order welcomes complete novices into experiences that reveal the entire process – from understanding wildlife behavior to ethical harvesting, proper field handling, and butchery techniques. Participants don't just pull triggers; they develop meaningful connections with the landscape, learning about conservation, animal health assessment, and sustainable food procurement along the way.

Having seen both sides of the equation – growing up in a vegetarian household in London before becoming a hunter – Arthur brings unique perspective to heated debates about meat consumption and wildlife management. "Vegans and hunters actually have more in common than they might think," he suggests, pointing out that both groups seek meaningful relationships with their food sources. This approach has proven effective at opening eyes, with many participants describing their experiences as transformative.

Looking forward, The Wild Order plans to expand beyond deer stalking to include free diving, fishing, and foraging experiences on Scotland's west coast, always maintaining their fundamental commitment to teaching people how to respect and properly utilize wild food sources. Whether you're curious about sustainable meat, seeking closer connection with nature, or simply want to understand where your food comes from, The Wild Order offers a thoughtful pathway into hunting's deeper purpose. Follow their journey or book an experience through their social media channels and website.

They can be  found at https://www.thewildorder.com/

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There's something wonderfully contradictory about Katie Hargreaves. She's a vegan who hunts deer. A colorful painter who found fame through black and white charcoal. An accidental artist whose work now hangs in homes across continents.

Katie's artistic journey began with a simple birthday gift—a fallow buck painting for her hunting-enthusiast boyfriend. Despite her background in vibrant, psychedelic colors, she reluctantly tried charcoal "to prove him wrong" when he suggested black and white. That experiment changed everything when her first charcoal pieces sold immediately at a Beretta Gallery event in London. "People seemed to really like those because it's completely different," she explains, describing how she discovered her signature style almost by accident.

What makes Katie truly fascinating is her ethical framework. Eight years ago, she became vegan after researching industrial meat production, yet she stalks deer and consumes venison when ethically hunted. This apparent contradiction dissolves when she explains: "My ethics to become a vegan are exactly why I also agree with hunting." She understands conservation necessity and wildlife management in ways many vegans and non-hunters don't, creating a unique bridge between these communities through her art.

Beyond her distinctive charcoal drawings—primarily of deer and hunting subjects—Katie recently collaborated with the British Deer Society on their field guide, completed her Deer Stalking Certificate, and regularly exhibits at major UK field sports shows. She's temporarily closed commissions to focus on larger, more dramatic pieces and dreams of photographing African wildlife to create art from her own references.

Want to experience Katie's remarkable work firsthand? Visit her at upcoming field sports shows or explore her website for originals and prints that bring the beauty of wildlife and the outdoors into your home. Each piece carries her unmistakable style—timeless black and white images that celebrate our connection to the natural world.
 
Katies web page https://www.katiehargreavesart.com/

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful deer stalking business from the ground up? Get ready for a fascinating journey as we sit down with Ben from Deer Central, a man whose path went from teenage air rifle enthusiast to military service and eventually to becoming one of the most respected voices in deer management training and equipment.

Ben shares his evolution from stalking hedgerows on his pushbike as a youngster to managing deer on Ministry of Defence estates, where he honed the skills that would later become the foundation of his business. His passion for passing knowledge to others shines through as he explains how Deer Central emerged from his combined experience in deer management, training delivery, and even his time as a butler on a sporting estate.

The conversation delves into the craft behind Deer Central's signature leather three-point harness sling, created to fill the market gap left when the popular Z-Aim sling disappeared during COVID. Ben's attention to quality and functionality has made this product a standout success, along with clever adaptations like the additional leather pad for muzzle-down carrying – addressing the real needs of stalkers in the field.

We explore the recent changes to the Deer Stalking Certificate system, with Ben providing valuable insights on how the shift of "trained hunter" status from DSC1 to DSC2 ensures stalkers have practical experience before placing venison into the food chain. His tips on marksmanship, knife skills, and equipment selection are gold for both newcomers and experienced hunters alike.

Perhaps most compelling is Ben's innovative "Field to Fork" experience, combining fine dining with hands-on stalking education – aimed at connecting city dwellers with the complete journey of their food. As he puts it, "you get so much more out of being in wildlife by slowing down," a philosophy that permeates everything Deer Central stands for.

Whether you're just starting your deer stalking journey or looking to refine your skills and equipment, this episode offers wisdom from someone who's truly mastered the craft from every angle.
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Meeting Jason Doyle feels like sitting down with an old friend who happens to know every secret about hunting Ireland's elusive sika deer. As a former professional hunter from the Emerald Isle, Jason brings a refreshing honesty to this conversation that cuts through the often-idealized portrayal of hunting in social media.

From his unexpected journey into deer stalking (which he initially dismissed as "crawling around a mountain for a day to shoot something the size of a horse with a rifle") to becoming one of Ireland's most respected hunters, Jason shares wisdom earned through decades of experience. His description of Wicklow as "a condensed version of Scotland" perfectly captures why Ireland offers such exceptional stalking opportunities—smaller mountains but more varied habitat that delivers in two days what might take a week in Scotland.

The conversation delves into practical matters that will fascinate hunters of all experience levels. Jason's techniques for handling Ireland's challenging winds (waiting for deer to be positioned with their backs to the wind before shooting), his thoughts on caliber selection (.270 remains his go-to), and his candid assessment of the shift toward non-toxic ammunition all provide valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their own hunting practice. His admission that "the more you shoot, the more you miss" serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the perfectionism often portrayed in hunting media.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Jason's passionate description of sika hunting during the rut—the magical experience of hearing stags whistling across misty valleys at dawn. As he puts it: "I just don't think there's anything to match it." After listening to his stories, you'll understand why Ireland deserves a place on every serious hunter's bucket list.

Whether you're planning your next hunting adventure, curious about conservation issues facing Irish deer populations, or simply enjoy authentic conversations about the hunting life, this episode delivers insights you won't find anywhere else. Subscribe now and join our growing community of thoughtful outdoor enthusiasts.

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Byron Pace takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career as a filmmaker, conservationist, and storyteller. From stalking deer in the Scottish Highlands to documenting elephant relocations across Africa, Byron offers refreshing authenticity in discussing the complex realities of wildlife management and conservation.

Our conversation begins with the origin story of his pioneering "Into the Wilderness" podcast, which emerged in a landscape virtually devoid of outdoor podcasts eight years ago. Byron shares how his focus evolved from purely hunting-centered discussions to broader conservation issues, gaining perspective through documenting wildlife management across multiple continents. His thoughtful approach to contentious topics demonstrates a rare ability to bridge divides between polarized groups in the conservation world.

The heart of our discussion explores Byron's latest documentary project, "Paid in Blood," which follows the dramatic relocation of elephants from drought-stricken Namibia to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project showcases the uncomfortable realities of conservation work - including difficult decisions about culling wildlife during droughts and the occasional losses that occur during high-risk conservation operations. Byron's unflinching commitment to telling the whole truth about conservation, rather than sanitized narratives, sets his work apart.

We also dive into his work with Modern Huntsman magazine, which has become a refuge for serious long-form journalism about conservation at a time when many publications are shifting toward clickbait. Byron shares striking economic insights from African conservation, noting that in some reserves, "72 photographic tourists generate the same income as one hunter" - illustrating why hunting remains a crucial conservation tool in many contexts.

Throughout our conversation, Byron articulates how short-term political thinking undermines effective conservation, which requires generational commitment. Whether discussing Scotland's deer management challenges or rural communities facing disconnected urban policies, he brings clarity to complex issues that affect both wildlife and people.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Byron's willingness to question his own assumptions and evolve his thinking based on new information - a quality essential for anyone serious about conservation. His work represents a refreshing alternative to the polarized debates that often characterize conservation discussions.

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Journey into the world of taxidermy with Tom Douglas, known to many as the "Wiltshire Redneck" on social media. Tom pulls back the curtain on a craft that transforms hunting trophies into lasting memories, sharing insights gained from following in his father's footsteps in this 40-year family tradition.

What happens after you take that perfect shot? Tom walks us through proper field care techniques that make all the difference between a stunning mount or a disappointing result. You'll learn why bleeding a deer through the throat can ruin a potential shoulder mount, why field dressing immediately produces cleaner capes, and how to handle your trophy in hot weather. Even experienced hunters will find valuable tips to improve their field practices.

The conversation spans continents as Tom shares his hunting adventures across Africa, including the unique challenges of bow hunting compared to rifle hunting. His perspective on international hunting costs reveals why UK hunters have a different relationship with trophies than their American counterparts – what costs £600 here might command thousands abroad. This economic reality influences everything from hunting practices to decoration choices.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Tom offers fascinating biological insights about deer species variations across regions. Did you know rutting Sika deer can develop skin two inches thick that can actually impede bullet performance? Or that Scottish red deer are considered a different subspecies than English red deer, with distinct characteristics and scoring systems?

Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to better preserve your trophies, a wildlife enthusiast curious about species variations, or simply interested in the art of taxidermy, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into a world where hunting tradition meets meticulous craftsmanship. Subscribe to the Outdoor Gibbon podcast for more insights from fascinating guests across the hunting and outdoor community.

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What happens when someone who once refused to touch dead animals becomes an accomplished hunter and equipment tester? Sarah Miles' remarkable journey unfolds in this candid conversation about finding your authentic path in the shooting world.

Sarah reveals how her transformation began with her father's unyielding passion for shooting, through her early aversion to handling game (wearing gloves to touch pheasants!), to eventually landing a job at a gun shop by offering a freshly-baked chocolate cake. This unlikely beginning set her on a path that would lead to becoming a Highland Outdoors ambassador, testing cutting-edge equipment including thermal scopes and precision rifles.

Throughout our discussion, Sarah's refreshing perspective challenges the notion that you need the "latest and greatest" to succeed. "If it works for me, I'll just stick to it," she explains, countering the caliber debates and equipment trends that often dominate shooting forums. Working at what she describes as "the best shooting range in the UK" – a fully underground facility with electronic target systems – she witnesses firsthand how finding the right fit matters more than the price tag.

We explore the technological evolution in hunting, from the "good old days" of lamping to the digital revolution of thermal imaging, while acknowledging concerns about losing traditional stalking skills. Sarah shares invaluable insights from her pursuit of the UK's six deer species, describing the ghost-like sika deer that have humbled her stalking abilities: "If you can stalk sika deer, you can stalk anything."

The conversation takes an honest turn as Sarah discusses the unseen realities behind social media content – the time-consuming editing, challenging photo shoots, and occasionally disturbing messages that come with building an online presence. For anyone interested in hunting, shooting sports, or navigating the modern outdoor world, Sarah's journey offers wisdom earned through persistence and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

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What happens when military precision meets artisanal craftsmanship? Richie Nank's journey from Royal Marine commando to sought-after custom knife maker reveals the unexpected parallels between battlefield discipline and the meticulous art of blade making.

Richie shares how a simple bet to make a knife in 2016 transformed into a thriving business built on understanding the specific needs of deer stalkers. With refreshing candor, he explains his detailed approach to customization—considering everything from the stalker's experience level to hand size and target species. "I genuinely call myself the best custom knife maker in the UK," Richie boldly states, backing this claim with explanations of how he tailors each knife's geometry, handle material, and steel selection to create truly personalized tools.

The conversation takes us to County Wicklow, Ireland, where Richie recently hunted the notoriously challenging Sika deer—"the Royal Marines of deer"—offering gripping accounts of these hyper-alert animals that can run substantial distances even after perfect shot placement. His descriptions of the unforgiving Irish terrain and weather conditions highlight why proper equipment matters in extreme stalking situations.

What truly sets this episode apart is Richie's passion for building community through craftsmanship. His "Crew Membership" connects knife owners who share experiences and support each other, reflecting his military ethos of brotherhood. This extends to his touching acknowledgment of mentors and supporters who helped establish his business, demonstrating how traditional crafts create meaningful human connections in our digital age.

Whether you're a seasoned stalker, knife enthusiast, or simply appreciate stories of reinvention and craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of military precision, artisanal skill, and the primal pursuit of deer stalking. Listen now and discover how the perfect edge can make all the difference in the field and in life.

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