The Outdoor Gibbon

The future of deer stalking stands at a critical crossroads, with unity being the only path forward for this vital conservation practice. In this enlightening conversation with David McCauley, CEO of the British Deer Society, we unpack the urgent need for the deer stalking community to stop internal bickering and embrace collaboration before it's too late.

With the UK population projected to reach 69 million by 2030, human encroachment into deer territories presents unprecedented challenges. David eloquently articulates how deer management isn't about bloodthirsty hunting but about balancing ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and practicing ethical conservation. His perspective offers a refreshing lens: "We're not bloodthirsty people. We're people trying to control deer, manage the countryside, and have more effective tree planting."

The conversation reveals how internal divisions within the stalking community provide ammunition for anti-hunting activists, while highlighting the stark disconnect between urban populations and their understanding of food sources. The British Deer Society's new strategy centers on three pillars—welfare, education, and research—with ambitious plans to develop a sector-wide framework and bring conservation education to inner-city schools.

Perhaps most compelling is the revelation that many stalkers are conservation-minded individuals who sometimes choose to simply observe and photograph these majestic animals rather than hunt them. This deeper appreciation for wildlife directly challenges the stereotypes perpetuated by those unfamiliar with ethical stalking practices.

Whether you're an experienced deer manager, conservation enthusiast, or simply curious about sustainable wildlife management, this episode offers profound insights into how collective action can preserve both deer populations and stalking traditions for generations to come. Listen now to understand why unity isn't just desirable—it's essential for survival.
Visit The British Deer Society link below

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Have you ever wondered what it's really like to be a gold miner? Not the romanticized version from books or the dramatized scenes on reality TV, but the authentic day-to-day experience of someone who makes their living extracting gold from riverbeds? Meet Kayla Johansson, a professional gold dredger who's turned a weekend hobby into a thriving full-time career in the challenging wilderness of Alaska.

Kayla takes us on a fascinating journey through her 18-year evolution from curious teenager to seasoned prospector. Unlike traditional miners who dig through dirt with heavy machinery, she specializes in underwater dredging – essentially hovering up riverbed material while weighted down with up to 82 pounds of equipment and battling strong currents. The physical demands are intense, but the rewards go beyond just the gold she finds.

What happens to that gold might surprise you. Rather than simply cashing in, Kayla transforms her larger nuggets into handcrafted jewelry and packages smaller gold particles into guaranteed pay dirt bags for hobbyists. This clever business model allows her to continue generating income during Alaska's harsh winters when active mining isn't possible. It's just one example of the resourcefulness required to succeed in this challenging profession.

We also get an unfiltered look behind the scenes of "Gold Rush: Whitewater," where Kayla gained wider recognition. She reveals how a week's worth of actual mining gets condensed into minutes of dramatic television, the constant need to explain basic mining concepts for viewers, and the artificial scenarios sometimes created for compelling storytelling. It's an eye-opening contrast between reality TV and the actual reality of professional gold mining.

From close encounters with grizzly bears to the unique challenges of living off-grid in remote Alaskan wilderness, this episode delivers authentic, firsthand insights into a lifestyle few will ever experience. Whether you're fascinated by outdoor adventure, curious about unconventional careers, or simply enjoy stories of people forging their own paths, you'll find something valuable in Kayla's remarkable story.

Listen now and discover what it truly means to hunt for treasure in the modern world. Then follow Kayla's continuing adventures on her social channels, where she's begun sharing more authentic glimpses into the life of a professional gold miner.

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/kaylanuggetjohanson?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@kaylajohanson?si=l_tfwjImHU1k7j8X

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José Suto takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career as both a celebrated game chef and passionate deer stalker. Unlike the traditional path into fieldsports, José's story begins in the professional kitchens of the House of Commons, where a colleague introduced him to falconry – sparking a lifelong obsession that would eventually lead him to deer stalking.

What makes José's perspective so valuable is his ability to bridge two worlds. As a culinary educator with over 20 years of experience, he's trained thousands of chefs in the proper understanding, preparation, and appreciation of game meats. His field-to-fork philosophy has transformed how many professionals approach venison and other wild foods.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about game preparation through history. José explains how modern refrigeration has changed our approach to game, contrasting traditional hanging practices with contemporary preferences for fresher, ethically-harvested meat. His passionate defense of British venison quality compared to continental European alternatives highlights the superior results of careful stalking practices.

Throughout our discussion, José shares practical knowledge about his preferred equipment – from his beloved Sako rifles to Steiner optics – while emphasizing that confidence in quality tools is essential for ethical hunting. His description of teaching butchery skills to culinary students demonstrates his commitment to maintaining traditional knowledge and passing it to future generations.

Don't miss José's exciting announcement about the upcoming venison butchery competition at the Stalking Show, offering participants the chance to demonstrate their skills following his technique and win premium prizes including professional-grade Flint and Flame knives.

Whether you're a seasoned stalker, a culinary professional, or simply curious about the journey of wild game from field to plate, José's passionate expertise offers valuable insights into this vital connection between hunting traditions and fine dining.

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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/

insta feed https://www.instagram.com/katiehargreavesart?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
 
 

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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.
 Check out https://deercentral.co.uk/

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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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