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/

or visit the facebook or Instgram feeds for handy hints 

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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.

Check out
 https://www.byronpace.co.uk/

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https://www.instagram.com/byronjpace/?hl=en

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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.

 Link to Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/richie_nankz_knivez/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

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There's something magical about the Scottish Highlands that captures the imagination of outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. When Alex from Hunter Gatherer Cooking reached out about wanting to learn deer stalking, I knew exactly where to take him – to experience both walked-up grouse shooting on the Glorious 12th of August and the chance to stalk his first red stag.

This special podcast episode captures our conversation two weeks after the hunt, as we reflect on an adventure that took us through the full spectrum of Highland weather and emotions. From torrential rain and punishing winds during our grouse day to perfect stalking conditions the following morning, we experienced it all. Alex recounts the nerve-wracking 12.5 minutes waiting for the perfect shot on "Nigel," his first red stag, taken cleanly at 230 yards after just two practice shots at the range earlier that day.

We dive deep into the ethical aspects of field-to-fork hunting, discussing the importance of proper shot placement, the respect given to the harvested animal, and the stark contrast between this type of hunting and industrial meat production. For Alex, this experience marked just the beginning of his journey – with plans to return to Scotland to learn grallocking (field dressing) and butchery skills to complete the full field-to-fork experience.

For listeners interested in experiencing Scottish Highland stalking themselves, we share information about Tom's Wells Sporting, which offers guided stalking trips, walked-up grouse shooting, and even wildlife photography opportunities for non-hunters who want to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Join us for this candid conversation about hunting traditions, ethical harvesting, and the special connection that forms when you truly participate in sourcing your own food. Watch for Alex's upcoming videos documenting the entire experience, from the Highlands to the dinner table.
 
 There is a video available of this podcast and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/live/j9o4HcH6Hrg?si=y7lLUojw8Bs1eVYp

Remember to subscribe so when the videos are released you can see the full days on the hill.

Also check out Tom Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/wells_sporting_and_country/

He can also be found on facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wells%20sporting%20and%20country%20pursuits

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The magnetic pull of innovation meets wild adventure in this captivating conversation with Rob Gearing, the visionary founder of Spartan Precision Equipment. From the jungles of Bolivia to the frozen expanses of the Arctic, Rob's globe-trotting tales provide the perfect backdrop for understanding how real-world experience shapes exceptional hunting gear.

Rob reveals how a chance encounter with rare earth magnets used on Concorde parts sparked the idea for his revolutionary bipod system—a moment of inspiration that transformed hunting equipment design. With disarming honesty, he shares how Spartan evolved from a simple concept into an internationally recognized brand now embraced by major rifle manufacturers worldwide, including those in the previously skeptical German market.

Beyond gear talk, this episode delves into the profound disconnect between modern society and food sources. Rob articulates the challenges faced by ethical hunters in an increasingly urbanized world, questioning why vegans reject game meat while happily consuming factory-farmed alternatives. His passionate defense of trophy hunting's crucial role in conservation and community support challenges mainstream narratives with firsthand observations from Africa and beyond.

The conversation takes exciting turns as Rob previews upcoming Spartan innovations, including a groundbreaking quad stick system that promises to solve the age-old problem of shooting from uneven terrain. His enthusiasm for upcoming expeditions to Mongolia and New Zealand reflects the adventure-driven spirit that continues to fuel product development.

Whether you're a dedicated hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of innovation and adventure, this episode offers refreshing perspective from someone who's truly lived the experiences that inform his craft. Subscribe now to catch future conversations with outdoor pioneers who are reshaping how we connect with wild places.

Here is a link to there website https://javelinbipod.com/

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Ever felt that deer stalking qualifications were inaccessible due to time constraints or location? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation with Peter Jones—founder of County Deer Stalking, the Capriolus Club, and creator of the revolutionary PDS certification system—reveals how field sports education is evolving to meet modern needs.

After ten years in the Metropolitan Police specializing in firearms legislation, Peter established businesses that bridge the gap between urban professionals and countryside pursuits. His innovative approach recognizes a fundamental challenge: many city dwellers love field sports but lack the rural connections traditionally needed to participate. Through County Deer Stalking and the Capriolus Club, he's created pathways for these enthusiasts to access quality stalking experiences while building a community around what's typically a solitary pursuit.

The conversation centers on the Proficient Deer Stalker (PDS) qualification system—a Lantra-approved alternative to traditional certifications that leverages e-learning technology. While respecting the long-established DSC route, Peter explains how PDS allows busy professionals to study at their own pace rather than committing to multi-day residential courses. The newly launched PDS-2 requires demonstrating competence twice in the field, striking what he considers an ideal balance between thoroughness and accessibility.

Perhaps most fascinating is the shifting motivation behind hunting participation. Peter notes a significant increase in people seeking to harvest their own sustainable wild meat as an ethical alternative to intensively farmed options. This trend completes a meaningful circle: urbanites reconnecting with food sources, learning essential skills, and bringing clean protein directly to their family tables.

Whether you're a seasoned stalker or curious about getting started, this discussion offers valuable insights into how education in field sports is adapting to contemporary lifestyles while maintaining rigorous standards and sustainability principles. Search "PDS-1" online to learn more about this qualification pathway.

He's created a new deerstalking qualification called the PDS1 and PDS2 very similar to the DSC1 and DSC2. His course is approved by Lantra https://www.lantra.co.uk/

Link to the sites discussed in the pod cast
https://www.countydeerstalking.co.uk/go-stalking
https://www.capreolusclub.co.uk/

The quote you will hear in the podcast is by  Martin Luther King, Jr., “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” 

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