The driven hunt season is a bit behind us, the rut is over, and in many places, the boars are currently rarely seen in the fields - the last remnants of winter for many hunters are marked by work in the hunting grounds. However, from mid-April to mid-May, the first highlight of the new hunting year is approaching: Buck hunting!
While in autumn and winter, the focus was on shooting moving game during driven hunts, in spring it is usually the classic stand hunting or stalking where bucks are taken down.
We show what equipment is necessary for this - and where the best offers can be found.
Weapon
The most common weapon among hunters is the bolt-action rifle in the all-round calibers .308 Win, .30-06 Spr, and 8x57 IS. Especially during driven hunts, quick follow-up shots and sufficient penetration power for large game are ensured. However, for buck hunting, overly large calibers are rather a disadvantage due to the high game meat degradation. Additionally, one can take more time for the shot. Many hunters also enjoy stalking bucks - for this, lightweight, compact rifles are advantageous. In general, we recommend hunters to start with an all-rounder like the Sauer 101 or the Merkel RX Helix - however, those looking for a weapon specifically for roe deer hunting will find an interesting alternative, for example, in the Bergara BA 13.
Bergara BA 13
Silencer
Silencers make hunting easier in every respect - they are ear-friendly, save the shooter from wearing hearing protection and putting it on. Additionally, silencers often increase the precision of the weapon to which they are attached. Affordable silencers are available from around 300 euros.
Roedale Hunter 50
Optics
During buck hunting, shots are usually taken from a stand or over the stalking stick. Often, the confirmed buck only comes into the shooting field at advanced twilight, so a sufficiently large objective lens is as advantageous as adequate light transmission. We recommend a lightweight all-round scope that does not make the weapon too heavy, allowing for stalking as well.
Zeiss Conquest V6 2-12 x 50
Knife
A roe buck can be completely field-dressed on the spot with a sharp knife - even without a saw. We recommend a lightweight hunting knife for buck hunting, which is not too heavy and bulky, to make safe and clean cuts. For boars and red deer, however, heavier tools are advisable, just like with the rifle.
Stalking Stick
A stalking stick is indispensable for stalking - it is rare for a tree to be so close that one can safely lean against it, or that approaching the roe buck goes unnoticed. Stalking sticks are available as foldable models and as tripods from around 50 euros.
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