In this beautiful short film, Christopher Abbott takes us on a trip through the English countryside stalking Chinese Water Deer which are distinguished from other deer species by their distinctive ‘fang like’ tusks.

Chinese Water Deer originated in the Far East but were introduced into the British countryside in 1929 when the escaped captivity from the Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Since 1929 their numbers have grown, with Chinese Water Deer now found in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk though they are sometimes spotted further afield.

It is estimated that British populations of Chinese Water Deer make up about 10% of the world total population. Nevertheless, their British population is low density. Pairing this with their restricted range, means that stalking is quite localised.

 It is important to keep control of the Chinese Water Deer populations in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk because as an introduced animal they do not have natural predators. Population control must maintain the balance between conservation, biodiversity and crop protection.

This is where professional hunters like Viking Field Team member Christopher Abbott come in. After successfully performing a quick and humane kill, Christopher prepares the deer for gralloching – as the deer was shot on private land the remains of the gralloch are left behind as they provide a valuable source of food for wildlife and will quickly disappear. The Chinese Water Deer will then be sent to the butcher where it will continue to provide a health and sustainable source of free range meat.

 Christopher used his Ruger American Predator .308 with Leupold VX-6 HD Rifle Scope and B&T Suppressor. His preferred bullet for Chinese Water Deer is the Lapua Mega 150g soft nose. 

Find your nearest Leupold Gold Ring Dealer or Ruger retailer via: www.vikingshoot.com/where-to-buy