To stalk the nonindigenous species of Japanese Sika Deer requires a great deal of patience and puts your hunting skills and shooting ability to the test.

Viking’s Sales Manager Andy Norris seized the opportunity to be taken Sika Deer stalking by The Highland Shooting Centre’s expert deer stalker, Marcus Monroe, in the stunning scenery of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland. Cold, snowy and fresh, the perfect combination for a Sika Stag Deer Stalk.

The Japanese Sika Deer were first introduced into Britain in 1860 originating from Northeast Asia in the Japanese Islands. While several subspecies, including Chinese, Japanese, Formosan and Manchurian, were introduced into Scottish parks as well, the only free-living form in Britain is the Japanese Sika.

Distribution is widespread in the UK, with a strong and growing population throughout Scotland and slowly infiltrating more areas. The Sika have become a well-established species taking up residence in the regions of North and West Scotland, a place in which the climate is quite similar to their country of origin.

The Sika Deer species shares many of the same features with the Red Deer, a native species of the UK, however, are smaller in size and have wildly different habits making them a very interesting challenge for hunters. One main differentiation between the habits of the two species is that the Sika do not congregate on wintering grounds, nor do they move as much as Red Deer. The Sika is a secretive type of deer unlike their cousins, this foreign species will hide at the first given opportunity which increases the excitement and thrill of stalking out the prized deer under dense cover.

Sika Deer Stag Stalking Season in Scotland takes place between the beginning of July until the 20^th of October each year. By August most of the Sika stags’ antlers are clean of velvet, otherwise known as being in hard antler. Sika Deer Hind Stalking Season in Scotland begins directly after the end of Sika Stag Stalking season on the 21^st of October and wraps up on the 15^th of February as in March and April the Stags antlers are cast.

Sika hinds are more productive than other Deer species throughout woodland habitats due to their ability to maintain body condition for the duration of the Winter Season. This species is most active in twilight, their habits and patterns favour feeding during dawn and dusk making this the ideal time for stalking. Due to their timid nature, the shield of darkness aids in their protection from predators thus they graze nocturnally.

Unfortunately, Sika can cause substantial harm to newly planted tree, resulting in both economic and environmental damage. Often making them at odds with both farmers and foresters. Sika populations require careful management to ensure a sustainable balance with their environment. However, stalking Sika can also be a valuable source of income for the local economy.

With the guidance of Marcus Monroe from The Highland Shooting Centre, Andy was able to demonstrate his great hunting and shooting skills with a prize shot at 330 yards. Andy, geared up with the best kit for the job, took his Merkel K3 for a whirlwind of fun and paired it perfectly with the trusty Leupold VX-5 HD Rifle Scope.

The Leupold’s VX-5HD 3-15×56 scope has taken optical performance to a new level. It’s high-definition performance which focus on clarity and crispness in its imagery paired with its Twilight Max HD Light Management System and state-of-the-art MST provides fantastic low-light operation giving hunters an advantage during harsh lighting. The VX-5HD 1-5X24 riflescope has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

The Merkel K3  that Andy uses has now been superseded by the new K5 and its a cut above all other hunting rifles and is truly rifle royalty. It is a single shot rifle and its main user is the connoisseur of prestigious rifles. The Merkel K5 has many features of the K3 but has been given an adjustable trigger and a silent safty that make it even better for the devoted hunter:

• K5 single shot hunting rifle is offered in the following calibers 
  
  • 223 Remington
  • 243 Winchester 
  • .270 Winchester,
  • .308 Winchester,
  • .30-06 Springfield,
  • 6.5 Creedmoor 
  • 8X57IRS,
  • 7X57R,
  • 7X65R

• A choice  of either a  traditional Bavarian or a Monticarlo  stock offered in wood grades 4 to 11
• Removable open hiviz sights
• Threaded for moderator or muzzle break 
• Disassembling for travel or security is simple.

Sika Stag Stalking in the Scottish Highlands accompanied by Marcus from The Highlands Shooting Centre, taking home a couple of prized Sika Stags using the mesmerising Merkel K3 and Leupold VX-5HD Rifle Scope – Can it get much better than this?

Find your nearest UK Merkel Rifle and Leupold Optics dealers