As a deer stalker you rarely - if ever - work a nine to five. 

The job is determined by the natural rhythms of sunrise and sunset, by the season and by weather - particularly the wind. 

Whilst we may have the unenviable task of getting up at very unsociable hours, it does mean that we get to experience the landscape in every state. 

^{Image: the silhouettes of Jack and Cameron, against the vivid green and red of the aurora}

Being out in the forests and hills at night is something that many people will not experience. This is one part of the job which is actually more sociable, as working at night legally requires at least two people to work together. 

Most weeks, I work with Cameron, an experienced and fully qualified deer stalker who I have worked with for many years. Together we’ve worked through probably every hour of the day and night at some point, in every weather possible in the UK, including thundersnow . 

This winter, whilst working at night, we set out in nice clear weather, walking with red head torches and dogs Ruadh and Fergus at our sides. As we trudged and stumbled through wet heather and snow drifts, the weather took a rapid turn and by the time we decided to head back to the vehicle, large fat, wet snow flakes were falling and, coupled with the wind in our faces, our head torches dazzled us as the light bounced back off the swirling blizzard. 

It had not taken long before the footsteps that we were retracing were entirely filled in. With our knowledge of where we were - together with a map in hand - we were never in any real danger, but getting back to the vehicle covered in freezing, wet snow definitely makes for a less than comfortable night of work, as exciting as it may have been! 

^{Image: (left) the silhouettes of Jack and his dog, Ruadh, against the aurora (right) Ruadh posing for the camera in daylight}

Not every night brings the same cold discomfort! More recently, our night was interrupted by a real treat as strange lights began to emerge in the northern sky. As we watched, one of the most amazing auroras lit up the sky with vivid lichen greens and cherry reds. 

Pulling yourself away from your bed or warm fire in the dark, cold hours never gets easier, but so often, nature rewards you with unforgettable experiences. 

Watch our short film, A Deer Stalker's Story, here or find out where you can buy our venison here

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