Letters

Julian Mansfield stated that you should never take a dog with you when stalking (Letters, September issue). Well, I can assure you that a dog with the right type of training and temperament can be a huge asset. I have a 14-yearold Small Munsterlander and she accompanies me whenever I go stalking. Her ability to see, hear and smell deer is remarkable, at which she will sit and point. I don’t have her on a lead and I don’t have to whistle or give commands by voice, just the occasional hand gesture. I have often watched her have a staring contest with a fallow doe just a few yards from her while I am sat above in a high seat. So please, Mr Mansfield, never say never and to others, don’t be put off taking a dog with you when you’re stalking.

If, for some reason, you have left your dog back in the car and the inexplicable happens and an injured deer gets away, by the time you’ve fetched your dog the deer could be miles away or, worse, have gone over your estate boundary and beyond you and your dog’s reach.

Patrick Faulkner, by email Julian Mansfield’s assertion that a stalker should never take a dog on the stalk is not the talk of a countryman. My Parson Russell terrier, Topper, accompanied me on 80-plus successful stalks across England and Scotland. Scenting ability, company – the dog was as vital as my .308. Mr Mansfield should ditch his dog and get a pussy. Or a budgie.

James Anthony, Berkshire