From the hunting ground: A buck, a moment, a huntress
Martina is not only a passionate huntress – she is also a wildlife biology and nature conservation consultant for the North Rhine-Westphalia State Hunting Association. Her everyday life is shaped by a deep understanding of wild animals, habitats and sustainable hunting. But despite all the theory, she loves nothing more than being out in the hunting grounds – where nature and hunting come together.
When summer slowly approaches and the roe deer rut begins, Martina experiences her favourite time of the hunting year. Because now, when the bucks are on the move and the calls promise success, stories are created that will never be forgotten. Like the one about that special roebuck she nicknamed ‘Schlitzohr’ (Sly Dog)...
‘The roe deer rut is a gift every year – it requires sensitivity, patience and the right timing.’
– Martina, wildlife biology and conservation officer, LJV NRW
The sly one – hunting the rutting roebuck
When the cornfields are already man-high, the wheat is turning golden and the days are slowly but noticeably getting shorter, one of the most exciting times for hunters begins: the roe deer rut.
From the end of July, roe deer become significantly more active. Everywhere in the hunting ground, rutting and rubbing sites betray the presence of numerous bucks. You can hear them jumping, see them scurrying – the ‘red knights’ are now on the move. If you are in the right place at the right time, you have a good chance of spotting a buck or even successfully hunting it.
Decoy hunting during the roe deer rut
Now is a particularly good time to lure bucks. It is almost irrelevant whether you imitate the characteristic pia call – the rut call of the doe – with your mouth, a beech leaf or a special calling device. The decisive factors are rather the right rhythm, the right location and hunting instinct.
Personally, I prefer a short stalk in the forest to find a suitable leaf position. The tension is almost unbearable when the buck suddenly appears in front of the hunter at close range.
In contrast, the field presents the hunter with other challenges: when a buck emerges from the forest, you can see it from a distance, but the shooting range is often much greater. This calls for precise weapons and reliable ammunition.
The right equipment for the rutting season
Hunting rutting bucks is usually dynamic – it requires quick reactions, experience and well-coordinated equipment. I rely on a smooth-shooting weapon with a variable rifle scope and low basic magnification. This means I am just as well equipped for surprising close distances in the forest as I am for longer shots in the field.
When it comes to ammunition, I rely on lead-free – but not just any bullet. It must be dimensionally stable, reliable and gentle on the game. My choice: the GECO STAR in .30-06 Springfield calibre.
Why .30-06 Springfield?
Although the .308 Winchester is probably more common and better known, the .30-06 offers a little extra energy and penetrating power. Especially when using monolithic lead-free bullets such as the GECO STAR, that little bit of extra power can be decisive – especially at longer ranges. It ensures reliable results even with very strong game without destroying unnecessary amounts of meat.
Encounter with the sly one
I have known a special buck in my hunting ground for a long time. I call him ‘Schlitzohr’ (sly one) – named after an old, distinctive injury on his ear. He lives on the edge of a quiet field and forest, with good cover and an enticing alfalfa field nearby.
His antlers are unusual: a fork with strong, striking beads – a real character.
I choose a suitable spot
...and actually catch a glimpse of him before he disappears back into the forest. After waiting for a while, I start with some soft beeps. After the third series, he suddenly appears in the alfalfa – alert, restless, but curious.
Then the moment arrives: he stands broadside at an acceptable distance. I let the bullet fly – a clean shot, and he dies with a bang.
Hunting pleasure with lead-free results
Shooting such a striking buck during the rutting season is always a special experience. The venison is first-class, the trophy exceptional – and the memory priceless.
Once again, I was able to rely completely on my equipment and the GECO STAR in .30-06 Springfield calibre.
Author: Marlon Santoro
