Deerstalking, Yorkshire Dales, United Kingdom

When it comes to fieldsports, certain parts of the United Kingdom are especially appealing. And as it stands, the Yorkshire Dales as well as nearby Brontë Country – the latter centered around the village of Haworth where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë lived and wrote – is one. In fact, the region is such a gem that Voyageurs Fieldsport has partnered with the Clarendon Inn, located in the village of Hebden within Yorkshire Dales National Park, to provide guided deerstalking and fly-fishing there.

Deerstalking and Fly-Fishing in the Yorkshire Dales Courtesy of the Clarendon Inn

A 300-year old traditional English country pub, the Clarendon Inn lives and breathes fieldsports. Moreover, it champions the use of game as a culinary resource for two main reasons. Firstly, game meat possesses exceptional flavor. Secondly, it’s as field-to-fork and environmentally-friendly and as it gets.

Introducing the Chef-Patron of the Clarendon Inn

Lionel Strub is chef-patron of the Clarendon Inn, and it’s his interest in fieldsports and game cookery that makes it much of what it is. Along with deerstalking, he enjoys driven pheasant hunting and fly-angling, and to the point that he’s a member of a local shoot and a fishing club. Yet, his story begins elsewhere. For Lionel is a native of northeastern France. After graduating from L’Ecole Hoteliere de Strasbourg and spending three years as an understudy of Head Chef Jean Pierre Cotard at Le Restaurant des Vannes, a 2-star Michelin restaurant, he met a Yorkshire girl and subsequently made the Dales his home. Then around 2015, Lionel purchased the Clarendon Inn and poured his heart and knowledge into it.

The Clarendon Inn has received plenty of accolades since then. Not only has it gained a reputation as one of the best country pubs in the Yorkshire Dales, it also was named ‘Best Game Restaurant or Pub’ as part of the UK’s 2024 EatGame Awards. All of which means that the deer you grass is destined to become excellent table fare to be enjoyed by the discerning public.

Introducing the Head Deerstalker

The Clarendon Inn’s head deerstalker and one of its fly-fishing ghillies is Bernard Otulakowski. A Yorkshireman through and through, he spends many days of any given year on the hill pursuing roe and red deer. And when he’s not, the odds are that he’s either fly-fishing the River Wharfe or loading for one of the local grouse or pheasant shoots. But when he is out an about deerstalking, he gives it his all. Therefore, while success is not guaranteed simply because it is hunting (rather than shopping), Bernard does everything in his power to close with the quarry for a shot.

You might have noticed, though, that Bernard’s surname is Polish. There’s a story here, of course. You see, his father came to England during World War 2 as a Polish soldier attached to the British Army, fell for a local girl and married her, and the rest is history. The Yorkshire Dales ultimately gained an excellent deerstalker a generation later because of it – one who enjoys hunting over a range of ground, from blocks of thick forestry to open moorland.

Deerstalking: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Now, deer in the Yorkshire Dales are as free to roam as they are in the United States, and therefore the stalking can make for a rugged outing. To begin, the hunt is always dynamic and stealthy. You will be moving about the countryside. There’s no sitting. For the méthode de chasse here is true stalking, and so expect to burn calories when you go afield.

Physical Fitness

The implication is that you must be physically fit. But if you are currently a little out-of-shape, then you should improve your conditioning in the weeks leading-up to your sporting holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. The goal is to be able to stalk properly even when the hunt becomes demanding.

Marksmanship

Your marksmanship, of course, is equally important. In fact, it must meet a minimum standard, and it is this: Three consecutive shots grouped within a 4-inch diameter at a distance of 100-yards. In fact, if you want to reserve an outing deerstalking in the Yorkshire Dales with Voyageurs Fieldsport, you are required to submit proof-of-marksmanship consisting of a photograph of the target that includes the following information: (1) Identity of the shooting range, (2) day and time of the test, (3) chambering of the rifle being used, (4) attempt number (Each 3-shot iteration counts as a separate attempt.), (5) printed name of the range officer witnessing the test, and (6) signature of the range officer witnessing the test. Additionally, the photograph must be sent from an account associated with the rifle range to steve@voyageursfieldsport.com.

Alternatively, for the benefit of clients living in metropolitan areas where open-air rifle ranges are few and far between but indoor ranges are relatively plentiful and therefore convenient, Voyageurs Fieldsport also considers three consecutive shots grouped within a 1-inch diameter at a distance of 25-yards to meet the marksmanship standard. For it entails the same subtended angle as the one corresponding to the 4-inch diameter, 100-yards case. Everything is proportional.

For those living in the environs of Frederick, Maryland, Voyageurs has a working arrangement with two indoor ranges, Precision Point Shooting and Training Center and the The Machine Gun Nest. And for those living in the Capital-Saratoga region of New York, the same arrangement is in place with the Adirondack Indoor Gun Range. All of these indoor ranges are prepared to assist you (for a fee) with respect to proof-of-marksmanship. Simply call one to set an appointment (no drop-ins).

Now, Bernard, as Voyageurs’ deerstalker on the ground in the Yorkshire Dales, retains the right to directly witness you demonstrate your marksmanship before the hunt if he believes that, for any reason, long-distance shots are beyond your ability. While it is an inconvenience, you must accept it. The underlying reasoning is multi-factored. Yet, know that the chief consideration is animal welfare. We must eat and therefore we must kill, but it is equally imperative that the killing be conducted humanely – one shot followed by a speedy death. Additionally, keep in mind that, in the United Kingdom, carcasses of shot deer are sold on the market for human consumption. The deer you grass ends-up on the menu at restaurants and pubs, and on supermarket shelves. Consequently, your shooting must be skillful to avoid extensive meat damage and thus a lower-value carcass.

Rifle Choice

Most American deer hunters have a favorite rifle and might desire to use it while in the United Kingdom. However, if you reserve British deerstalking through Voyageurs Fieldsport, you must use the estate rifle supplied by Bernard. There are no exceptions. Just know that you most likely will be deerstalking with a rifle in hand that is much better than what you use at home. For Bernard represents the rank-and-file, and the fact is that British deerstalkers generally opt for higher quality ordnance and optics than their American counterparts. To illustrate, whereas a Browning X-Bolt and a Vortex telescopic sight are up-market in the United States, they are budget options in the United Kingdom.

Kit and Apparel

In regard to properly outfitting for deerstalking in the Yorkshire Dales, it is wise to adhere to a commonly repeated fieldsports truism: Tactical is practical. In other words, kit yourself as if you are a commando, not as a man spending a morning in a tree stand. In fact, a day on the moor would leave the soft apparel preferred by stand hunters in the United States tattered and torn.

Therefore, start with a durable rucksack and at least one waterproof stowaway sack. Here, the USMC FILBE 3 Assault rucksack is a good choice. Now moving from the ground up, footwear must be lace-up (no wellies), provide aggressive traction as well as arch and ankle support, and be waterproof. In the same spirit, match footwear with waterproof or water-resistant gators to prevent the ingress of debris. Trousers and jackets should be durable enough to protect your legs from thorn and thicket, and the hat must adequately protect your head and shade your face. Additionally, incorporate a seasonally appropriate layering system. For example, something like an Underarmour top and bottom base layer is beneficial when deerstalking from November through say March, but is overkill the remainder of the year. In contrast, pack along fully waterproof top and bottom rainwear no matter the season.

Additional Activities

Along with the Clarendon Inn, Lionel operates a second culinary venue, Croquembouche, which is a French patisserie in the neighboring village of Grassington. Interestingly, Grassington is a primary filming location for the current iteration of the BBC television series, All Creatures Great and Small, representing the fictional village of Darrowby. And as it stands, Croquembouche is located just to the side from where much of the action takes place. What it offers, though, to a member of your party not engaged in hunting is a chance to receive training in culinary pursuits, such as pastry and bread-making, while your afield. In sum, both sides can simultaneously experience something new.

Then, of course, there is fly-fishing. The Clarendon Inn is able to reserve a day on the River Wharfe for one or more members of your party. In contrast to North America, you do not purchase a fishing license in the United Kingdom. Instead, you buy a day ticket for the respective water you will be on. It’s an easy task. Nonetheless, the Clarendon Inn will provide you assistance on this matter.

The Nature of the River Wharfe

In contrast to the chalkstreams in the south of England, the Wharfe is a freestone river resembling those in the northeastern United States. While some sections of it are boldery, which makes the wading challenging, the beat near the village of Burnsall that you’ll be fishing is lower gradient. You still need a good set of legs and sense of balance, though, in order to work it comfortably.

Fly-Fishing Kit and Apparel

Regarding your fly-fishing kit, you are welcome to use your own rod and reel and any associated equipment. Although the Clarendon Inn will supply these items upon request. Now, if you do opt to bring your own, then a long-for-weight rod will serve you best. The ideal combination is either a 10-ft 4-wt or an 8,8-ft 3-wt. However, you must bring your own waders, wading boots, and hat. Moreover, be certain to wash and disinfect these things before traveling to the United Kingdom in order to avoid transporting organisms from here to there where they might become invasive species. Other items to bring include your own field rations, privy bag, individual-specific first aid.

Repeating what is stated in Voyageurs’ What You Need to Bring, wear conditions-appropriate clothing. There is a Swedish maxim: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Firstly, wear items made of either wool or synthetic fabric. With the exception of Ventile, cotton fabric is a set-up for trouble (The absolute worst clothing is made of denim, which is a cheap, loosely spun and woven twill that sucks-up water as if it’s going out of style.). Secondly, no matter the weather, bring a reasonably waterproof jacket that can be worn while wading. Thirdly, wear wool socks with polypropylene undersocks (Go heavy if the water is cold.). Fourthly, think in terms of layers. Air temperature may be balmy. Even so, if you are wading a river where the water is frigid, then you will need to wear a polyester base layer and potentially insulated trousers.

The Last Word

Whether the hunt is hard or easy, think of Voyageurs’ English deerstalking as one part of a larger cultural exploration. Viewed this way, your time afield provides you a unique vantage point from which to observe the English as they go about life. It’s very much a liberal arts and sciences approach to sporting travel. I believe that calls for a bit of literary folly to make the point. The Yorkshire Dales, after all, lies adjacent to Brontë Country.