Tim, I'm getting a feeling you will be able to score it for me one day ..... I know the Douglas score is a NZ/OZ system for scoring deer but my guide Phil, used the SCI system after his years guiding clients down south.

He was interested in the antler length as he said the South Is. Reds traditionally have longer beams. He measured both and the R side went 33.5" and the left 32". From memory his estimate was just under 300 SCI (?). They were all very excited which was lost on me as I know very little about deer.

We were lucky to get him so early as the weather changed that afternoon and they all buggered off. We saw no more stags and only heard a few distant roars the following day.

One thing, the owner and guide were very concerned about my level of shooting ability. As soon as possible I dug out my rifle and checked zero with two shots going into 30mm at 170 yards (lasered). That seemed to relax them. They get shooters who never check their rifles and they must see some shocking accuracy.

As clients we owe it to our guides and to the animal we hunt to be familiar and practised with our shooting and weapons handling.