What to Wear - Deer Stalking

Stalking Outfit Guide

We are frequently asked the question “what should I wear stalking?” This is both an easy and hard question to answer as there are lots of things to consider, the first being, what is the environment like that I am going to be in? This will affect your clothing choices — for example, if you'll be in open highlands, tweed is often the best choice, but in woodland a plain colour is perfect. However, our top tip is keep it simple: opt for comfort and warmth, assume the weather will be cold and wet, and you'll be prepared.

Below is our guide of what to wear so you are ready for the 1st April. Here at William Evans we pride ourselves on stocking the latest and best kit for all, from the correct walking boots to the top-of-the-range binoculars.

Jacket

The Musto Whisper Jacket is a fantastic choice — incredibly soft and consequently very “quiet,” perfect for stalking. It’s lined in Gore-Tex®, making it fully waterproof and very warm. We also recommend the Harkila Pro Hunter X Jacket — this also has a Gore-Tex® lining but with a tough Cordura outer, making it extremely hard-wearing.

For ladies, the Musto Ladies Whisper Jacket is our best-seller. Ladies are recommended to wear similar attire to the men’s suggestions below.

Trousers

The Harkila Pro Hunter X Trousers or the Seeland Woodcock Trousers are excellent waterproof options that can be worn without overtrousers. We also stock the matching jackets for both.

Overtrousers

For extra protection in case of bad weather, especially if you’ve opted for breeks, we recommend the Schöffel Ptarmigan Superlight Overtrouser — made from lightweight Meryl® fabric noted for its strength and durability, with a GORE-TEX® Z-liner making them fully waterproof and windproof.

For something slightly simpler, the John Field Thunder Overtrouser is a great pair of waterproof trousers that can be rolled up very small into a waterproof bag.

Breeks

At William Evans we stock a vast array of tweed and plain breeks. Our brand-new house tweed, the Pall Mall, is handmade in the UK — the William Evans Men’s Pall Mall Breeks are fully lined and ideal for open highlands. Lighter coloured, patterned fabrics often camouflage much better than darker greens.

We also suggest the Seeland Woodcock Men’s Breeks or the Musto Men’s Sporting Breeks as excellent plain-coloured options.

Baselayer

Layering is a William Evans top tip — you can remove layers as the day warms up, but there is nothing worse than being cold. We recommend Icebreaker thermals, which keep out cool air and chilling winds.

Shirt

A comfortable shirt is key. Our William Evans and Harvie & Hudson Country Shirts, made from 100% brushed cotton, are perfect. A natural colour scheme works best — our brown option or the Seeland Preston Men’s Shirts offer the ideal range of shades.

Jumpers and Fleeces

A standard woollen jumper is often the best option — the William Evans Men’s Lambswool V Neck Sweater is perfect. For windier days, a windstopper jumper like the Seeland Odell Windbeater Sweater provides a breathable, windproof lining. For colder conditions, a gilet under a thick coat — such as the Schöffel Oakham Fleece Gilet — is ideal.

Socks

If you’ve opted for breeks, the William Evans Men’s Rannoch Shoot Sock is ideal — machine washable at 30°C and available in a wide variety of colours (dark greens and browns work best). For long trousers, the Harkila Wellington Neo Sock offers technical support and comfort.

Gaiters

We stock a couple of great gaiter options — the Harkila Angus Gaiters and the Seeland Crieff Gaiters, both offering excellent waterproof protection.

Walking Boots

A good pair of walking boots is the most essential piece of kit for stalking. Harkila is our top recommendation — we have a wide range in both shops and online. The Harkila Pro Hunter GTX 10" and the Harkila Pro Hunter Boa GTX 12" are bestsellers. The GTX 10" is made from Kevlar, making it highly suitable for demanding terrains such as heather and wetlands.

Hat

A traditional flat cap is always a safe choice — the Seeland Woodcock Flat Cap is waterproof and practical. For something a little more distinctive, our Stetson range offers options such as the Stetson Newark Vitafelt Hat, ideal for woodland stalking or highseats.

Gloves

The Harkila Pro Shooter Gloves are excellent — made with leather palms for grip and Windstopper® fleece on the back for warmth. They also match the Pro Hunter X range. Our new selection from Laksen features a variety of styles to suit different needs.

Bag

Your bag doesn’t need to be huge — just big enough to carry waterproofs, lunch, and binoculars. The William Evans & Chapman Troutbeck Bag or the John Field Lockable Hunting Bag are perfect choices.

Accessories

For stalking, one essential extra is a pair of good binoculars. As a premium Zeiss stockist, we recommend the Conquest and Victory ranges — the Victory provides a superior field of view. A thumb stick is another key tool, useful for support on the hill, dragging a stag, checking depth of peat or burns, or even as a shooting rest.

UK Deer Stalking Seasons

Click below to see the full UK shooting dates, or refer to the summary list below:

Always check local stalking regulations and permissions before heading out.