Patrick Galbraith - Deer, Politics & Public Perception

In this episode of The Deercast, we’re joined by journalist, author and environmental correspondent for the Telagraph Patrick Galbraith.
We dive into Patrick’s journey into stalking, and discuss the bigger picture of policy, politics and public perceptions of stalking.
Among other topics, we explore:
The paradox of rising deer populations vs limited stalking opportunities
Whether public land (like Forestry Commission ground) should be opened up for stalking
The growing acceptance of venison and deer management among the public
How government policy is shaped, and where it often falls short
The role of organisations, lobbying, and political awareness in field sports
Why deer stalking enjoys better public perception than other country sports
The importance of respect, for both the deer and the product
Patrick Galbraith also shares insights from his work with policymakers and media, offering a candid look at how decisions are really made, and why confusion and lack of understanding can be just as influential as ideology.
Patrick’s book Uncommon Ground is also now out in paperback, exploring many of these themes around land use (including stalking!), public access and our relationship with the countryside. You can find it here:
https://www.waterstones.com/book/uncommon-ground/patrick-galbraith/9780008644444