Among the Red Deer - the sketches of Henry Hope Crealock

Much of the time spent in the hills during the stalking season is spent in observation. Crealock gives us a scene where the stalker and his gentleman are settling down to scan a distant herd. What they are looking for is a suitable stag and their objective would be to approach as carefully as possible to within rifle range. This is where the professional stalker takes over the operation as he will have not only knowledge of the ground to cover, but a good idea of the way the wind would swirl and shift in the corries; one whiff of scent would alert the watchful deer.

This shows how the stalker and his client often have to crawl within shooting range over very rough terrain and downwind of the target animal. In his notes, Crealock mentions a 'Royal' (twelve pointed antlers) and a ten pointer, as two stags they try for. As the Royal moved off the men had to circle two miles to get within range and still had to let the best stag go.

We now see that stalk is nearing its climax. The two men have approached the herd and a close to the ground ready for action. We can see how the stags are fairly relaxed and graze peacefully but behind them two hinds look directly at the stalkers and any strange movement from the men would set the deer running. Crealock's experience is evident in this small sketch as he would know that on the hill it would tend to be older hinds that would alert the herd to danger and, as well as an extremely fine sense of smell, deer have very good eyesight. The bottom picture shows a group of resting hinds with the stalker below a rock, hardly daring to move.

This page from the album illustrates the dichotomy between Crealock's stalking to shoot and his love for the animals themselves. In the top picture we see the professional stalker pointing the target out while the gentleman takes aim. The herd has wind of the two men and begins to lift off and so an urgent shot is required.

Below are some sketches of red deer hinds, accentuating the beauty and grace of these animals.

This wonderful sketch is of three figures crouched on the lip of a vast corrie. they are observing the herd which shelters on the lee slopes out of the wind. the stalk must be planned and the men will have a long traverse to get downwind and close. In this image Crealock captures the essence of sport of deerstalking, the environment and the immense spaces of the highland hills.

The stalker gets close but some movement, or zephyr of scent, is noticed by the herd and they take to their heels.

Henry Hope Crealock was something of a humourist and this is evident in the sketches he made of fellow officers and men whilst serving in the army. In this page from the album we see the two figures hiding in rocks as an old hind is only feet away. The caption reads: '"Those beggars of hinds are always in the way." We begin to feel the Enemy's advanced posts, so we had to lie down on our arms, and there I took a nap until they fed on.'

In these two lovely drawings we see the deer at close quarters. Again, in the first sketch, the stalker has a suspicious hind to deal with and keeps very low in the heather. Below, we see stags with hinds moving slowly downhill. With them is the master stag, which Crealock recognises as 'The Baron of Coilty'. Stags such as this one would rule over a group of hinds in the breeding season and fend off the younger and smaller males, hence perpetuating the strong population. Quite often over the seasons in a deer forest certain animals would be seen repeatedly and the stalkers would give them names. Some became famous and often prize quarry for visiting guests.

Several small studies of the animals loved by Crealock. His artistic skill and his knowledge of deer is evident in these small cameos. He also draws a pony carrying the carcass of a stag off the hill. These hardy ponies were, and in some cases still are, the best method of getting the animal off the ground after a successful stalk.

For once a colour work by Crealock, showing a group of red deer hinds alerted by something. In his caption Crealock writes 'Curiosity of the female exemplified... the hinds stalk me!

Finally, we see the stalker at long range from the herd. This is Henry Hope Crealock himself, the great General alone among the deer he loved.

The caption begins: 'I got to within 160 yards of them, still no-one took any notice of men tho' I was in full sight of the whole herd - fearing they might bolt at any moment......'