I think it’s safe to say that some topics in the countryside naturally come with differing opinions, and deer management is certainly one of them. It’s a subject that often raises questions, curiosity and debate, which is exactly why open, informed conversation feels so important to encourage.
At Hollands Country Clothing, that’s why we’re proud to say that we are now the main sponsor of the Outfitter Tales YouTube channel, and in this post, we want to introduce who Outfitter Tales are, the work they do, and explain why we’ve chosen to support them.
It’s a partnership based on shared values, education, transparency and respect for the countryside, and we want to share with you why backing this kind of honest storytelling and starting these conversations matters to us here at Hollands.
So, if this sounds like something to pique your interest (like it did ours), grab a brew and let’s get stuck in.
Who Are Outfitter Tales?
If you haven’t come across Outfitter Tales already, don’t worry- we’re here to introduce you.
In a nutshell: they’re a UK-based YouTube channel run by Deer Management experts Chris Dalton and Rab Millar, focusing on deer stalking, conservation, and wider countryside life…But there’s a lot more to it than that.
Their videos not only cover the technicalities but also walk you through the realities and responsibilities of ethical deer management in the UK. A big part of their content also looks at field-to-fork food, showing how venison moves from responsible harvesting right through to the plate - something that’s often misunderstood and, I feel, rarely talked about openly.
To me, what stands out straight away is the way Chris and Rab approach their work. There’s no ‘bravado’ and no attempt to sensationalise what they do. At its heart, the channel is about education, taking the time to explain the why as much as the how, and doing so in a way that feels real, open and grounded.
Personally, I think that’s what makes Outfitter Tales so watchable (I know that’s how I got hooked!) They don’t lecture or tell you what to think; they simply show you the reality and give you the space to make up your own mind. Their videos touch on bigger issues around countryside culture and wildlife management, but always in a measured, thoughtful way that feels accessible, even if this world is completely new to you.
Why We Chose to Support Outfitter Tales
Choosing to support Outfitter Tales wasn’t a partnership that came about from a big plan or a formal search, but something that’s grown naturally over time. As many of you may know, we’ve worked with Chris, Rab and Outfitter Tales for a while now, watched the content they create, and seen first-hand the care and thought that goes into the way they approach countryside issues.
Alongside the educational aspect of their work, we also love how relatable their content feels. They’re real people, out in real conditions, sharing their experiences honestly. As a country clothing retailer, it’s invaluable to us to see how good gear fares in the field, and the kit they use is certainly put through its paces, in all weathers and on all sorts of ground (which means when something works, it’s because it’s genuinely top-notch!) It’s the kind of real-world experience that matters massively to us, especially when we talk about expert advice; we really mean it.
More than anything, it’s their values that align so closely with ours. It’s what’s helped Outfitter Tales build such a loyal following on YouTube, and why their content resonates with people who care about the countryside, whether they’re directly involved in stalking or simply want to understand it better.
In the next sections, we’ll touch on some of the key themes Outfitter Tales explores, from conservation and deer management to field-to-fork food, and share a bit more about why these conversations matter, plus why supporting this kind of content feels so important to us at Hollands.
Conservation & Deer Management in the UK
One of the biggest things I’ve personally learned through watching Outfitter Tales is just how complex deer management has become in the UK. Our deer population is now at its highest level in around a thousand years, and without natural predators like wolves, there’s no natural way for numbers to balance themselves.
This has a real knock-on effect, from damaged habitats and struggling woodland regeneration to increased road collisions and pressure on farmland- and it’s why ethical deer management plays such an important role.
It’s also something we’re seeing closer to home. We now have deer appearing on our own farm, which my 95-year-old grandma is quick to point out has never been the case before. It’s a small example, but it speaks volumes about how much the landscape is changing, and why informed, responsible management matters more than ever.
What Chris and Rab show so clearly through Outfitter Tales is that Deer Management isn’t just about hunting for sport, but about stewardship, respect and understanding. Managing herds responsibly to protect biodiversity, animal welfare, and the wider countryside is all part of the learning process, and it’s something Outfitter Tales navigates exceptionally well.
Field to Fork: Eating What You Harvest
Another thing Outfitter Tales does well is showing the whole field-to-fork journey from start to finish. They don’t just show the stalk itself, or the end result, they take you right through the process, from the practice and the stalk right through to gralloching and butchery, cooking and eating (which I feel was really eye-opening as a newbie to the topic!)
Venison is a great example of how understanding where meat comes from suddenly makes a lot of sense. It’s leaner than beef, naturally high in protein, and often far more affordable than people expect (especially when you compare it to supermarket meat prices!) It’s also one of the most sustainable meats available, which feels like an important conversation to be having right now.
I’ll admit, I didn’t really get it until I saw the full picture myself. Now it’s something we all cook with regularly here on the farm- venison chilli and lasagne have both become firm favourites in my house! It’s not about pushing an idea, just understanding it properly, and Outfitter Tales does a very good job of showing exactly how that journey unfolds.
Kit That’s Proven in the Field
As we mentioned before, testing the brands and products we sell is hugely important to us here at Hollands, and one of the things that naturally comes through when you watch Outfitter Tales is just how hard they work their kit. Chris and Rab are out in every weather for long days at a time, and the clothing they rely on has to keep up, too.
What’s refreshing is that you’re not watching polished product promos or staged reviews. Brands like Harkila, Deerhunter and Brandecosse aren’t worn for show; they’re chosen because they work, and you’re seeing the kit used properly, as it was intended.
For us at Hollands, that matters. When we talk about field tested, field trusted, it’s not just a slogan, and I think it’s incredibly useful for our customers to see how clothing performs before you buy (and know that it’s trusted by the experts.)
My Perspective: Changing Minds
I’ll be completely honest: I never saw myself taking up deer stalking. For a long time, it wasn’t something I felt comfortable with either, and when Matt first went for his DS1 licence, my reaction was very much “I could never do that”- a feeling which I think many people will recognise too.
This is usually where I get asked, so what changed?
Learning the basics under the expert eye of Chris
What changed wasn’t one big moment, but a gradual shift that came from watching Chris and Rab’s content. Seeing the respect they have for the animals, the land, and the wider countryside made me stop and think. Their videos didn’t gloss over the realities, but they also didn’t sensationalise them; they explained, calmly and carefully, why deer management matters and how it’s done properly, and responsibly.
I actually explored that learning curve in more detail in a recent Fieldnotes newsletter, where I shared my own deer management journey and how spending time with Outfitter Tales’ content helped me feel more informed and less reactive- to the point where I actually completed my first-ever stalk up at Outfitter Tales HQ in Ayrshire, Scotland! Which you can also watch the full story on their channel here!
Now, I feel I can hold an informed, educated opinion rather than a pre-fixed one. And if watching Outfitter Tales could change my perspective, even slightly, then it might just open up the conversation for others as well.
Join Us at The Stalking Show 2026
Now for a little confession, I may have kept one of the most exciting bits until last...
On the 11th and 12th of April this year, we’re super excited to be joining Outfitter Tales for The Stalking Show 2026 at Staffordshire County Showground, where we will be teaming up to run a shared stand throughout the event. It’s a great chance to put faces to names, meet the guys behind the gear, and carry on the conversations around conservation, countryside life and of course, sample the kit the experts recommend too!
To make it even better, we’re also running a joint giveaway for one lucky attendee to win a full introduction to stalking, guided by Chris Dalton, including range time and a guided stalk, along with £1,000 worth of kit from Hollands Country Clothing to get you properly set up.
So whether you’re already following Outfitter Tales, curious to learn more, or simply fancy coming over for a chat, do come and say hello. We’d love to see you there!
And of course, if you’d like to see more of the work Chris and Rab do, we’d really encourage you to check out Outfitter Tales on YouTube and give the channel a follow. It’s thoughtful, informative viewing, and a great way to keep learning more about conservation, field-to-fork food and the realities of countryside life.
About the Author
Sarah Holland
With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.
