Celebrated my first Flemish buck! (how-to video)

It was a fresh morning in the beautiful forests of Limburg. I had been trying for years to fiep a decent Flemish buck, but so far I had only managed to attract goats and young bucks with the fiep. I was frustrated and disappointed, and began to think that I just wasn’t able to master the correct technique. But at the beginning of this year I got a new chance. Hunting Europe organized a special event where Sam Neyt, a renowned hunter and decoy whistle expert, came to share his knowledge and skills. I was determined to seize this opportunity with both hands and learn from one of the best in the business.

The event took place in a remote hunting lodge, hidden deep in the forest. Sam Neyt started his demonstration by showing different decoy whistles and explaining how to use them. When he took out the Belblatt, I immediately felt that this could be the key to attracting a real Flemish buck.

After explaining the basics of using the Belblatt. He showed us how to blow the fiep properly to mimic the sound of a goat or kits. He explained that timing and subtlety were essential to get the attention of a strong buck, and that it was important to be patient. Armed with my newly acquired knowledge and the Belblatt, I started my own hunting adventure. I found a strategic spot on a lookout, where I had a good view of an open field. The sun slowly started to rise and the morning fog slowly lifted. It was an atmospheric scene, steeped in anticipation.
I took a deep breath and started to carefully fiep with the Belblatt. The sound sounded clear and resonated through the forest. I focused on the technique Sam had taught us and tried to make the sound as natural as possible. The minutes ticked by and I waited patiently.

Unfortunately nothing showed up, did I do it so wrong? I decided to change places after half an hour. I jumped into the car and drove to the other side of the hunt. As the crow flies, a kilometer away from the place where I was standing. There I took a seat in a beech forest. Before I was in my place I had already rejected a roe goat with kits together with another young buck. I decided to wait about twenty minutes and in that time listen again, in all silence, to the video fragment of Sam that I had recorded during the event.

The time had passed and I gradually started again with the kitsfiep, about 5 times and then another minute or two of rest. Again about 6 times the kitsfiep and again two to three minutes of rest. After this time I decided to try the goat fiep. This four times and then another minute of rest.

Suddenly, from the dense vegetation on the side of the forest, I heard beech leaves rustling. My heart started beating faster with excitement. I held my breath and sat still. And there he was, just a 50 yards from me today, he emerged from the cover. Looking for his goat. His antlers were impressive, with long branches sticking up proudly. My heart started beating faster at the sight of the majestic buck. Carefully I took the binoculars to better identify the buck. Slowly the buck started to walk in my direction, in the direction of where the sound was coming. He moved elegantly between the trees, his eyes fixed on the place where I was hiding. My heart pounded in my throat as I held my breath.

Suddenly, I realized that I was witnessing a unique moment, something I had never experienced before. It was not only the hunt for a buck, but also a moment of connection between man and animal, in which respect and admiration met. I felt a deep appreciation for this beautiful creation of nature.

Because the buck kept approaching in my direction, it was impossible for me to shoulder my rifle. Until suddenly a hedgehog further down the road decided to run. The buck jumped 180 degrees and looked at the hedgehog with argus eyes. This was my chance, the gun at the ready and the Belblatt in the mouth. I dared to use the kitsfiep again for a short time. As a result, the buck became leafy.