One discussing animal holding stick (7)
I believe the answer is:
debater
'one discussing' is the definition.
(someone taking part in debates or discussions)
'animal holding stick' is the wordplay.
'animal' becomes 'deer' (I've seen this in other clues).
'holding' indicates putting letters inside.
'stick' becomes 'bat' (bat is a type of stick).
'deer' going around 'bat' is 'DEBATER'.
(Other definitions for debater that I've seen before include "One arguing" , "One in formal discussion" , "Wrangler" , "One discussing topic" , "Person discussing" .)