Red Deer Stalking

Stalking parties

The wonderful and unique sport of Scottish red deer stalking is an important part of the annual cull of deer in Scotland. High ground red deer stalking in Scotland offers an utterly unique experience in the World famous Scottish scenery. It is taken very seriously and everything is done by all concerned to ensure that the guest has a great experience and enjoyable hunt and deer killed in a swift and humane manner. During the stag season the weather can be variable and it is advisable to book two or more days to ensure that you have the best chance if enjoying everything that the sport and scenery have to offer.

A typical stalking party comprises the guest, known as the rifle, his professional guide or stalker plus a ghillie or ponyman and pony(s) or an all terrain vehicle. Some stalkers work without a ghillie. It is the stalkers task to select the deer to be stalked and to then get the rifle into range for a safe shot at a beast that the stalker will select and make clear to the rifle the exact stag he wishes shot.

Because of the nature of the terrain Scottish deer stalking requires a high degree of physical fitness. Where possible, we like to use estates that extract deer in the traditional way with highland ponies known as Garrons.

On these estates you will walk out from the lodge and return on foot. Less arduous days can be arranged where specialist all terrain vehicles are used, mainly eight wheeled Argocats. These can be used to gain some of the high ground before starting the days stalking and used to bring stalker, guest and the deer off the hill.

Even when Argocats are used some considerable walking may be required as well as crawling on the final approach for a shot. You go where the deer go and although there are tracks made by deer and sheep alike often you will be amongst boggy ground, peat hags and rocks.

The Equipment

Along with the estates that we book for our clients, we encourage the use of the range of superb modern equipment available. The superb choice of modern rifle cartridges available today for high velocity centre fire rifles, coupled high standard optics, sound moderators and bi-pods make for the vital, quick and effective despatch of deer.

UK resident guests bringing their own rifles and ammunition will be required to present their firearm certificates and insurance documentation prior to going to the hill. For non UK residents visitor permits and insurance will be arranged prior to arrival. This process can take two to three months to arrange; if time does not permit hired estate rifles can be provided.

We also send clients with their booking confirmation our suggestions as to what type of clothing and equipment is best to bring for their stalking days.

Stalking clients are taken to the estate and introduced to the estate manager or their stalker for the day. On the larger estates two or more parties may go out daily to different beats of the estate.