Shoot In Scotland 2018/2019

Second edition

Digital Edition

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

2018/19

The game shooting, stalking and wildfowling guide for visitors to Scotland

In association with the

Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group

introduction

Welcome to Shoot in Scotland

The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group invites you to experience a warm Scottish welcome on your next sporting trip

T

his magazine introduces Scotland as a world class sporting shooting and deer

stalking destination to potential visitors. It provides comprehensive information about the various sports available and lists a wide variety of sporting providers that can be contacted directly with enquiries. It also contains helpful travel tips for those coming from overseas.

We hope you find the magazine of great help and look forward to welcoming you to Scotland on your next sporting trip. Visit the

website

www.countrysportscotland.

com for more information and sporting opportunities.

SCSTG

4

www.countrysportscotland.com

introduction

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

5

contents

contents

24 9 EDITOR’S FOREWORD

24 WANT MORE?

the hill. We give it a closer look and take it out

Peter Carr on what Scotland means to him

Subscribe to the best shooting magazines on

on the hill during its press launch

and why he makes a field sports pilgrimage

the market

48 SHOOT ON A BUDGET

there every year

26 READY… SET…

You don’t need to break the bank for a gun or

10 GO ONLINE

Don’t forget something essential – follow Will

rifle fit for Scotland

Planning your trip to Scotland? Start with the

O’Meara’s guide to preparing for the big trip

52 SPOTLIGHT ON GROUSE

SCSTG website

30 SPOTLIGHT ON RED DEER

We delve into the origins, recognition and

12 SUPPORTING SCOTTISH SPORT

The UK’s largest land mammal is also one

shooting methods of these fast-flying birds

Andrew Grainger, manager of the Scottish

Scotland for a sporting sojourn

of the main reasons visiting guests head to

the organisation is doing this year

34 TAKE YOUR PICK Dominic Griffith gives an insight into how hill

15 WHERE TO STAY

stalkers select cull stags

Shoot in style or go wild? Whatever your approach, find the perfect place for you

36 BREATHTAKING BEAUTY A stag stalk with a Swedish guest undertaken

18 GETTING THERE

amid Dalness’s picturesque surroundings

The best ways to get to Scotland’s most popular shooting destinations

41 A STALK ON THE WILD SIDE Byron Pace has created the first wilderness

20 LEGAL ADVICE

hunt in Scotland – he tells us how he did it

Stuart Farr tells you everything you need to know to stay on the right side of the law when

44 THE HIGHLAND STALKER

taking guns northwards

Rigby’s Highland Stalker was a rifle made for

6

57 DRIVEN OR WALKED UP? Simon Everett pits the two main ways of

Country Sports Tourism Group, on everything

www.countrysportscotland.com

shooting grouse against each other

44

contents

Future PLC Units 1 & 2, Sugarbrook Court, Aston Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 3EX

Editorial Editor-in-chief Peter Carr

peter.carr@futurenet.com

Deputy editor Colin Fallon

01225 687426 colin.fallon@futurenet.com

Art editor Steve Mumby Senior Art Editor Stephen Williams Contributors Richard Atkins, Don Brunt, Shaun Carr, Chris Dalton, Jason Doyle, Simon Everett, Stuart Farr, Dominic Griffith, Will O'Meara, Byron Pace, Darryl Pace, Stuart Wilson Cover image Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Stock photography Alamy, Getty Images, Shutterstock All copyrights and trademarks are recognised and respected Advertising Media packs are available on request Commercial Director Clare Dove Group Advertising Director Mark Wright mark.wright@futurenet.com Advertising Sales Manager Toni Cole

toni.cole@futurenet.com

01225 687368 International Shoot In Scotland is available for licensing. Contact the international department to discuss partnership opportunities.

International Licensing Director Matt Ellis matt.ellis@futurenet.com Subscriptions Email enquiries contact@myfavouritemagazines.co.uk UK orderline & enquiries 0344 848 2852 Overseas order line and enquiries +44 (0)344 848 2852 Online orders & enquiries www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Head of subscriptions Sharon Todd

74

Circulation Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers

60 THE WILDEST SHOOT ON EARTH?

82 HUNTING HARDSHIP

A day after ptarmigan is not your average

and watches everything go wrong

Chris Dalton takes a client out after a buck,

game day. Stuart Wilson follows a team of guns to the tops

85 CALIBRE CHOICE What’s the best calibre to take to the hill?

64 FLIGHT OF THE F16

Production Head of Production Mark Constance Production Project Manager Clare Scott Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson Production Controller Nola Cokely Management Managing Director Aaron Asadi Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham Editorial Director Paul Newman Head of Art & Design Greg Whitaker Printed by William Gibbons Distributed by Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU www.marketforce.co.uk Tel: 0203 787 9060

Blaser’s new shotgun offers class at an

92 The LOW ROAD

Produced in partnership with the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group

affordable price

Scotland’s lowlands can offer game shooting

We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture.

The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill holds full FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and accreditation

just as impressive as the Highlands

69 WHAT TO WEAR From tweed to technical, we collect all the

92 GLASS FOR THE GLEN

clothing you’ll need to survive in Scotland

Scopes and binos well suited for the hill

72 TOP FORM

94 WHERE TO SHOOT

We all know about game shooting etiquette,

Book your trip today with our list of outfitters

but what about wildfowling etiquette?

and shooting providers

74 FOWL PLAY

98 A CAUTIONARY TALE

If you’ve never been wildfowling in Scotland

Safety is paramount, as Darryl Pace warns

before, now’s the time to try it – and here’s how to do it…

78 THE WORLD’S BEST

80

All contents © 2018 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them.

This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/ or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

Members of the global shooting press descended on Scotland for a press shoot to remember

80 ANGLE GRINDING Getting technical, Darryl Pace shows you how to compensate for angles when shooting on

Future plc is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR) www.futureplc.com

Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Peter Allen Chief financial officer Penny Ladkin-Brand Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244

the hill

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

7

introduction

editor’s foreword

Welcoming readers to another edition of Shoot in Scotland, editor Pete Carr pays tribute to the country’s long-lasting appeal

“S

cotland.” The very word

axes, was then consigned to history, as were the

ria, which has little changed in 120 years, and

conjures up visions of wild

feudal clan system and Highland autonomy.

remains exclusive to the Scottish Highlands.

glacier carved landscapes, ma-

An aftermath soon followed that would make

Roebuck abound too, on both Highland moors

jestic mountains, ancient forests,

the hardest of hearts weep. Highland dress,

and lowland woodland. Wild goats are on of-

remote fairy-like glens, and coastlines forged by

clan gatherings, wearing of arms, Jacobite songs

fer, sika stags along the Great Glen, and fallow

Atlantic rollers, yet constantly evolving through

and tunes were all outlawed. Crumbling clans

bucks will all interest the rifleman. And Scotland

wave, wind and rain, which collectively equates

were betrayed by selfish lairds, and the infa-

sports some of the finest driven game shooting

to a unique wilderness, and one of only two re-

mous Highland clearances saw the glens de-

available in Britain.

maining in Europe.

populated to such an extent that the Highlands

Non-shooting partners have myriad choice of

even in present times are one of the least popu-

interesting things to do while their roving Nim-

lated areas in Europe.

rods engage in sport. Scotland has nearly as

It’s not only the expansive vistas that come to mind. Clan gatherings in times long gone, tartan-clad chieftains and disgruntled lairds

Yet despite the hardships, betrayals and sad-

many distilleries as it does castles, plus some of

rousing crofters of the common Catholic faith,

ness endured by the populace, the Highland wel-

the best golf links in the world. Highland games,

all loosely allied to the French against the auld

come to today’s visitors is second to no other.

game fairs, military tattoos, historical sites of in-

enemy south of the border or Sassenach invad-

Sportsmen have a common bond with Scotland’s

terest from William Wallace’s monument – the

ers in the colloquial tongue.

Highland custodians, and what sport there is to

inspiration for Braveheart – to Captain Scott’s

Scotland is a land steeped in history, much of

be had. Iconic quarry and hard-won hunting

ship the Discovery, now moored in Dundee far

which was turbulent and a large part moulded

experiences can be enjoyed by all who would

away from the Antarctic ice.

in the very blood of the populace. The Highland

choose Scotland as a sporting destination.

Scotland is a land of contrasts, contradic-

life and Jacobite risings were romanticised by

In order of precedence, the Highland red

tions, beauty and harshness. It is addictive to

wordsmiths such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert

stag must come first, immortalised in Sir Edwin

all who love to follow their sport in a traditional

Louis Stevenson et al, but the reality was far

Landseer’s painting The Monarch of the Glen, fol-

way, among awe-inspiring landscapes, shared

from romantic. The high tide of the Jacobite ris-

lowed by the moorcock on the heather-carpet-

with welcoming locals who want you to leave

ing and indeed the Highlanders’ way of life came

ed hills – not forgetting the snow grouse high up

satisfied and ready to return. As an all-round

soon after the ‘Bonnie Prince’ Charles Edward

on the granite cathedrals, snipe, woodcock and

sporting destination, Scotland has no equal. Go

Stuart roused the loyal faithful to his banner in

plover. Wild game abounds for game shooting

on, give it a go – you will not be disappointed.

the infamous ‘45’ rising on the banks of Loch

aficionados. Wildfowlers are spoiled for oppor-

Yours aye,

Shiel. The loyal Highlanders were defeated in a

tunity, with geese and duck aplenty on the fore-

Pete

decisive battle that lasted less than an hour on

shores, lochs, and mosses. Stalkers can experi-

Culloden Moor during atrocious weather one

ence a unique tradition pursuing red stags out

April day in 1746. The last Highland charge, a

on the open hill through a sport popularised by

mass of swirling pikes, claymores and Lochaber

Prince Albert in the reign of our Empress Victo-

Pete Carr, Editor Shoot IN SCOTLAND

9

introduction

Planning your trip? Start here

Find everything you need to plan your Scottish sporting holiday at www.countrysportscotland.com

search Search by sport or region through more than 200 Scottish sporting estates and providers, and book directly with them

AccoMmodation Find sport-friendly accommodation

SPORTING AGENTS Guidance on which agents offer which sports and where

Sporting Offers Browse through the shooting, fishing and stalking opportunities from our sporting providers for last-minute deals and new sporting opportunities

Country Sports Discover the wonderful range of sporting opportunities on offer in Scotland

OTHER INFORMATION Regularly updated section with all sorts of useful information about country sports in Scotland, including etiquette and guidance Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countrysportscotland

10

www.countrysportscotland.com

on travelling with firearms

introduction

SOCIAL SHOOTING

SCSTG manager Andrew Grainger reports on a successful scheme to increase engagement with Scottish country sports through social media

T

he

integrated

marketing

campaign we were able to

produce a further increase in traffic from

and spend to end third quarter of 2017, over

these countries.

2016 we collected some anecdotal evidence to

run with VisitScotland Growth

With a large library of sporting images on file

Funding in 2017 was very suc-

and five sporting films being edited, we intend to

suggest a similar increase in the numbers of in-

cessful, and SCSTG were able to target specific

make more use of Instagram, which we have iden-

SCSTG continues to work closely with our

countries with a paid-for social media advertis-

tified as having a slightly different demographic to

public sector colleagues from Scottish Enter-

ing campaign. These posts were translated into

Facebook and Twitter.

prise, Scottish Natural Heritage and VisitScot-

ternational country sports tourism visitors.

French, German and Swedish. As a result, web-

During 2018 the experience gained through

land who, combined with the private sector

site visitors originating in these countries has

our social media campaign, particularly on Face-

input from others such as BASC, Association of

seen a marked increase.

book ,will be used to expand social activity into

Deer Management Groups and Scottish Land

Facebook was by far the most productive

North America, which was identified as a target

and Estates, bring a range of knowledge and ex-

platform, with a reach of 455,140 and a total of

market for Year Two in the SCSTG’s strategy docu-

perience to deliver clear insights on the country

972,207 impressions. Impressions is the number

ment ‘Game for Growth’.

sports tourism sector in Scotland.

of times a post is displayed. Reach is the number

Brexit is unlikely to have any effect on the

Finally, we will be attending the major coun-

of unique people who saw the content. This tar-

legislation surrounding shooting, but may have a

try sports fairs this year, including the GWCT

geted advertising was aimed at people who shot,

positive effect on the number of country sports

Scottish Fair at Scone Palace on 29 June – 1

hunted and fished.

tourists visiting Scotland. Domestic sports people

July, celebrating its 30th year; The Game Fair,

30 per cent of SCSTG website traffic now

may find a foreign trip less affordable with a

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, celebrating its 60th

originates from the target countries – around

weaker pound, but the opposite will be the case

year on 27-29 July; and the Highland Field

10 per cent each from France, Germany and

for international visitors.

Sports Fair on 3-4 August. If you are attend-

Sweden. Articles related to a familiarisation

In addition to the VisitScotland statistics

trip for sporting journalists are expected to

showing an increase in both international trips

12

www.countrysportscotland.com

ing any of these events, do please come and say hello.

plan your stay

WHERE TO STAY Pick the right accommodation for your trip with the SCSTG’s list of shootingfriendly hotels and lodges

T

he Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) was

started in 2004 to promote Scotland as a country sports tourism holiday destination and help sustain its rural communities. There are more than four million people who enjoy country sports in the UK alone.

To recognise this, VisitScotland and the Country Sports Tourism Group

have

developed

the

Fieldsports Welcome Scheme for accommodation

that

makes

a

special effort to cater for the needs of field sports enthusiasts.

On the whole, Scotland is an exceedingly friendly country and shooting tourists are not just tolerated but heartily welcomed.

You’re

guaranteed

a

warm

reception at this list of shootingfriendly

accommodation,

newly

curated from scratch this year.

Whether it’s five-star luxury or basic B&B you’re after, read on and find a place for you.

Glenapp Castle

ABERDEENSHIRE

www.aswanley.com

Aswanley Holiday

antonia@lowerdessestate.com,

DD8 2UF

01763 264249,

info@houseofturin.com,

www.lowerdessestate.com

01307 830463,

Cottages

Mill of Dess Lodge &

Glass, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire,

Mill Cottage ****

AB54 4XJ

Lower Dess Sporting Estates,

ANGUS

sophie@aswanley.com,

Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34

House of Turin *****

AYRSHIRE

01466 700262,

5BE

Turin House, Forfar, Angus,

Blair Estate *****

www.houseofturin.com

Dalry, Ayrshire, KA24 4ER enquiries@blairestate.com, 01294 833100, www.blairestate.com Glenapp Castle ***** Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, KA26 0NZ info@glenappcastle.com, 01465 831212, www.glenappcastle.com

BERWICKSHIRE The Lodge Carfraemill Lauder, Berwickshire, TD2 6RA enquiries@carfraemill.co.uk, Blair House Lodge Dalrachney

01578 750750, www.carfraemill.co.uk

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

15

plan your stay

The Wheatsheaf at Swinton **** Main Street, Swinton, Berwickshire, TD11 3JJ reception@ eatdrinkstaywheatsheaf.com, 01890 860257, www.wheatsheaf-swinton.co.uk

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Friars Carse Country House Hotel *** Auldgirth, Dumfries, DG2 0SA

Ballathie House Hotel

fcsalesandevents@pofr.co.uk, 01387 740388 ,

MORAYSHIRE

07721 082156,

www.friarscarse.co.uk

Culdearn House ****

www.cauldhameestate.co.uk

www.kenmorehotel.com Royal Dunkeld Hotel ***

Woodlands Terrace, Grantown-

INVERNESS-SHIRE

on-Spey, Morayshire, PH26 3JU

East Haugh House Hotel

Atholl Street, Dunkeld, Perthshire,

Alvie Holiday Cottages ***

enquiries@culdearn.com,

****

PH8 0AR

Alvie Estate, Kincraig, Kingussie,

01479 872106, www.culdearn.

Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5TE

reservations@royaldunkeld.co.uk,

Inverness-shire, PH21 1NE

com

info@easthaugh.co.uk,

01350 727322,

01796 473121,

www.royaldunkeld.co.uk

info@alvie-estate.co.uk, 01540 651255,

PERTHSHIRE

www.alvie-estate.co.uk

Ballathie House Hotel ****

www.easthaugh.co.uk

SCOTTISH BORDERS Crabtree & Crabtree

Kinclaven, Stanley, Perth, PH1

Errichel House ****/*****

Dalrachney Lodge ***

4QN

Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire,

1 Bridge Street, Kelso, Scottish

Grantown Road, Carrbridge,

liz@ballathiehousehotel.com,

PH15 2EL

Borders, TD5 7HT

Inverness-shire, PH23 3AT

01250 883268,

enquiries@errichel.co.uk, 01887

info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com,

dalrachney@aol.com,

www.ballathiehousehotel.com

820850 / 07974 171699,

01573 226711,

www.errichel.co.uk

www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com

01479 841252, www.dalrachney.com

Barley Bree Restaurant & Rooms ****

Gamefield *****

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel ****

Kingsmills Hotel ****

6 Willoughby Street, Muthill, Nr

Ochtertyre Estate, Crieff,

St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish

Culcabock Road, Inverness,

Crieff, Perthshire, PH5 2AB

Perthshire, PH7 4JR

Borders, TD6 0RQ

Inverness-shire, IV2 3LP

info@barleybree.com,

info@gamefield.co.uk, 01764

mark@dryburgh.co.uk, 01835

reservations@kingsmillshotel.

01764 681451,

650303 / 07467 147265,

822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk

com, 01463 257141,

www.barleybree.com

www.gamefield.co.uk

Cauldhame Country House

The Kenmore Hotel ***

High Street, Peebles, Scottish

LINKS HOUSE DORNOCH *****

& Cottages

The Square, Kenmore, Aberfeldy,

Borders, EH45 8AJ

Links House, Golf Road, Dornoch

Kippenrait, Sheriffmuir, Dunblane,

Perthshire, PH15 2NU

kate.innes@tontinehotel.com,

IV25 3LN

Perthshire, FK15 0LN

ross.mcewen@kenmorehotel.

01721 720892,

01862 810279

bev@cauldhameestate.co.uk,

com, 01887 830205,

www.tontinehotel.com

The Tontine Hotel ***

www.kingsmillshotel.com

info@linkshousedornoch.com Muckrach Country House Hotel *** Dulnain Bridge, Grantown-onSpey, Inverness-shire, PH26 3LY info@muckrach.com, 01479 851227, www.muckrach.com

LANARKSHIRE Hearthstanes Estate *** Tweedsmuir, Biggar, Lanarkshire, ML12 6QN holidayrentals@hearthstanes. com, 01899 225119, www.hearthstanes.com

16

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

www.countrysportscotland.com

Travel Info

take the high road If you’ve decided to make the journey to Scotland, the next step is determining how you get there – here’s all the key information

S

cotland is well connected by major roads, train

Rail travel

links, airports and ferry ports.

Approximate travel times: London-Edinburgh: 4hr 30min

Many domestic and international airlines allow

passengers to store firearms and ammunition in

London-Glasgow: 5hr

the hold – though international visitors travelling via

Regular services throughout the day from main

connecting flights should ensure your firearms are

English cities. Overnight sleepers also available.

permitted by each airline.

LNER

If you want to arrive on your first day refreshed and bright-eyed, you can travel overnight on

Eurowings

www.lner.co.uk; 03457 225225

ScotRail’s Caledonian Sleeper train, which runs be-

www.eurowings.com; 0330 365 1918

National Rail

tween London Euston and Scotland. There are also

Norwegian

www.nationalrail.co.uk; 08457 484950

regular services to Scotland from many major sta-

www.norwegian.com; 0330 828 0854

Caledonian Sleeper

tions in England and Wales.

Thomas Cook

www.sleeper.scot; 0330 0600500

(ex. flights departing from Canada)

Virgin Trains

www.thomascook.com; 08718 950045

www.virgintrains.co.uk; 08450 008000

For more information about travelling to Scotland with a firearm or shotgun, turn to page 96.

United Airlines www.united.com; 08458 444777

By Car The two main driving routes to Scotland from

- When booking your flight, inform the agent

the south are via the east of England on the A1,

that you are going to be carrying ‘sporting fire-

or via the west using the M6, A74(M) and M74.

arms and ammunition.’

- You may accrue additional charges for the

Coach travel

carriage of sporting firearms and ammunition.

Scottish Citylink

- Try to obtain written confirmation by email,

www.citylink.co.uk; 08712 663333

letter or fax that you have pre-booked the

Postbus

Air travel

firearm in question.

(Northern and Scottish mail delivery service that

Major airlines serving Scotland

- Contact the airline at least 72 hours before

accepts fee-paying passengers)

flying to confirm carriage of your firearms and

www.postbus.royalmail.com; 08457 740740

UK

check restrictions, charges and requirements.

National Express (servicing the UK)

BMI

- Passengers are restricted to 5kg ammunition

www.nationalexpress.com; 08717 818178

www.flybmi.com; 0330 333 7998

per person.

Eurolines (servicing the rest of Europe)

British Airways

- Airlines will often require proof that your

www.eurolines.co.uk; 08717 818178

www.britishairways.com; 08444 930787

firearms are licensed, either when booking

Eastern Airways

or checking in. Make sure you have all of the

Ferry travel

www.easternairways.com; 01652 680600

necessary documentation.

Many cruise lines offer travel to Scotland. Stran-

easyJet

- Ensure your firearms are in a purpose-built

raer is the most common port of entry but Stena

www.easyjet.com; 08431 045000

and securely locked gun case, separated from

Line also provides services into Faslane. Caledo-

Flybe

your ammunition and main luggage.

nian Macbrayne provides servives to the islands.

www.flybe.com; 08717 002000 Logan Airways www.loganair.co.uk; 01418 487594 Ryanair

Local firearms licensing departments

www.ryanair.com; 0871 246 0000

Aberdeen 01224 306270 | firearmslicensingaberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk

International Air France

Stirling 01259 727668 | firearmslicensingstirling@scotland.pnn.police.uk Dundee 01382 596858 | firearmslicensingdundee@scotland.pnn.police.uk

www.airfrance.co.uk; 08716 633777

Edinburgh 01313 113297 | firearmslicensingedinburgh@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Brussels Airlines

Glasgow 101 | firearmslicensingglasgow@scotland.pnn.police.uk

www.brusselsairlines.com; 09056 095609

Inverness 01463 720484 | firearmslicensinginverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Emirates www.emirates.com; 08448 002777

18

www.countrysportscotland.com

Glenrothes 01592 418424 | firearmslicensingglenrothes@scotland.pnn.police.uk Dumfries 08456 005701| firearmslicensingdumfries@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Expert advice travel

TRAVEL TIPS

Are you planning on travelling to Scotland with your firearms?

Legal expert Stuart Farr gives some guidance

T

he early part of the year,

not to forget when heading to Scotland by

when Shoot In Scotland is

road, rail, plane or boat, and storage tips when

published, is a time when many

staying overnight.

people start to think about and

Firstly, the toughest means of getting

plan their holidays for the forthcoming year.

there: flying. This will mostly be undertaken

Let’s face it, while the gloom of winter still

by those visiting from overseas. If that de-

hangs over us, it is an occupation that helps

scribes you, there’s no sugar-coating it: it

provide some respite from the cold, and it’s

is not easy to transport a gun across the

something we can look forward to when the

borders of nations without your own trans-

better weather arrives.

port. The reality is that transport providers

And what better place to go than Scotland?

don’t particularly like to move guns because

It offers breathtaking landscapes and a stun-

of the perceived increased risks it involves.

ning variety of sport. Plus, there is the practial

In fact, many simply won’t do it. The main ad-

stuff. For most, it is close by and accessible,

vice is to check with the airline whether they

you don’t have to fly or change currency (if

take guns before booking; ensure you have in-

you live in Great Britain), and the approach of

formed the airline more than 72 hours before

Brexit won’t affect access to it as a tourist.

the flight of your intention to check in a fire-

But don’t be fooled – travelling with a fire-

arm; and obtain agreement to this in writing.

arm in tow is fraught with legal difficulties and

Oh, and allow four hours at the airport instead

logistical concerns, and that applies as much

of two – unannounced checks are common.

to going to Scotland as it does anywhere else.

Incidentally, if you’re travelling from Europe,

This article is intended to be a primer on what

don’t forget to obtain a European Firearms Pass.

20

www.countrysportscotland.com

Expert advice travel

EFPs are issued in the same format across the EU and so are easily identifiable. You can apply for one at any time and they are usually only valid for as

Ferries are often the preferred method of travel when journeying with firearms

long as your normal certificate, the maximum being five years.

The EFP will specify which category the relevant firearm falls under and will provide details of any EU state that requires the holder to obtain authorisation before taking a gun to that particular destination. It will also indicate which EU state(s) prohibit that particular firearm altogether.

You will also need to have applied for and been granted either a Visitor Firearms Permit or a Visitors Shotgun Permit – you cannot enter the UK from the EU with a firearm or shotgun without one. See page 22 for full details.

If you have a bit more time or are travelling to an island in Scotland, a ferry can be a better option than flying. There is plenty of advice available around the internet on how to transport guns via ferry and the shooting organisa-

“ As a guide, you need to consider whether a particular permission is required and notification may need to be given in advance to a police authority in the area where you are travelling to ”

tions are a good place to start. Here are a few considerations to get you on your way.

You will need to ensure that you have your shotgun and/or firearms certificate with you at all times while you are travelling.

Generally speaking, if you are taking a shotgun, you are permitted to carry a maximum

so at that point relevant checks can be made.

room such as a radiator. If you leave the room,

It is best to ensure that the local port authority

again, consider taking an essential component

security has been informed of what you are car-

with you and carry your certificate (and any secu-

rying. This will help to ensure a smooth passage

rity keys) on your person at all times.

through the port areas under their jurisdiction.

If your hunting trips are infrequent then it

of 1,000 cartridges in a vehicle, provided they

The easiest and safest way to transport your

is unlikely you will need a security device fitted

are in their manufacturer’s original packaging.

guns, and surely what most visitors do, is to

inside your vehicle. Therefore, if your vehicle

Quantities larger than this need to be declared.

drive in your own vehicle. Now it becomes a

is going to be left unattended at any time, it

You are strongly recommended to pre-book

case of general gun security and common

is normally recommended that you take with

your trip and inform the travel operator of your

sense. If you want specifics, the Firearms Secu-

you an essential component of the firearm

intention to travel with a gun and ammunition

rity Handbook produced by the Home Office is

or shotgun (such as the bolt from the rifle or

and the relevant destination. The ammunition,

as good a place to start as any. It contains guid-

the fore-end of the shotgun) and keep that in

in particular, may be subject to restrictions and

ance, for example, on the transport of guns by

your personal possession while you are away.

road and tells us that the vehicle needs to be

In the case of more frequent trips, it is gener-

fitted with an alarm or immobiliser and should

ally recommended that you arrange for higher

be parked in such a position as to frustrate an

security such as a secured metal container or

unlawful entry. It also advises on keeping fire-

steel security cable which is attached to the

arms in locked boots or in storage areas where

chassis. In any event, firearms and ammuni-

the contents are covered or concealed.

tion should be placed where they cannot be

Certificate holders are strongly advised to

seen (in the boot or load carrying area of a

comply with the stipulations for the secure stor-

locked vehicle). In all cases, a suitable car

age of firearms and ammunition in their vehicle.

alarm and/or immobiliser would be prudent.

In particular, no shooting equipment should be visible when being transported in a vehicle.

Flying is one of the most difficult means by which to transport a firearm – but it is possible

Be aware, the onus is on you to decide what appropriate form of security to take based on

The guidance also offers suggestions on

your circumstances. Remember, in the UK we

what to do with the gun itself – it might be

have some of the strictest gun laws around, and

stripped down with the forend being removed

though attitudes may differ in Scotland, the law is

and/or kept separately from the barrels and

the law. Failure to follow it won’t just ruin your trip

action. It could also be secured with portable

– it can lead to the police believing that you are

devices such as cables.

not “a fit and proper person” to possess firearms.

Hotels can be more problematic. Securing

If you intend to embark on your first

guns in a hotel safe or strong room is one option

planned trip, I appreciate much of this may

but is often a facility which is not available. A dis-

seem daunting. However, as I have said, there

creet word with the hotel manager may help. Oth-

is plenty of good advice around and an amount

erwise, consider using a steel security cable which

of care and research in good time beforehand

you can then attach to an immovable object in the

will do much to see you along your way.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

21

FIREARMS ADVICE

Need-to-Know While country sports lovers from overseas are enthusiastically welcomed in Scotland, there are some basic legal undertakings you will need to make in advance of your stay in Scotland. Included below is a digest of the essentials and where you can find out more…

V

isitors to Scotland may only bring their firearm (rifle) or shotgun with them if

they have a Visitor Firearm or Visitor Shotgun Permit. Such permits can be valid for up to 12 months, but it is more common that these permits are limited to the length of the visit.

The general rules and conditions that apply to the grant of a Firearm or Shotgun Permit are: - An application for a UK Visitor Permit must be made to the police by a sponsor – a person resident in that police area, normally your host, sporting agent or a friend in Scotland – on your behalf.

- Group applications (up to 20 visitors) are cheaper provided they are all hunting on the same premises during the same period.

-

Applications

28

days

must

before

be the

made

at

planned

least visit.

- Residents of EU Member States must be in possession of a European Firearms Pass. A photocopy or electronic scan of the EFP has to be forwarded with the application for a UK permit.

An applicant for any visitor’s permit must show good reason for possessing, purchasing

UK Shotgun Permit

their own. However, some sporting agents and

or acquiring each firearm or shotgun.

This is the permit that allows the possession,

estates may be able to arrange for visitors to

For those not resident of an EU Member

purchase and acquisition of shotguns and

borrow a shotgun.

State, applications should be accompanied by

ammunition. In the UK, this permit would au-

For deer stalking with a rifle, most estates will

the original, or a copy of, any hunting or fire-

thorise most shotguns, including side-by-side

be able to arrange for visiting hunters to bor-

arms licences held in his or her own country

and over-and-under shotguns as well as semi-

row what is known as the “estate rifle” and to

as well as evidence of an invitation to shoot

automatic shotguns with a magazine capacity

use that rifle while in the presence of the owner

in Scotland.

of two or less. (Semi-automatic shotguns with

or in the presence of their employee, such as

Entry into Scotland, or any other part of the

a larger magazine capacity are rarely used for

the gamekeeper or professional stalker. This

UK, will not be allowed unless the hunter has a

hunting in Scotland and would only be author-

is a common occurrence but it is important to

valid UK Permit. A European Firearms Pass on

ised by a UK Firearms permit.) No territorial

check that a suitable rifle is available. Please

its own will not suffice.

restrictions are placed on a Shotgun Permit,

note: this is not available to under 17s.

Each Permit costs £12, though a group permit will cost no more than £60.

so the shotgun can be used on any hunting ground in Scotland as long as the visitor has permission to hunt there.

UK Firearms Permit

Changes to the law – airguns The new Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 means that from 31 December 2016

purchase) of a firearm such as a hunting rifle,

Borrowing a shotgun or a firearm

as well as the acquisition or purchase of am-

A hunter can come to Scotland and to hunt

similar licencing requirements as those cur-

munition. The firearm(s) must be listed on the

with a borrowed shotgun or a borrowed rifle.

rently in place for other firearms.

Permit and the quantities of ammunition to be

This avoids the need to apply for a UK Visitors

Visitors wishing to bring airguns into Scotland

purchased, acquired and held must also be

Permit. It is only permitted to borrow a shot-

or purchase them while there (without holding

listed. The conditions of use of the rifle will also

gun from the owner or occupier of private land

an air weapon certificate) will need to apply to

be listed and must be complied with. If the visi-

and to use that shotgun “in the presence of”

the police for a visitor permit. Group applica-

tor needs to use expanding ammunition (a le-

the owner or occupier. This is rather restric-

tions for up to 20 people are also possible.

gal requirement for all deer stalking) this must

tive and most hunters wishing to hunt with a

be included on the permit.

shotgun should apply for a permit and bring

This is the permit for the possession (but not

22

www.countrysportscotland.com

airgun ownership in Scotland will fall under

For more information, visit: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/10/section/13/enacted

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122

|

Expert advice preparation

The big trip So you’ve booked the Highland hunt of a lifetime – what now? Will O’Meara gives you all the advice you need for preparing for the trip, from admin to training to mental preparation

M

aybe it only happens once.

your mind. Are you bringing your own firearm

including

It might be a long-planned

or using an estate gun or rifle? How will you

document, and make sure you are aware of

the

airline’s

guidance/policy

hunting trip or the seizing of a

get there? If travelling from overseas, do you

the weight of your equipment and potential

fleeting opportunity. Either way,

have the required paperwork?

costs for excess baggage.

you have a fire of enthusiasm in your soul to go

The transport of firearms and ammunition

I will also assume, for the purposes of this

to Scotland and hunt amid some of the greatest

doesn’t have to be a chore, but if you are

article, that you have done your research

landscapes to be found anywhere. That’s great –

flying, remember to inform your airline well

and are booking your hunt with a reputable

now don’t let poor planning ruin the whole thing.

in advance that you intend to take a firearm.

outfitter. There is certainly no shortage of

The planning phase not only goes a long way

In doing so, I’ve never encountered any

those in Scotland.

to ensure you have an enjoyable trip, but it can

problems, but I have heard of a few horror

With your administration complete, you

actually be greatly satisfying in itself. Having

stories. To avoid such stress I recommend you

can now breathe a sigh of relief and crack on

prepared for adventures all over the world, some

use a high quality case with non-TSA padlocks

with the more enjoyable preparations, which

of months in duration and some of only a few

for transporting gun or rifle, and ensure you

include fitness, marksmanship, location and

days, I have developed a system of preparation

have the keys in your possession at all times.

species knowledge and equipment.

that I find useful. Lots of my advice is specific to

I also recommend that any ammunition

rifle-hunting, but in general it can apply to any

you wish to transport is in factory packaging,

Get fit to hunt

form of sporting trip.

regardless of whether it is reloaded or factory

Your physical fitness may directly correlate

ammo. I position my rifle in its case so that

with the success of your hunt. The fitter you

the serial number can be easily read without

are, the better your chances of success.

your

removing it from the box, ensuring any

Increased fitness will not only allow you to walk

administration. This is the tedious part but if

inspection of your firearm is as discreet as

further but will also allow you to be in a higher

you get it sorted early it will be a weight off

possible. Print off any relevant documents,

state of readiness and be more composed

Get your admin sorted The

26

first

thing

to

organise

is

www.countrysportscotland.com

Expert advice preparation

and focused when it comes to the culmination of your hunt. A good level of stamina and strength will help prevent injury. Remember, a minor injury might well bring your hunt of a lifetime to a grinding halt. Conditioning to your kit and equipment, particularly your boots and pack, is also important. Having such items ‘broken in’ and fitting well will prevent injuries.

Train as you mean to hunt. This can take

The most important thing about your hunting set-up is that you are confident in it

the form of extended hill walking adventures in your preparation phase. They will greatly add to your fitness, it gets you outdoors, teaches you how to fuel your body, how your

“ Your physical fitness may correlate directly with the success of your hunt ”

kit performs and can be used to hone skills such as navigation. prevent

is fitting and torqued appropriately. I will be

hiking sessions with some gym training.

cramping, headaches and nausea. I found

addressing rifle set-up in more depth in the

Exercises

core

bladder-type hydration system and water

future – but for now you should get your local

strength development, mobility development

bottles both useful, but I now favour water-

firearms dealer to check everything over.

and metabolic conditioning sessions using

bottles as they are easier to refill and monitor

Step two is to zero the rifle and know your

Olympic weights, kettlebells, rowing machine,

fluid intake as well as being easier to clean and

elevation adjustments for each range. I like

running and body weight exercises will all

more robust.

to do this, at a minimum, out to the usable

I recommend supplementing your weekly such

as

lunges,

squats,

through

of

us

and

will

in

react

turn

to

terminal ballistic limit of that rifle which I

can be applied to everyday life, or in our case

supplements such as energy gels or bars.

usually rate as the point at which the projectile

to the hunt.

Having tried a wide variety of these, I find ‘real

reaches 1350ft/lb of energy (for example,

food’ to be the a better base than anything

with my .270 it is 450 yards). This is likely to

Hydration and nutrition

else, but I am happy to supplement it with

be a range beyond what you will use on your

Despite having spent many months of my life

protein bars and energy bars. I don’t take

hunt, but it is reassuring to know you can hit a

in the hills with a pack on my back, one of the

it too far, though. I found that sugar and

target at longer ranges.

best lessons in stamina training came to me

caffeine-based gels are taxing on the digestive

Once zeroed I like to practise as often

via adventure races and road cycling events.

system and leave you feeling burnt out at the

as my schedule will allow. I normally keep

They taught me how to fuel your body while

end of the day.

sessions short (10-15 shots) but like to

improve your functional fitness – fitness that

Each

sweating

differently

on the move and over extended periods of

simulate hunting scenarios, such as shooting

exertion. Hydration and fuel intake is critical

Dialled in and confident

from sticks or a pack, shooting when out of

here to maintain optimum performance (or

Having confidence in your kit is paramount to

breath, shooting in varying wind conditions

sometimes to just keep going). Hydration

success on your hunt. The best way to build

and so on. It’s also important to use targets

tablets or electrolytes dissolved in water

this is through practice. Step one is to ensure

that simulate what you will be hunting and

will help to replace lost minerals and fluids

the rifle is functioning properly, everything

to have an understanding of the physiology

Will’s kit bag, showing just some of his hunting essentials. Be prepared!

Highland terrain is unforgiving.

Better get fit before you go

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

27

Expert advice preparation

Time spent getting to know your rifle on the range is never wasted

of that animal. This will ensure that when the pressure is on, you know where to place that shot and you can rely on your hours of practice to aid you.

“ Most of the pressure we feel when hunting is selfinduced, because the focus is on the result. Forget about that and focus on the process ”

The mental game So you have put in huge time and effort to make this hunt happen. It is your dream, your

There are two particularly useful pointers that

sole focus for many months. You’ve bought

can be of benefit. Firstly a reminder of the

the kit, done the training, but have you done

answer to the question: why are you doing

- Know the range to the animal

any mental preparation?

- Select the best possible firing position and the best possible rest

this? That‘s right – for fun. Remembering that

- Check your elevation and windage

The suggestion of mental preparation may

can take you a long way. Most of the pressure

- Quietly load your rifle; check your safety;

elicit raised eyebrows from some, but for

we feel when hunting is self-induced, because

those who know its usefulness and power, it

the focus is on the result. Forget about that

is a central factor to success in all challenging

and focus on the process. This is where the

tasks. After all, you don’t want to come all that

fun is – walking, glassing, enjoying the scenery,

- Pick a definite point of aim

way and get a stag in your sights only to panic

immersing yourself in the wild, away from the

- Focus on your aiming point

at the last moment and spurn the opportunity.

stresses and pressures of everyday life and

- Squeeze the trigger

Does that familiar? How many times have you

routine. Remember the words of Theodore

- See the strike

beaten yourself up over a poor shot, a miss

Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Do

- Reload and continue to observe the animal

or even just an unfortunate blank? What

your own thing and enjoy it.

check muzzle clearance - Wait until the animal offers the best opportunity (usually fully broadside)

through your scope.

follows is usually a list of excuses and an air of

Secondly: Have faith in your practice. To

disappointment – often this can snowball into

maximise all chances of striking your intended

A procedure gives you something to focus on.

a series of misses. Mental preparation can

target, you need to practise, know your

If well drilled it will become almost instinctive

help you avoid these situations by teaching

equipment and have a procedure. Once you

and gives you the best chance, physically and

you how to deal with pressure or stress,

have identified your target and that it is safe to

mentally, of success. So remember: hard work

turning difficult situations around to put you

fire, a good procedure might look something

pays off, stay positive, focus on the process

back on the path to success.

like this:

and allow yourself to enjoy and succeed.

28

www.countrysportscotland.com

Species Spotlight

Spotlight on red deer Editor Pete Carr looks into the historical distribution of red deer across the British Isles and reveals some interesting facts about the iconic monarch of the glen

T

he red deer (Cervus elaphus)

deer well, and they have thrived on the hill as

wild herds in an attempt to increase trophy

is

land

a consequence to the present day. Hill stag

quality. The Marquis of Breadalbane, for

mammal and one of the world’s

stalking came into vogue in Victorian times

example, introduced some stags to his Black

largest deer species. In Great

as the Queen’s consort Prince Albert was an

Mount estate from Taymouth and Windsor

Britain there are indigenous populations in

avid stalker though a reputed bad shot. The

Great Park. These introductions all failed,

Scotland, the Lake District, and in the south-

fashion has waned little since its inception

of course, as regardless of genetics it is the

west of England, principally on Exmoor. Not

and hill stalking has changed little through

environment that governs the body weight

all of these are of entirely pure bloodlines

the following regencies and remains unique to

and trophy quality of these hill deer.

as some of these populations have been

Scotland to this day.

Britain’s

largest

Other landowners imported red deer from

supplemented with deliberate releases from

Unfortunately there has been extensive

various parks. Some of these, such as Woburn,

deer parks in an attempt to increase antler

hybridisation with the introduced and closely

may have had mixed wapiti blood in them, so

size and body weight.

related sika deer in many areas. It is now

the true bloodlines of Scottish mainland red

Scotland’s red deer adapted to a life on

thought the only truly pure forms of red deer

deer may have been open to question before

the open hill as the ancient Caledonian

are to be found on the Outer Hebrides and the

any sika deer influence could be claimed.

pine forests dwindled away to the remnant

islands of Arran, Islay, Jura and Rum. Thankfully

Scotland’s red deer carve out a harsh

woodland that is left today. This was thanks to

recent restrictions on the importation of

existence for themselves on the hills and

demand for timber from an expanding human

Cervus species to these islands have been put

islands, foraging on stunted heather and grass

population that finally did for the stately

in place to safeguard the genetic integrity of

in a windswept and inclement landscape. It

Scots Pine forest of Caledonia. The infamous

these last remaining British bloodlines.

is little wonder, then, that they sport lesser

Highland clearances of the late 18th century

However, it must also be said that many

headgear and lighter body weights than

cleared the Highlands of its crofters along

Scottish deer forests on the mainland had an

their English woodland counterparts and

with their sheep and cattle. This suited the red

influx of English park deer blood added to the

continental cousins.

30

www.countrysportscotland.com

Species Spotlight

Hill stags won’t have the antler weight of their lowground brethren, but they offer so much more than just a big head

Most of the red deer of England (the Lake

Other than Exmoor, the Lake District probably

District population possibly the exception)

held the only other true herd of original English

and Ireland are classified as the Western

red deer. However, the red deer of Cumbria

European subspecies (Cervus elaphus), with

have had new bloodlines introduced from deer

RED DEER

the smaller open hill ground living Scottish

parks and other sources. Historically, an upland

Largest land mammal in UK but

red deer subspecies classed as Cervus elaphus

herd of red deer has occupied the Martindale

considerable variations in size: lowland/

scoticus, literally meaning Scottish red deer.

Estate between Ullswater and Haweswater for

woodland deer very much larger and

In England Exmoor is the home to the

more than 300 years. Dalemain Estate, at the

heavier than those on open hills. Summer

largest concentration of red deer in the

head of the ancient Martindale deer forest,

coat reddish-brown, turning darker brown-

country. Historically, Exmoor red deer are

once hosted many foreign dignitaries for deer

grey in winter. Lighter rump patch extends

unique, living in the only place where they

hunting. In 1910 the then Earl of Lonsdale (from

on to back above short tail. Mature stag

have roamed truly wild since pre-historic

Lowther Castle) received as his guest Kaiser

antlers typically long and multi-tined with

times. They have survived through the ages

Wilhelm II to hunt on the Martindale deer

prominent mane by late autumn.

under Crown protection as ‘Royal Beasts of

shoot. Four years later the Earl formed a Border

the Chase’ on Exmoor Forest.

IDENTIFICATION:

Battalion to fight his former guest’s German

Open Season

Even in modern times, hunting in one form

army in the trenches during World War One.

Male

or another has been the main reason red

Managed by subsequent landowners, the red

Eng/Wales/NI 1 Aug – 30 Apr

deer have survived, and indeed flourished

deer herd at Martindale has grown and over-

Scotland 1 Jul – 20 Oct

across Exmoor’s moorland majesty. This single

spilled into neighbouring Mardale, Kentmere,

Female

fact was conveniently overlooked by those

Thirlmere and Armboth Fell.

Eng/Wales/NI 1 Nov – 31 Mar

politicians that were instrumental in banning

Separate woodland herds are also based

the hunting of hare, fox and deer with hounds.

in Grizedale Forest, the Rusland Valley and at

Scotland 21 Oct – 15 Feb

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

31

Species Spotlight

THE GARRON The Highland pony or garron is the native horse breed of Scotland’s mountainous regions. It is not known whether these wild horses first spread into Scotland when the last glaciers receded some 10,000 years ago, or whether they were introduced by early prehistoric settlers. What is known is that by the 8th century, horses were in Scotland, and by the end of that century their images were appearing on carved Pictish stones.

In one of Scottish history’s most noted incidents, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was most likely mounted on a sturdy Scottish Highland pony when he fought and killed Sir Henry de Bohun with his battle axe at Bannockburn in 1314. Highland ponies Taking a beast off the hill is an experience to be cherished

became the workhorse of the Highland croft and estate. During the heyday of stalking in the late 19th century they served as the most efficient way to transport deer and

the head of Morecambe Bay. These woodland

populations scattered throughout the woods

other moor game from the hill to the larder,

red stags are better nourished and generally

of England and, to a much lesser extent,

with special saddles and panniers being

stand taller and weigh heavier than their

Wales. Most of these are increasing in

used. Today the Highland pony continues

closely related, fell-living counterparts.

numbers and range.

Elsewhere in England there are several

More recent escapes from deer farms

suited to work on the hill because of their

other red deer populations, most of which

and other deliberate releases have aided

strength and agility even over the roughest

have originated at the hands of humankind.

their expansion. A recent census of deer

and steepest ground, or for forestry work

Historically, carted deer kept for stag hunts

populations coordinated by the British Deer

where mechanised access is difficult. Many

were often left out at the end of the chase.

Society records red deer as having expanded

other modern-day estates have reverted

In Victorian times many stags were imported

their range in England and Wales since the

back to the ponies, since they are both more

from various deer parks (often containing

start of the new millennium. The most notable

environmentally friendly and cost-effective

wapiti blood) to a number of stalking estates

increase has been in the Midlands and across

than 4x4 vehicles.

in an attempt to ‘improve the resident stock.’

East Anglia.

to be used in this role. They are ideally

In the First World War the Lovat Scouts

Carted deer were normally kept by those

In Ireland the only true native wild red deer

used Highlands as army mounts, and they

stag hunts that had no wild red deer in their

that exist today can be found on the Torc, Cores

were also used by the military in the Boer

locality, and were normally recaptured after

and Mangerton Mountains with other herds in

War. With the advent of pony trekking in

the hunt to be used again. The red deer of

the lowlands of the national park in Killarney,

Scotland in 1955, the Highland pony came

Thetford Forest in Norfolk were probably

Co. Kerry. The species nearly became extinct

into its own and the breed became more

accidentally established in this manner when

after the great famine, numbering as few as 60

widely known. As pursuit of wild game in

the Norwich Staghounds (which actually only

animals. Today there are now more than 1,000

a true wilderness goes hill stalking for red

hunted hinds) failed to recapture their quarry

and this population is expanding. However, as

deer cannot be bettered, especially when

(some of which may have been in calf) on a

in Scotland, sika deer are a potential threat

serviced by a proficient ghillie leading a

number of occasions over many years.

to the genetic integrity of Irish red deer. This

The New Forest has a rich royal hunting

has already happened in Co. Wicklow, but so

heritage. It hasn’t always gone the hunter’s

far no cases of crossbreeding have yet been

way, however, as Richard, Duke of Bernay,

recorded in Killarney. Introductions from

found out to his peril. His grace was the elder

Scotland, England and France in the early 19th

brother of King William II, and met his fate on

century formed the nucleus of the red deer

the tines of a New Forest stag that gored him

herds now found in the Glendalough Valley

to death after being brought to bay.

and Turlough Hills of Co. Wicklow, Glenveagh,

Highland garron.

Introductions from Warnham and other deer parks to the New Forest probably re-

32

Co. Donegal, Connemara, Co. Galway and areas of Co. Mayo.

established the present New Forest red

Northern Ireland’s wild red herds are all

deer. Other red deer populations, probably

descended from reintroduced stock. Free

originating

deliberate

roaming red deer are found in Co. Tyrone, Co.

releases in England and Wales, include the

Fermanagh and Co. Down. Several enclosed

Peak District, Suffolk, Brecon Beacons and

herds live on private and Forest Service

West Yorkshire herds as well as smaller

estates such as Gosford Forest Park.

www.countrysportscotland.com

from

escapes

or

Expert advice Beginners

Stag selection Age, time of year, head size – what are the most important factors to consider when culling a stag? Deer management expert Dominic Griffith has the answers

A

ntler quality in all deer is

moved from the hill and placed into good pas-

land that I have helped to manage the red

pretty much the product of

ture showed that such stags immediately grew

deer for some 15 years we have established a

age, food and genetics in varying

multi-point heads in the subsequent year.

clear norm to expect from our young stags. In

proportions, while overall deer

This, for me, has always cast some doubt on

the main they are made up of first-year spik-

density limits or optimises that potential. Hill

the perceived practice in selecting hill stags. If

ers of varying lengths, which become regular

stags are extremely vulnerable to local climate

switch heads represent in the main no more

six-or eight-pointers in the subsequent middle

and conditions and when, in Victorian times,

than stags which have not fed as well as the

aged years. An occasional Royal graces the hill,

they were maintained at artificially high densities

older and stronger stags or even of their di-

but the mature stags are generally 10 or 11

it is probably the case that average antler quality

rect competitors, then how might the cull be

pointers of varying mass.

was limited except in the presence of significant

approached? The principles of deer manage-

In practice therefore the cull is made up

winter feeding by the ghillies. Even when I first

ment remain the same for all species, the aim

from a proportion of young stags, a few

worked as a pony boy, young stags were never

being to remove a representative slice of the

middle-aged stags and the old stags, all at a

included as part of the cull and the accepted

population while attempting to take the very

predetermined number. As stags mainly live

practice was to give them all a few years to show

old and very weak as a priority. Surplus young

in stag groups in October it is easy to com-

their potential. This meant that stag numbers

males form an equally important and tradi-

pare one against another when stalking into

were generally rather high and most young stags

tionally ignored part of the cull.

a particular group. This means that on any in-

showed little more than switch heads. It also had

It is almost certain that antler ‘form’ is ge-

dividual day’s stalking you are likely to come

a knock on effect on the stag population as a

netic, and therefore replicated year on year

across one or more groups from which you

whole, which limited quality in even the middle

during the lifespan of a stag. To this end it may

can select according to the number needed

aged stags. I am therefore not convinced that

be a useful starting point in approaching se-

from each age class. The easiest decision is

‘leaving them a few years to show their potential’

lection, for example by targeting very narrow

always the ones you want to leave, in our case

actually achieved that objective.

or very crooked heads. Knowledge of what is

the middle-aged even eight-pointers, particu-

The paradox of such a situation is that ex-

normal for your ground is, as ever, the most

larly those with double brows – come across a

periments where ‘poor’ young stags were re-

important aspect to consider, and on the is-

group of those and simply stalk out and away.

34

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stalking Red deer

Culling big stags is not immediately out of the question – as long as the stag is old

Come across a group of spikers, however, and

you always need to take the most care with

retaining moisture becomes a torture. Lack of

a runt, probably visible in body size as much

regard to this age class.

altitude also means problems with flies and we

as in antler growth, will always stand out from

A state of mind is one’s biggest ally. If your

have found it almost impossible to start the

the crowd as an obvious choice for culling.

objective is the long-term sustainability of a

cull until October due to the fact that a carcase

Among a mixed group of middle-aged stags

fine head of stags, you will automatically steer

in September may be completely covered in fly

there will always be one or two crooked or

away from the best ones. That said there is

eggs by the time it reaches the larder which

narrow heads which also stand out as candi-

nothing to be embarrassed about if you re-

makes it unacceptable to enter the food chain.

dates for the larder.

turn with a multi-pointer as long as it is old.

Although this does not directly affect stag

It is in the older category that things get a

Old stags tend to carry multi-point heads, al-

selection, it does have the effect of reducing

little more difficult. On our ground it would

beit frequently uneven or ‘switch-topped’. But

the time available to complete the cull to little

be rare, but not impossible, for an old stag

an old stag can also go right back and throw

more than the 20 days of October – enough if

to carry 12 points, and so royals should not

a shorter head, often without lower tines but

the weather is kind, but a struggle if it reverts

automatically be excluded from the cull. That

identifiable as old through the mass and dark

to type. Fortunately hill fog is not associated

said, most of the royals will be fine middle-

colour of the antlers. Such a stag completes a

with the breeze of the west coast, and it is rare

aged stags with bright white tines holding

very satisfying day on the hill.

to lose a day to lack of visibility. Rain, however,

The biggest problem we endure is in the ter-

is something at which the west coast special-

rain of the western isles. The hills are not high,

ises, and one should not forget the additional

In great age a stag can appear shorter

but neither are they glacial, so we have to con-

pressure that misted binoculars and scopes

and stockier with a distinct hanging belly and

tend with broken ground, granite and bracken.

puts on your ability to make good selections.

square bovine face. Antler formation becomes

What starts as a gentle depression near the

You have to love the deer and you have to love

more triangular than rectangular. It may well

top of the hill ends in a deep and steep ditch

the conditions if you are to make a success of

be found sitting alone away from the main rut,

of a burn at the bottom. Dragging becomes a

red deer management. If you just want some-

maintaining a low profile and conserving en-

real burden, and dragging a multi point stag

thing to hang a hat on, you may find it easier

ergy – such a stag is worth a second look but

through bracken which is still half green and

searching ‘antlers’ on the internet.

hinds and commanding territory. It is safer to simply walk by.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

35

Red StAG DALNESS

Clash of cultures

A Scotsman, an Irishman, an Englishman and a Swede – it’s no joke, but the party assembled for a late-season red stag stalk at Dalness Estate. Jason Doyle tells the tale…

I

crack the window slightly and drink in the fresh Scottish air as

we cross the Clyde. The long drive from Ireland via Holyhead and

Yorkshire is in its final stages, and the excitement of what lies ahead wakens my motorway-weary legs. My Yorkshire-born passenger Pete Carr, another highland addict, wakens from his uncomfortable slumber against a rolled-up Harkila jacket. The signposts bear familiar names as the roads narrow and the highlands appear before us. This is a drive I’ve made countless times since my first excursion to the west coast back in 2004 and my love for the stalking here has only grown since then – indeed, this is my fourth trip this season.

Progress fades to a crawl along the winding western side of Loch Lomond but the highlands rising in front have distracted me from such minor inconveniences as weekend traffic. The

36

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Red StAG DALNESS

first time I came here to stalk with Rob Cameron

rare gentlemen whose company one cannot but

The views are simply awesome. Engines have

near Oban, these Munros took my breath away,

enjoy and adds a tremendous amount of craic

barely shuddered to a halt before binoculars

and the effect hasn’t gotten any less profound.

to any situation. The mickey-taking begins in

are already scanning the steep slopes for deer,

Yes, we have mountains at home, but not

earnest over a pie and chips – mostly Irishman

trying desperately to spot a stag. We don’t have

like these. Every time I revisit the highlands

vs Scotsman, with Yorkshireman swapping sides

red deer where I hunt in Ireland and the change

it feels like the first time. I still get the agitated

to suit the humour. I can’t help feeling slightly

of species always adds to the excitement. Rob

excitement of a lovestruck teenager going to

sorry for Fredrik as he was obviously struggling

signals that he’s spotted some deer high behind

meet his sweetheart. I love it here.

to understand the variety of accents and the

the house, and sure enough we can see a stag

childish put-downs. I’m sure he was wondering

some 800 yards away in a small forestry clearing.

what he had let himself in for.

He is full of rut and has a few hinds gathered

Refuelling man and motor at The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum, has become a custom, and today is no different. We roll in with another purpose

The last leg of our journey takes us on the

this time, though. We are meeting another two

short drive north through Bridge of Orchy and

members of our party: Rob McCuaig and Fredrik

on towards Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most

After a quick cuppa and a tour of the house,

Johansson. Fredrik is the global marketing

famous and beautiful glens. We then turn left

we are back outside in the company of Dalness

manager for 3M, who make the Peltor range

down the single track road into Glen Etive and

stalker Colin Fraser. We have a long chat about

of hearing protection. He is a Swede and a

minutes later we have reached our destination,

the plans for that evening and the following day,

competent hunter but this is to be his first

Dalness House. Dalness is exactly the type

and the clarity of his intentions are a welcome

Scottish experience. Rob, an old friend of mine,

of Victorian lodge you would hope to find in a

change to the average deer stalker’s vague way of

has organised the trip and invited us to come and

glen like this: huge, imposing and luxurious its

telling you nothing at all about what they hope to

film the hunt for our channel. He is one of those

riverside position nestled between five Munros.

do. After an uneventful session on the target, we

close. That’ll do for now – at least we’ve seen one, so we head inside to meet the Dalness crew.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

37

Red StAG DALNESS

yards in front. We can’t tell yet what they are but we plan a route to investigate. Using a burn for cover, Pete and Fredrik quietly make their way forward with me following. Rob stays back to observe. The terrain lends itself perfectly to our stalk, and 10 minutes later we are on the deck, crawling up a gently rising bank and hoping that the deer haven’t changed location.

Ideally one has one’s quarry in sight regularly during a stalk to avoid losing them as they move but that isn’t possible here. We are stalking in from below the animals, a situation best avoided.

Luck, however, is on our side this morning and as Fredrik reaches a shooting position, two young stags are in sight and no more than 70 yards away. The round finding the chamber is enough to give the stags our position, but

Pete turns guide as Fredrik takes up the rifle, hopeful of his first ever Scottish stag

it’s too late and the first stag crumples to a perfect neck shot. The second runs another 70

“ Dalness is exactly the type of Victorian lodge you would hope to find in a glen like this ”

yards before turning broadside to look back.

Unfortunately, just as Fredrik’s trigger breaks, the stag moves off again, causing the 7mm Rem Mag bullet to hit slightly too far back. But the advantages this calibre offers to a situation are

head off in convoy towards our accommodation,

glass hard into the gloom but everything is just

immediately evident as the animal stops again,

a charming cottage further down the glen.

shapes and shadows – we needed another 20

almost immediately allowing Fredrik to expertly

Our overnight dwelling is found down a long

minutes of light. Colin had assured us the deer

and rapidly place a finishing shot.

and rutted 4x4 track where Glenceitlein meets

would be moving back uphill before light, so

The rest of the morning is spent sharing in

Glen Etive. I can scarcely remember a more

we start to gather some ground, heading for a

the joy and excitement that a successful hunt

idyllic setting for a deer stalker to rest. With

vantage point from which the stalk will hopefully

brings. As hunters, we always strive to deliver

River Etive to the front and a Munro guarded

take on a more definite purpose. The roaring

a quick and humane death to our quarry, but

valley behind, this is a paradise for hunters

has dropped off significantly now, but just as

sometimes things don’t always go to plan.

like us. The cottage itself has been recently

we climb the knoll a roar echoes from high to

It’s how we rectify these situations that we

refurbished to a very comfortable standard

our right. A nice stag, picked out more by his

should be judged on, and this stalk ended

and we are quickly before a roaring open fire,

movement than the rising light, is trotting along

as quickly and humanely as was possible in

beer in hand and resuming the three-nations

the mountain side. He is following a hind and in

the circumstances. Pete and I had to leave

banter competition. Scotland, with the addition

an inaccessible area, so we quietly move on and

again that afternoon, but the guys stalked for

of Colin’s dry wit, now have a serious advantage,

leave him to his courtship.

another day and Fredrik’s highland experience

From the top of the knoll we glass up into

was everything he hoped it would be. For me

Before Colin leaves us for the evening, a map

the glen. Heavy drizzle and strong wind impede

it was just another unforgettable time spent in

is produced and he discusses the morning

visibility for both stalker and cameraman but

my favourite place, doing what I love and with

stalk with Pete in detail. Pete is very familiar

Pete manages to spot a small group of deer 600

great company.

and the home side soon takes the win.

with these parts, having stalked Glen Etive for more years than he would like me to mention, and with Colin’s approval we will be heading out under Pete’s guidance the following morning.

The cull plan is set – our target for the stalk will be to take out a young stag or two from a group that are hanging around the bottom of the glen. Fredrik will shoot, I will film, and Rob will act as ghillie. That night the Glen comes alive with roaring stags as Britain’s largest mammals follow their hinds to the glen floor to feed. The anticipation is palpable.

I’ve often closed the car door quietly to avoid alerting deer of my presence, but this is the first time I’ve gently closed a front door with the same motive. There were deer all around the cottage during the night and we have to be careful not to spoil our stalk before it gets started. We

38

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It’s a happy ending to a tense and challenging stalk

red hinds

Hinds in the wilderness Byron Pace recounts a unique experience on the hill together with four foreign hunters in search of something more

T

he back end of the stag

January also marks the start of our wilderness

enough for the Land Rover to pass, so we

season in Scotland in 2017

hunts. These offer the kind of experience in

decided for convenience to bundle everyone

was one of the wettest and

the highlands we ourselves enjoy. I believe

into the Landy and make the hour-long

warmest I can remember. From

it’s one-of-a-kind hunt in the UK – we were

journey into the hills.

Blair Atholl to Loch Ness, stalkers I know spoke

certainly the first to offer a pack-out, back-

It was dark by the time my brother had

of the broken nature of the rut, with the classic

country, tented camp-style hunt in Scotland.

delivered everyone to the estate from the

cold mornings that trigger the full swing of

I love to do this with my brother, and it brings

airport, and once we parted company with

activity not coming in until the season had well

me great pleasure to share this with other

the tarmac, no lights were to be seen through

passed. But as one season finished, another

hunters. We carried out the first of these hunts

the pitch black of night. Negotiating ice, snow

opened, and as we push on into the winter

at the end of 2016 and then restarted them

and mud, we eventually got everyone to the

months, my focus sits firmly in two places: roe

when the 2017 hind season came around.

prepared camp, which my brother and I had

does and red hinds.

Our first ever wilderness hunt was an

set up earlier in the day. Time was short to get

As much as I enjoy the pursuit of roe across

international affair, with all four hunters who

everything ready but we had an extra pair of

the permissions I have in my area, I have to

joined us flying over from Scandinavia, split

helping hands, with our friend Lise joining us

confess I view the doe season as a little bit of

between Norway and Sweden. In the week

from Norway for the hunt, arriving a few days

a chore. It is more of a job that needs to be

leading up to everyone’s arrival, the weather

ahead of the rest of the party.

done, taking the population back down, than a

had gone from mild beginnings to a series of

Camp was simple, consisting of a 15-man

recreational activity. Not that this is a complaint,

low fronts bringing snow to much of Scotland.

tepee-type tent, with an internal wood-burning

but it is the reality. I have put a lot of roe in the

It settled heavily in the lower highlands,

stove for added warmth on the long evenings,

freezer over the years, but far less in the way

and our usual hill road to the primary camp

and of course the provision of cooking and

of red deer, so the hind season for me brings

location was impassable by anything other

the essential morning coffee. The camp is

much more anticipation and excitement.

than a snow bike. This novel transport for

situated beside a small burn, which actually

More than just the chance to head out on

Scotland was actually available on the estate,

feeds into the same water supply used to

the hill for the day, November through to

but a much longer road was luckily still clear

make Glenfiddich whisky. Direct from the hill,

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

41

red hinds

Lise takes on the task of getting her first red deer back to camp

it’s good to drink straight up, and provides a

It’s a liberating feeling having no connection

convenient pot washing facility.

to the outside world – it is something more though

people should embrace from time to time. We

having spent plenty of time squatting in the

are far too connected, and the constant ability

mountains, I took the time to build a grass

to be online has really stifled the forming of

turf, rock-surrounded, raised toilet with a

basic bonds of companionship. In camp, it’s

deep hole for a little added comfort. Other

story telling and fire for entertainment rather

than that, it is a bog with a view of the hills

than a smartphone app, and the rehabilitation

and the open skies – pretty liberating. No one

of these old-school skills leaves everyone

complains, even if it makes the morning post-

feeling better by the end of the hunt.

The

It’s a social affair, with no phones or WiFi in sight

toilet

set-up

is

simple,

coffee ablutions a little draughtier than usual.

The hunters bring their own personal kit,

Once we’re in camp,we have everything taken

plus a sleeping bag and mat. It is essential to

care of. Food consists of basic staples and mixed

have a good mat for a decent night’s sleep – I

game on the first night, with the intention that we

used a cheap foam option for years, but they

will eat venison from the second day onwards.

really don’t cut it, and my brother and I have

Mess tins and big stewing pots take care of

moved over to blow-up micro-mats similar to

food preparation, and there’s a Kelly kettle for

a thermarest for the last couple of years. It is

hot water. Life is simple. There is no phone

worth every penny of the investment.

reception, no wifi, just the company of hunters and the great outdoors for entertainment.

Base camp is a 15-man tepee-style tent with wood-burning stove

42

Given the origin of our guests last year and the concern over chronic wasting disease

“ The effort for recovery needs to be borne by those who take the responsibility of taking the life ”

www.countrysportscotland.com

red hinds

A quick break for lunch with the best view around

in Scandinavia, I took the precaution to ask

take charge of your hunt, learn from others

effort for recovery needs to be borne by those

everyone to come with washed gear and clean

and your own mistakes. For us it’s not so

who take the responsibility of taking the life.

boots (boots were still disinfected on arrival),

much about guiding people, more about

This in itself limits the numbers of animals that

and provided knives for everyone in camp so

simply hunting with them as equals. I know

can be processed in a day, with no mechanical

they could be left at home. We always need to

from my own experience that it’s easy to

help provided, and all carcases being returned

consider such things with foreign clients.

become lazy when you have someone guiding

to the primary camp. It adds a dimension

By the first morning the group had already

who knows the ground. On wilderness hunts,

often lost when relying on other people or

started to bond and get to know one another.

that isn’t the case, and you get out as much

indeed the luxury of modern machinery.

Wide open skies greeted us as the light lifted,

as you put in.

The first hunt last season couldn’t have

with everyone fed, watered and packed for

Beyond that, the hunters have to take careful

gone better, with everyone taking at least

the day. The hunting gods must have been

consideration of what they shoot. With plenty

one animal, and some more than that. It

watching over us over the following three

of hinds requiring to be culled in a season, we

was everything we hoped it would be for the

days, with the best weather in weeks making

have no limit placed on the numbers hunted

hunters, with happy faces and contented

for pleasant hunting conditions, far removed

and shot. However, the onus for retrieval lies

souls at the end of it. I look forward now to

from the weather we have been having so far

on those pulling the trigger. This is where we

showcasing the experience to our next lot

this hind season.

differ from a usual highland stalk, where the

of guests from London in a few days’ time.

These hunts are very much about the whole

stalker carries out the brunt of the work. Of

Sometimes it’s good to return to basics and

experience. It is about having the chance to

course we are there to help, but the lead and

shut the modern world out.

Everyone grafts to get the work done.

The communal spirit is refreshing

Two Scandinavian brothers process their first deer of the trip. They would soon be back to Scotland for another taste

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

43

Review rigby

The Highland Stalker Byron Pace heads to Blair Atholl to stalk red stags using a rifle with a Scottish heritage like no other: Rigby’s Highland Stalker

T

here are some rifles that

what it is to hold and use a rifle such as the

Two years later Rigby began a collaboration

seem like more than just

Highland Stalker from Rigby.

with German gun maker Mauser to develop

cold steel and oiled wood. They

First I should offer a little back ground on

embody the spirit of hunting

Rigby the company. It was originally founded

having

in a way that is hard to define. They inspire

in Dublin, building a reputation for the

standard Mauser actions since 1897. This

emotion and a deep connection that shouldn’t

manufacture of duelling pistols and target

built on the partnership they already had as

be possible for an inanimate object. There are

rifles as a family-owned enterprise. By the late

exclusive distributors on British soil. In 1907

some rifles that have a soul, long before they

1800s Rigby had opened a premises in London,

the Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Hewitt KCSI,

have journeyed the hills and valleys, crossed

moving their entire operation there some

presented Jim Corbett with a Rigby Mauser

continents and climbed mountains. These are

years later. At this time Rigby had shifted their

bolt-action rifle for killing the man-eating

few and far between, but they do exist.

focus towards high-velocity rifle production.

tigress of Champawat. Many years later this

a magnum action for use in their own rifles, been

manufacturing

rifles

with

I don’t normally start a rifle review in this

In 1898, under the management of John

manner, but I believe it warrants it in this case.

Rigby III, the firm developed the now globally

I suppose this makes me a hunter rather than

respected .450 NE, hailing the beginning of

By this time the Rigby Mauser bolt action

a nuts-and-bolts, millimetres-and-inches rifle

the Nitro Express cartridges. This took already

had gained a worldwide following. Both John

reviewer. I look at an old Land Rover and I’m

proven black powder cases and loaded them

Rigby himself and his son John Rigby II had

transported in a flash back to early overland

with the more modern smokeless propellants.

long since died, though the business remained

expeditions and the famous camel trophy.

In the blink of an eye Rigby had revolutionised

within the family name.

It kindles not just memory, but a spirit of

big game hunting rifles, and the .450 NE became

By 1911, Rigby had also become well known

adventure, and longing to be part of it. Only

the standard with which all others were judged.

for producing mid-bore rifles, with their .275

someone who loves Land Rovers will know

In the same year, Winston Churchill bought his

Rigby

what I mean, as only a hunter will understand

first of three Rigby-Mauser pistols.

Around this time, the first of Rigby’s own

44

www.countrysportscotland.com

rifle would find a permanent home in the Rigby Museum in London.

proving

tremendously

successful.

Review rigby

The Highland Stalker wasn’t the only new release: Rigby’s new riflescope got a debut too

A controlled feed action is built for ultimate reliability when you need it the most

The slim lines of the rifle are instantly recognisable and a call back to old times

“ What Rigby has achieved in such a short time, under the stewardship of Marc Newton, has been staggering ” cartridges came into production, with the

the .450 Rigby, which also happens to be the

London gun maker to build rifles in the back

.416 Rigby bolt-action rifle arriving just a year

first true dangerous game cartridge I ever

and sell them in the front of their shop.

before the tremendously successful .375 H&H

fired. I have longed to have a rifle chambered

in Holland and Holland’s own rifles. Two years

in this great modern development ever since.

What Rigby has achieved in such a short time, under the stewardship of managing

later, ‘Karamojo’ Bell added his name to the

Then Rigby went through a long period

director Marc Newton, has been staggering.

Rigby ledger with two .416 Rigby rifles on

of uncertainty, first bought by the American

Though the heritage and history couldn’t be

order. Today, those who order the new Rigby

Neil Gibson in 1997 before being sold just

taken away from Rigby, the disjointed years

rifle will have their names added to the same

three years later to a Dallas-based investment

away from England had watered down their

bounded record as the great hunters who

company. Another three years followed before

presence globally. Today the London gun

came before.

it was once again sold, with the new German

maker on everyone’s lips is Rigby.

Fast-forward to the 1950s and the first

owners of L&O group (which includes Blaser,

This review is as much a view from the field

big change for Rigby saw the founding

Sauer and Mauser) purchasing the company.

as it is a look at the technical aspects of the

family relinquish control. After a number of

Shortly after this, the last of Rigby’s interests

rifle. The first chance I had to see the Highland

years under the management of the family

was moved back to England, returning the

Stalker was at IWA 2017, where it was revealed

accountant, David Marx bought the company

company to its roots by re-establishing its long

to great fanfare. It was hard to find a quiet

in 1968 before merging with J Roberts & Son 14

relationship with Mauser and opening up its

moment to dip in and handle the rifle for

years later. During this period they launched

workshop in London. Today they are the only

myself, so busy was the stand.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

45

Review rigby

Just over six months later, I found myself in London tasked with documenting a pilgrimage from the Rigby showroom to the Highlands of Scotland. There we would hunt with the Highland Stalker in that very environment, among the traditions of tweed and garrons it was born from.

With journalists from around the world, as far away as Australia and North America, we made the journey north on the overnight Caledonian Sleeper to Blair Atholl. With the tangible anticipation of the week ahead, a greeting of bagpipes and tweed-clad handshakes initiated the full Scottish experience. A challenging week hunting stags in the Highlands had begun.

Rigby undoubtedly built its legend around dangerous game rifles, but

they did build

smaller-calibre rifles for stalking and hunting around the world, from Africa to India and of course the Highlands of Scotland. Indeed, the new Highland Stalker revives what many would regard as the classic highland stalking rifle.

The first indication that Rigby, in its modern

incarnation,

was

looking

once

again at smaller-bore stalking rifles came with the production of the commemorative Corbett rifle, reproduced and based on the original rifle itself. It was auctioned at the SCI convention in 2016, fetching a recordbreaking $250,000. A year later, with three years of R&D behind them, Rigby presented to the world the Highland Stalker.

Although this was not designed to be a reproduction of the Corbett rifle, the Highland The rifle was tested in its true home, with tweeds and garrons galore

Stalker has clearly taken its inspiration from the classic Rigby. At its core, the rifle is built on the original Mauser 98 design, machined and barrelled in Germany, just as was the case

wing type located on top of the bolt shroud –

If you turn your attention to the bottom metal,

with the rifles built in the 1900s. Stocked and

much more suited to the modern use of scopes.

apart from exquisite inletting, you will note

finished in London, the action is resin and pillar

The action itself is drilled and tapped for

that the rifle is fitted with a floor plate, not a

bedded into a Grade Five walnut stock. The

scope mounts, but unlike many modern

magazine. This is no oversight, and owes this

classic lines are drawn from the rounded pistol

production rifles, the Highland Stalker is still

to the dangerous game lineage. As well as

grip and slender forend associated with Rigby

fitted as standard with open sights. So many

helping maintain the sleek lines, a floor plate

rifles of that era. In the context of modern

modern rifles that have open sights fitted seem

is a practical option. A magazine is one more

rifles, this may seem unusual, but it does

to be produced as a half-hearted afterthought.

thing to leave at home.

provide sublime balance and manoeuvrability.

But the open sights in the Highland Stalker

In the middle of the week at Blair Atholl, after

As with all Rigby rifles, the variations possible

really work. Looking to the front sight, Rigby

two days of hunters putting the rifle through its

are only limited by how big you can dream and

has fitted a slightly oversized bead to aid

paces in truly horrendous weather, there was

how big your wallet is. From engraving to stock

picture acquisition. Intended to compensate

a chance for everyone to come together on

grades, the rifles can be customised to every

for the ageing hunter’s declining eye sight, I

the range. Here we would not only shoot the

detail if requested.

have always thought front beads were often

Highland Stalker, but a number of other Rigby

It seems almost insulting to break down the

too small, and my eyesight is still what it was as

rifles, covering all of the proprietary cartridges

technicalities of the action. It’s a classic M98

a teenager (I think). Rigby has also regulated its

Rigby chambers.

fixed-claw controlled-feed, but in a modern

open sights sensibly, coming as standard as 65

machined action, offering smooth and positive

yards, 150 yards, and an extended 250 yards.

During this, Marc Newton gave us a short presentation on the Highland Stalker. Among

is

its many aspects, some of which I have

Rigby even kept the rear locking lug, which many

outstanding, and all but impossible to criticise.

already covered, he pointed out the rifle sling

manufacturers reproducing the action do away

Every aspect has been designed and finished

‘system’ used on the rifle.

with. The original flag safety has been replaced

to be sympathetic to the traditions and origins

simple, consisting of a barrel band loop and

by a much more user-friendly three-position

of the rifle, while being entirely functional.

corresponding fixing on the butt, a leather

operation, with that distinct cycling sound.

46

The

www.countrysportscotland.com

finish

and

attention

to

detail

It is beautifully

Review rigby

Darryl Pace gets a first shot with the Highland Stalker on the range… …and later grasses a stag once he’s familiar with the rifle and calibre

thong and sling ties through the loops for

I think this is a smart move for Rigby, and

of Rigby’s own riflescope, which was fitted to

a silent finish. Although referring to it as a

although many hunters will opt not to hunt

every rifle used during the week’s stalking. The

‘system’ may have been chuckled at when

with a moderator on this rifle, it is nice to have

full specs for this will be available shortly.

discussing with Rigby’s German counterparts

the option, especially if doing a lot of shooting.

The Highland Stalker, available in men’s and

at Blaser, the minimalist approach has to be

Rigby has teamed up with Barton Gunworks to

woman’s versions with varying dimensions, has

admired. It works.

produce a purpose-made moderator for the

already had a tremendous uptake. I have no

rifle, designed to hug the front ramp profile

doubt this will continue, as too will the rise of

and minimise required additional length.

Rigby as a company. They are one to beat.

It would be a considerable oversight if the trigger didn’t match the quality of the rest of the rifle – and of course it does. It’s clean

As a final tip of the hat, Rigby has resurrected

and crisp, with minimal over-travel, and is

the .275 Rigby, a personal favourite of mine.

adjustable for pull weight by a single grub

On the last day of the trip, my brother had

screw on the housing.

the privilege of hunting with a rifle chambered

The rifle is not light, but it’s not overly heavy

in the calibre, using Hornady ammo head-

either considering its traditional form. Coming

stamped .275 Rigby. The last time I saw that

in around 7.8lb, it tames the unmoderated

was on an old Kynoch loaded cartridge gifted to

recoil with ease when combined with the

me many years ago, supposedly used on one of

straight comb stock design. Although the rifles

Bell’s famous expeditions. The rifle is available

I shot hadn’t been screw-cut, Rigby has allowed

in five cartridges as standard – the other four

for this by seating the ramp on the front sight

are .308 Win, .30-06, 8x57 and 9.3x62.

back enough to permit threading. This comes

As much as I would love to recount many of

with an invisible thread cap, so the rifle can

the marvellous hunts that took place, space

be used in its traditional form, unmoderated,

does not allow. It would, however, be remise

without losing any of its elegance.

not to mention that we also saw the release

WANT TO KNOW MORE? The Highland Stalker is priced in line with what the original old sporting rifles were sold for, coming in at today’s money at £5,413 plus VAT. A massive thanks goes to Marc Newton, the team at Rigby and Simon Barr for the review rifle and organising such an incredible event. You will be able to enjoy this yourself in the coming months with the release of an associated film.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

47

kit Guns

BUDGET BARRELS

Get tooled up for a Scottish shooting foray without breaking the bank. These affordable shotguns and rifles will do the job

Yildiz

HUGLU 103 CE

With aluminium alloy actions and Turkish walnut stocks, Yildiz guns

The 103 CE has a broad range of uses, for anything from rough

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shooting to game days. It’s a single-trigger ejector with a Turkish walnut

for steel shot. They have a single selective trigger, an automatic safety, and

stock and a chrome receiver with gold, hand-engraved birds on a

come with five chokes. There’s also a choice of 26, 28 or 30-inch barrels,

choice of silver or black finish. Available in 12 or 20-bore with 28 or 30

which combine with the gun’s light weight to make it suitable for any size

inch, multi-choked barrels, it has 3 inch chambers and a ventilated rib.

or age. Options include a choice of hand-engraved action plates and

Its proofed for steel and has a manual safety. The gun comes with a

improved grades of walnut. The guns come with a two-year warranty.

hard ABS carry case and a set of five flush chokes.

Price: Non-ejector from £625, ejector from £825

Price: £725

Entwistle Guns 01772 718048 yildizshotgunsuk.co.uk

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ATA SP Elegant

Marocchi First

Benefiting from ATA’s 50 years of gunmaking

This lightweight game over-and-under provides

Webley and Scott 1000 Series

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The Italian-made 1000-series is a restyled and

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reach of beginners and those who want a gun as

upgraded entry-level gun, boasting a boxlock

Based on the company’s SP model, it has an

a working tool as well as travelling sportsmen. The

action with a silver coin finish and game scene engraving. It has a single selective trigger with an

upgraded oil finished walnut stock and forend as

receiver and tail are aluminium to keep the weight

well as scroll engraved sideplates. Other features

down and make sure the gun is pointable. Overall

automatic safety. The steel-proofed barrels are

includes a vented top rib, five chokes, 3 inch

the design prioritises durability and reliability. The

multi-choke, available in 28” or 30”, with a three-

chambers, ejectors and single selective trigger.

First is available as a 12-bore, 20, 28 or .410.

inch chamber. The stock and forend are walnut.

Price: £799.99

Price: £1,045

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Sportsman Gun Centre 01392 354 854

Viking Arms 01423 780810

Highland Outdoors 0845 0990252

sportsmanguncentre.com

vikingarms.com

highlandoutdoors.co.uk

48

www.countrysportscotland.com

kit Guns

Tikka T3X

Bergara B14

The Tikka T3 is ‘the rifle everybody has’, a workhorse rifle that’s

Still gaining in popularity since its initial launch, this turn-bolt offering

nonetheless incredibly feature-packed for its price point. Now, the new

from Spanish barrel-making experts Bergara is available in three stock

generation of T3 is here – and its specs are even more impressive,

configurations – pictured here is the Sporter. Drawing comparisons to the

including a modular stock, recoil pad and metallic bolt shroud. Best of all,

Remington 700 series, it’s got a free-floating barrel with 1-in-10 twist, a

the price is the same.

sturdy three-shot mag, and lightweight 22” barrel.

Price: From £1,015

Price: £710

GMK 01489 579999 gmk.co.uk

RUAG 01579 362319 ruag.co.uk

Savage Axis

Browning A-Bolt 3

Ruger American

The Axis is a light rifle at 6.5lb – perfect for the

Rifles don’t come much cheaper than this – but

Ruger might be a ubiquitous brand of rimfire

hill. A 22” carbon steel barrel marries pointability

the third-generation of the A-Bolt doesn’t feel

but its centrefires are more than worth a look

and durability, while the matt black stock makes

like a super-cheap rifle, with a reliable composite

too. It entry-level American will surprise you with its array of features – including adjustable and

it a workhorse. This model pictured doesn’t

stock with textured panelling and three-lug bolt

have Savage’s legendary AccuTrigger unit, but

with a short throw. The mag has been reworked

ultra-safe Marksman trigger, integral bedding

the revamped model, the Axis II, incorporates it.

from previous A-Bolts, and the button-rifled barrel

blocks for reliable accuracy, and flush-fit, four-

The Axis is available in a wide range of calibres,

makes for reliable accuracy, the sort you’d find in

round rotary magazine. For half a grand, you get

from .243 up.

rifles twice the price.

a lot of rifle here.

Price: £653

Price: £500

Price: Around £500

Edgar Brothers 01625 613177

Browning 01235 514550

Viking Arms 01423 780810

edgarbrothers.com

browning.eu

vikingshoot.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

49

Expert advice Grouse

Spotlight on grouse

Editor-in-chief Pete Carr looks at the sporting opportunities surrounding the red grouse, Britain’s premier game bird, and its close cousin, the remarkable black grouse

T

he red grouse is Britain’s

crows, stoats and weasels by the nation’s hill

cock are still shot, though the grey hens

only unique bird. A close

keepers provides in most seasons an annual

are always left alone. The UK population

relative of the willow grouse, it

shootable surplus of this, the premier game

is estimated at 5,078 calling males. Black

evolved to a complete heather

bird species.

grouse are largely dependent on a mosaic

moorland lifestyle unlike its Scandinavian

Grouse were subject to population peaks

cousin, which likes to live on the forest edge

and

crashes

owing

to

grouse

disease,

and open heathery glades.

specifically a parasite known as the strongyle

of moorland edge birch woodland and scrub with an understory of heather and bilberry.

In remote areas this species is responsible

worm. The norm was, in good grouse years,

Driven shooting

for generating most of the rural economy,

to shoot hard and reduce over-wintering stock

Driving grouse is the most prestigious of

such is its value and importance to the wider

to avoid disease. Modern science has proved

all wing shooting. Sportsmen travel from all

landscape. The red grouse population is

that provision of medicated grit (subject to

corners of the globe to engage this uniquely

almost entirely dependent on ling heather,

withdrawal conditions) can check this parasite

British species and sport. The season starts on

and the population is estimated at 240,000

– this has been the biggest breakthrough in

the Glorious Twelfth unless 12 August falls on

breeding pairs.

grouse moor management since rotational

a Sunday. It was always seen as a high-society

Hill keepers are a dedicated branch of the

heather burning became the norm. Population

pastime and today one can easily spend a

keepering profession and are responsible

peaks and crashes are now mostly consigned

five-figure sum for a day’s driven grouse on a

for not only the welfare of red grouse but for

to history. Of course the grouse is still a wild

premier moor. Thankfully there are a number

much of our upland wildlife too. Indisputable

bird and subject to weather conditions at

of smaller moors that provide 50 to 60-brace

scientific facts show that upland waders do

nesting and hatching time, which still affects

driven days for mere mortals like me.

far better on keepered moorland than on un-

population size, but shooting most years can

keepered ground – a fact oft overlooked by

be relied upon.

Inexperienced

guns

must

always

take

some qualified tuition on simulated grouse

The black grouse is rarely shot owing to

at a clay ground and let his host know he is

Methodical burning of heather to produce

its limited range but thanks to GWCT and

new to driven grouse shooting – he will be

a patchwork of different heather sizes for

others dedicated to preserving this species,

respected for it. A loader, or a stuffer if single

feeding, cover and nesting; distribution of

blackgame are showing signs of a comeback.

gunning, will normally be provided and will be

medicated grit; and the dedicated pursuit of

In some areas limited numbers of black

a welcome advisor.

protectionist societies.

52

www.countrysportscotland.com

Expert advice Grouse

Thankfully, shooting estates show restraint when it comes to black grouse

Safety is paramount as grouse fly through

The moor is methodically worked over to

the butts low and fast. It is all too easy to

cover the ground. Of course the wind isn’t

lock on to the birds and swing through the

always in the perfect quarter but the keeper

line, hence the use of sticks in the butt to

will work the moor as best he can. Fitness

remind the gun to lift his barrels and shoot

and suitable attire is required for the long

Lagopus lagopus scoticus

behind. Even Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of

trek across uneven ground, occasional high

Size: M ale 36-39 cm (14-15½in)

Northumberland, and one of the greatest

patches of heather and bog. Sound, worn-in

living grouse shots, uses shooting sticks in the

boots and gaiters are a must. It can be hot

butt. So there is no reason why you shouldn’t.

work but be ready for the weather to change

Medium-sized grouse characterised by

quickly on the hills.

rotund appearance, short wings; body

Double gunning is the norm on bigger days

RED GROUSE

Female 33-36 cm (13-14in)

plumage uniform dark rufous-brown with

and a sporting classic is to take two birds cleanly in front, exchange guns and take a

Over pointers/setters

darker wings and black rounded tail. Sexes

second brace behind.

Shooting grouse over pointers or setters is

similar, but female more barred and a duller

An experienced loader adds a lot to the

the classic method of their pursuit – mostly

rufous colour. Adults appear greyer in

experience of driven grouse shooting. My

performed early in the season when the birds

winter, with white underwing feathers and

most vivid memories on the moor include

hold to the point better. This is a civilised

occasionally show white on flanks and belly.

their company and often dry humour.

form of shooting where much of the sport

Juvenile generally like female.

is watching the dogs quarter the moor.

May be confused with female black

Walked up

Excitement heightens when the dog comes

grouse (greyhen); ptarmigan distinguished

This is a much more affordable method to

on point or sets the game. Two guns move

by smaller size and white wings and other

engage grouse and can provide just as much

forward with the handler to cover either

parts.

enjoyment as a driven day. Generally two to

side of the dog. Once in position the dog is

Shooting season:

six guns are the norm. A line is formed and

encouraged to flush the birds. Occasionally

12 August – 10 December

will move forward into the wind, while spaniels

it’s a single bird or a snipe, but when a covey

Northern Ireland open season is

work the heather close to the guns to prevent

rises and both guns secure a left and right it is

12 August – 30 November.

grouse lifting too far in front.

a very enjoyable experience. Shooting grouse

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

53

Expert advice Grouse

over pointers has to be one of my most favourite pastimes.

Blackcock trophy shooting The black grouse is occasionally shot on a grouse drive, but is more often shot as a trophy bird in the British Isles. Best practice is to follow GWCT guidelines when it comes to shooting this species. The GWCT recommendation is to only shoot black cock if there are more than two males per 100 hectares. Thankfully the few estates that host this remarkable bird at the required densities only shoot the species sparingly, and the female or greyhen is never shot.

Generally speaking blackcock are walked up over tight ranging spaniels or pointers/ setters – a mature, well-feathered cock bird

Double with a loader or single with a stuffer, it matters not – experience on hand makes for a safe day

is the object of the exercise. Restraint on flushing is therefore the key to success. They are sometimes stalked – which is no easy feat as they are a sharp-eyed bird. Much crawling is involved and shooting from the knees isn’t easy as the bird seldom gives the gunner a chance to get to his feet before flushing.

Cartridge and gun choice for grouse

By Richard Atkins

A medium-sized game bird, grouse needs to

Choke-wise, a light choke such as Imp Cyl

tree-barkers. This is a small spitz-type dog

be reliably struck with three pellets each with

is naturally paired with a smaller shot to

that flushes the birds and follows them in

a striking energy of over 0.5ft/lb to ensure a

ensure the pattern is filled right to the edges

flight until they are treed. The dog continues

clean kill. Of course that is easier said than

– but if you’re shooting with 6.5 or 6 shot, it

to mark the bird by barking at the bottom of

done with the speeds these birds reach on

only makes sense to shoot with a bit more

the tree until the sportsman arrives. Another

their characteristic low flight – though it is

choke. And when it comes to wads, you of

Scandinavian method when the snow is on

perfectly possible to overestimate it and give

course want to go for fibre only – for most

the ground is to decoy the birds into roosting

the grouse too much lead. One of the most

these days, it is out of the question to use

trees. This involves setting up a hide under

important things for any grouse shooter

anything else.

known resting trees (usually birches) and

is to sort their technique out – this means

placing decoys in the trees in the branches

dedicated training to wipe their mind of the

grouse are taken with best English-style game

above. I have tried both methods in Sweden

high-pheasant techniques they were putting

guns more than any other species – this can

with great success.

into practice until January.

mean a gun with 2½” chambers. Selecting

In Scandinavia black cock are hunted with

As the most ‘traditional’ of game birds,

That aside, you can’t go wrong with the

one of these guns means you sacrifice the

shoot selected cock birds on the spring lek

classic loads when it comes to grouse. No 6

choice available to you in a more modern

from hides with a rifle. This of course is illegal

shot is ideal for the bird in its driven form –

o/u, but most cartridge manufacturers

in the British Isles.

and many moors won’t allow larger. The same

have recognised the appeal in the shorter

goes with shot weights, with 30 shot typically

chambers and produce a range of loads

the maximum allowed. This is as much a

suited to this type of gun.

Finally, a number of European countries

safety concern as a ballistic one – but with

correct load is being confident in how to load

to the partridge, No 6 really is the prominent

and use it, with grouse shooting requiring

choice. If you’re taking on walked-up birds at

different techniques to lowland game, such

close quarters, you can probably step down

as double-gunning or walked-up on rough

to a 28-gram load of No 7 shot without any

terrain. Before the season starts I would

adverse effects.

always recommend a morning or two at

Can’t decide? As I’ve said before, No 6.5 shot

54

www.countrysportscotland.com

a shooting ground with grouse butts, or

offers a pleasant halfway-house between the

anywhere that offers low, going-away targets

two options. Its pellet count of around 310 per

for walked-up.

ounce provides a very useful compromise with

From guns to beaters to dogs, a successful grouse shoot is a large-scale, wellmarshalled operation

Of as much importance as choosing the

the grouse requiring a similar pattern density

If not with a loader I would simply load from

more retained pellet energy than a UK No 7 and

my pockets, but a cartridge belt works equally

more pattern density than No 6 shot. You’ll be

well for others, with reserve supplies being

able to achieve reliable patterns out to 45 yards,

held back in the vehicles. It’s all about finding a

which should be sufficient on most moors.

style that you’re most comfortable with.

grouse walked up

GROUSE SHOOTING: WALK THE WALK Simon Everett explores two methods of going after grouse on foot, and urges visiting shooters to walk the path less travelled – literally – when it comes to shooting on the moor

I

love shooting grouse on foot;

clothing to remain in high spirits. If it is really

way of covering the ground and finding birds

the experience is something

bad, the day will have to be curtailed. Funnily

on a moor to provide an opportunity to a

should

enough, a bit of wind is a good thing – it helps

small party of guns without causing too much

experience. The day is one that

to mask the sound of the party and it gives the

disturbance to the main population of the

overwhelms the senses, the magical views as

dogs greater scenting range; you will always

moor and it requires minimal manpower, one

one breaks the crest of a rise and remainder

work into the wind.

keeper and the dog handlers, that is all. It is a

every

game

shot

of the moor stretches out in front of you. The

There are two distinct types of shooting

more intimate way of going about things and

scent from the heather wafting on the light,

non-driven grouse, and the most common

the bag is usually modest, but the pleasure is

late summer breeze providing a slightly sweet

method is over pointers or setters. It is a good

still great.

air, while the magical purple of the myriad blooms stretch as far as the eye can see in a patchwork of differing age growth. From above, the skylark looks down and sings, and occasionally the plaintiff cry of a curlew punctuates the constant chitter from the larks and buntings. How could anyone not be captivated by sport in such surroundings?

Many times it is just like this, but the weather plays a big part in proceedings. It is less enchanting if, on the morning of your day, dark clouds cover the sky and it is sheeting with rain, accompanied by a strong, gusty breeze, then it takes endurance and good

When walking up with pointers, the guns stay back and watch the dog work until a point is reached and they’re called into action

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

57

grouse walked up

The rolling vistas and patchwork landscape create a view almost as enjoyable as the sport

The party of guns should hang back and watch the dogs work, quartering the ground ahead until quarry is winded. It is marvellous to see the flowing feathers of a setter as she canters over the moor, or the lithe fluidity of

“ It is marvellous to see the flowing feathers of a setter as she canters over the moor, or the lithe fluidity of a fast pointer ”

a fast pointer rapidly traversing the moor in great bounds until suddenly, she spins and comes to an abrupt halt, nose pointing in the direction of the birds, front foot raised, tail sticking out like an iron bar, in the classical pointing stance.

This is when the first pair of guns is signalled forwards to take up a safe position for the shot. Once the guns are stationed on either flank of the dog the handler will send the dog in to flush the birds. At the flush of the birds the guns should ready themselves, but don’t shoot too soon, give the birds a few seconds to get up to speed and put some distance between them and your muzzles. It is very bad form to shoot the birds too early and it leaves them hit too heavily, regardless of the bore used.

The guns, while following the dogs on their hunting phase, should keep absolutely quiet, so the birds do not hear the approach, and furthermore they should be alert and ready to move forward quickly, so the grouse do not

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You need to be aware of what’s around you before you can take the shot, including dogs and fellow guns

grouse walked up

The weather can play a big part in how comfortable and successful proceedings are, but it can change fast on the moors so you’ll need to be prepared

have time to run through the heather ahead

peg, one has to be acutely aware of safe arcs

If you are on a walked up day, it helps to

of the dog. Apart from that there are the usual

of fire in addition to the usual swinging onto

keep your eyes peeled on the terrain ahead

safety considerations to keep at the forefront

the target thought process.

of you. Often you will see a head pop up and

of your thoughts. With dogs ranging the moor,

Imagine walking across the side of a hill, one

that can give you the edge for when the covey

birds low on the skyline of a rising knoll, even if

end of the line is higher than the other and

flushes. Contrary to popular belief, shooting

safe in front of the line, have to be passed up.

what looks like a bird well up for the bottom

grouse on foot is still a great challenge and

Personally I don’t like shooting if a dog is even

gun could in fact be close overhead of the

requires a certain level of physical fitness,

in my sight picture.

highest gun. Low birds going away, or crossing

tramping through heather on uneven terrain

On walked up days, the approach is slightly

on the wind, are perfectly safe on the open

on a hot day will soon work up a sweat so

different. The guns, a full team of eight or 10,

moor, provided you can see the ground ahead

appropriate footwear and clothing is a must. A

spread out in a line about 30 yards apart and

is free of dogs and there should be nobody

good pair of lightweight hill boots which offer

set off at an easy pace so everyone can maintain

ahead of the line.

good ankle support and a sole that will grip

the line. Each gun has a responsibility to keep

The line of guns maintains steady progress

on slippery rocks and provide a waterproof

those either side in line even when the terrain

until a shot is taken, at which point the

barrier to at least half calf height are better

might not permit visual contact. Grouse moors

line should halt while the bird or birds are

than wellingtons. A packable rain jacket is a

on foot are a far more dangerous proposition

retrieved. Then a signal is sent down the line

good idea; in the hills the weather can change

than the relative safety of shooting on a static

to start forward again.

very quickly, even if there isn’t a cloud in the sky when you set off. A bottle of water to maintain your hydration will also help to keep you sharp.

When it comes to choice of hardware, there is no ‘all-round best’ gun – it is purely down to personal preference. Grouse are soft-feathered and don’t take a lot of shot to kill. Getting the shot on target is the trick and so a gun that will swing quickly is a big advantage. A lightweight game gun will also be more comfortable to carry for the day, and as heavy loads are unnecessary a smaller bore is no handicap – indeed, the smaller, lighter cartridges are a distinct advantage, and you can carry more in your pockets or cartridge bag.

A day on the heather moors is one to be cherished, if the weather is kind it will undoubtedly be a day that provides many memories, not only of shots taken and birds harvested, but also sightings of wildlife and

Walked up days for grouse are a great challenge requiring fitness, quick thinking and fast shooting, but are opportunities to be savoured

landscapes in glorious light. Treasure the opportunity and don’t let a chance go begging should one come your way.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

59

PTARMIGAN high tops

Ptarmigan TREK

Stuart Wilson swaps gun for camera as he ascends 2,500 feet, following a team of guns in search of one of the world’s rarest gamebirds

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PTARMIGAN high tops

The final ascent takes the guns on to the ridge of the Highlander

A

s my alarm rang out at

We pushed on. The streams roared as we passed

walking, fasten your top to your backpack and

5.30am, I looked, bleary-

some of the bigger falls; a refreshing breeze was

it will dry in no time. It goes without saying

eyed, to a group of peaks in the

as welcome as the spectacular scenery. This is

that you will need to replace these fluids, and

gloom. They were still shrouded

a harsh environment surprisingly rich in flora

possibly the lost salts to avoid cramps later. I

in darkness but there was just enough light

and fauna – I lost count of the amount of frogs

use standard rehydration sachets – add them

to allow a pleasingly clear outline to be seen,

that turned up on our path. Red deer were also

to your water as needed.

indicating good visibility and dry conditions

putting in an appearance on the skyline, both

that would hopefully hold for the coming day.

stags and hinds.

Our group made it to the saddle, dried and lunched. We sat and listened for any telltale

A day ascending the Highlander, starting at

As the steeper sections require more effort,

ptarmigan chatter, with stunning scenery all

sea level and culminating at a height of 2500ft,

especially as they drag on, it is good practice

around – peaks left and right and a green,

with four guns plus myself as cameraman. This

to have a change of layers, remove any top

stream-veined valley over the saddle hidden

was going to require a solid effort – but we

layers before you sweat too much, and more

from view until the last moment. Even without

would not see a ptarmigan, let alone shoot

importantly have a second base layer that you

any ptarmigan, the effort had been worth it so

one, sat around the lodge.

can change. If you are resting, hang anything

far. That said, we were six hours into our day

wet to dry on your trekking poles. If you are

already. On this kind of shoot, an early start

With Peter leading the mission, we loaded our rucksacks and made our way over the bridge to get to our starting point. The lowland ground looked straightforward but proved very boggy. After 40 minutes of picking the

“ On this kind of shoot, an early start isn’t a gamble that pays off – it’s essential ”

best path, we found ourselves on the walkers’ path that traced the lower slope. As we took our first breather, the morning light revealed the lodge over the river and also the saddle between the two peaks – our lunchtime target.

I was now fully awake, and the realisation of the job at hand sank in. After a couple of hours we were still on the lower slopes, having crossed the river via a bridge, and then an extremely slippery stream on foot, nearly drenching one of the team after a slip on some precarious slime-covered

boulder.

Working

together,

we were only penalised with a couple of wet socks. It goes without saying that a little extra care will help make sure that the day isn’t cut short by any injuries.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

61

PTARMIGAN high tops

Whether or not you shoot a ptarmigan, being out in this landscape is a privilege

isn’t a gamble that pays off – it’s essential. Now

heard a shot and saw a bird wheel down to the

As the afternoon drew in it was time to make

the real work was to begin.

ground. The lucky gun made his way down to pick

our descent. Recharging my water bottle from the

After a quick briefing from Peter, the four guns

his bird, and I also descended a little in an effort

highest stream I could find, I negotiated several

(plus cameraman) made their way up the last

to capture the events, as he headed back up with

hours of gruelling, rocky paths, and we finally

slope to the top edge of the Highlander, scanning

his very first ptarmigan, grinning from ear to ear.

reached our starting point of 13 hours earlier,

the screes in front and listening all the time for any

A patch of white 20 yards on caught my eye. To

gratefully finding a cool bottle of fizzy pop in the

sign. Spotting ptarmigan on the scree with their

shoot a wild ptarmigan from a healthy population

truck that may as well have been champagne after

superb camouflage is tricky; slow progress from

is a fantastic achievement; to take two birds with

the day we had enjoyed.

a line of four guns is the best chance of moving a

one shot is phenomenal.

The day was etched in my memory, the good

bird or two. Peter set the line of guns, advancing

After admiring the birds and posing for a

bits and the bad. I needed to be more fit less

slowly and methodically over each scree broken

couple of pictures, we stowed them away and it

fat, which leads my into my closing words. Be

by green stripes of mixed plant life. The trick is to

was time to move on, carefully working each scree

prepared. Take sturdy boots, spare socks, spare

spot the ptarmigan and gently advance until they

in turn. Two birds just ran on without breaking,

base layers, weatherproof top layer, plenty of

ptarmigan are sat on the last of the scree rocks.

but a third bird fell to the shot, with the same

water and hydration salts, trekking poles, packed

This is when they will flush, hugging the terrain. It

gentleman being the lucky gun again.

lunch, and some treats to be used for a physical

is all too easy to pass over birds that will happily sit

Over the next three hours the team worked as

and mental boost. Make sure someone knows

tight and watch the guns walk by. Good eyes and

many screes as time would allow, taking a total

where you are heading, and roughly when you will

concentration are needed, followed by fast and

of five birds out of at least 30 birds seen. With

be returning. Do not deviate from the plan – what

accurate shooting.

breathtaking scenery and fantastic weather, this is

looks like a lovely sunny day atop the mountain can

Just as the task seemed all but impossible, two

a serious privilege for all involved. At times we just

all too quickly turn into a cold, foggy, unfamiliar,

of the guns spotted our first bird, making all the

stopped to take each vista in, the peaks extending

unforgiving landscape. Don’t rely on your mobile

guns aware that we had a ptarmigan up front. We

out for many miles – including Ben Nevis, whose

phone – take a compass (old school) and map,

waited, ready, as the bird scurried along, stopping

summit remained in the clouds.

and even better, use a GPS with a series of suitable

every few feet to stand and look back, eventually

A well-planned day will see all who turn out

routes in and out plotted. All being well, these

reaching the edge of the scree. It was now or

enjoy some breathtaking scenery, and with luck,

items can remain as back-up. It is better to ‘have

never. I looked along the line and saw three of

you will at least see Britain’s wildest game bird. The

and not need’ than to ‘need and not have’. Enjoy

the four guns shouldered or partially shouldered,

blessed will even get a shot and bag a ptarmigan.

your shooting, however wild or tame it may be.

and as the ptarmigan made its break for freedom, etiquette saw the guns fire in order of proximity.

Three of the four guns were empty and the ptarmigan slipped away, leaving us with only a cackle of derision and one feather as a souvenir.

Reloaded and back into a line, the guns traversed the top of the slopes, again scanning intently, searching for one of the wildest and most difficult game birds found anywhere. I could feel the tension and excitement as we moved steadily on, and as a small group appeared in front of the guns, I found myself in prime position. Framing the birds as best I could as I maintained the line with the guns, I waited for the break. The lead bird took a vantage point on a high rock to the edge of the scree. One more step caused three birds to break, keeping low and heading down. I

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The lucky gun relives the day alongside the editor of Shoot In Scotland

REVIEW BLASER

the F16 TAKES OFF

A more affordable successor to a classic game gun, Blaser’s F16 is suitable for an extensive range of uses, including fast-flying driven game. Richard Atkins gives us the low-down…

B

laser’s first O/U shotgun – the

gave a 14¾-inch length of pull with the 20mm

model F3 – has established

thick rubber butt pad fitted. This also gave a

a fine reputation. The new and

nice grip position on the moderately close

competitively priced F16 was

radius pistol grip of the stock, such that

heralded with great fanfare that drew gasps

even with a nice, well positioned right hand

and admiration from visitors witnessing its

palm swell that suited me, my index finger

official UK launch at the British Shooting Show

fell comfortably onto the slim, curved and

2016. How does it look with the benefit of two

smoothly finished trigger.

year’s perspective? It is unmistakably the F3’s

The barrels are of monobloc construction

close relative and exhibits a receiver profile

and surprisingly light. The bores 18.6mm

claimed to be the lowest of any O/U on the

diameter; a sensibly modest degree of over-

market. The trademark Blaser gunmetal grey

bore. The internal profile is to Blaser’s ‘Triplex’

nitride finish to the hardened steel receiver,

design; this entails the forcing cone being

and seemingly similar but darker finish to

enlarged and lengthened such that there is

the barrels, ensure the F16 is unmistakably a

barely a ‘step’ visible at the end of the 76mm

Blaser shotgun.

(3-inch) chamber, which makes the bores appear almost chamberless!

Format

The Sporter barrels are joined by truncated

While the F16 retains similar lines to the F3 it

side ribs that end just within the forend. Fitted

differs in several areas; in particular both the

between the open tubes is a mounting block

trigger mechanism and lockwork are totally

with threaded holes to facilitate the fitting of

different. Two tumblers (hammers) pivot on hinge

optional barrel weights. These, in conjunction

pins in the trigger plate. The tumblers are powered

with stock weights already fitted, permit the

by strong, upward-acting coil springs and held

weight to be increased and balance to be fine-

captive by cleverly positioned sears at the rear.

tuned to suit the individual user.

This gives a powerful, short tumbler throw for

Barrel

muzzles

are

slightly

flared

to

Technical specifications Blaser F16 Type: Sporter Action: .222 Rem, .223 Rem Gauge/chamber: O/U boxlock SST Barrel length: 30 inches (32-inch option) [Game model = 28 and 30-inch barrel length options] Overall length: 47¼ inches Weight: 3.56kg (7lbs 13oz) Special features: Low profile receiver and optional balance weight system MSRP: £2,780 UK distributor: Blaser Sporting 02076 222116 www.blaser-sporting.com

fast lock times and the sear/bent engagement is

accommodate

easily reached so it can be meticulously adjusted.

(three of which are supplied): Briley extended

This has produced excellent trigger pulls that

type are an optional extra. A low profile raised

are light, crisp and reliable. A very well thought-

ventilated top rib is fitted. This tapers from

out safety and mechanical Blaser Inertial Block

9mm at the breech to 7.5mm at the muzzle

System (IBS) ensures that, even with light trigger

with a ‘file pattern’ top surface to prevent

pulls, unintentional triggering of the second shot

glare. There is no centre bead, but this being

The receiver is of very low profile, measuring

is prevented.

the Sporter model the muzzle sports a small

just 60.5mm tall, and the barrels hinge

The barrel selector mechanism echoes the

red cylindrical LPA optic fibre sight (the specific

upon large diameter trunnions set into the

F3, being a small lever that sits just ahead of

Game model has a 3mm diameter silver-nickel

forward inner receiver walls. This combination

the trigger inside the trigger guard. It is easy

front bead sight).

produces a slightly smaller gape (opening

Blaser

flush

fitting

chokes

to use and just needs some familiarity to

As with the F3 model, the strong ejectors

angle) than some designs and requires the

remember that moving it to the left selects the

are cocked as the barrels are lowered and

barrels to be fully lowered to gain easy access

bottom barrel to fire first (there is an ‘O’ one

not on closing after reloading, as is usual.

to the bottom barrel, but it’s easy enough with

side and ‘U’ on the other side but this cannot

This requires a little more positive effort

a little familiarity.

be seen without turning the gun over).

when opening the gun to full gape for

The F16 also employs a different barrel

The manual safety catch, which operates

reloading but, the weight of the barrels

locking arrangement to the F3, with a bifurcated

very smoothly and positively, is mounted

working with that movement, it is not onerous.

locking piece, operated by the smooth finish

conventionally in the top strap. The trigger is

Being new, the review F16 was a shade stiff to

top lever, with two substantial square pegs

adjustable for position and, in its rear position,

open but should ease with use.

emerging from the lower breech face. These

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REVIEW BLASER

“ The excellent feel and ergonomics of the stock and forend make the F16 easily managed with positive handling and smooth swing control ”

engage with recesses machined in each lower corner of the breech monobloc to provide

A manual safety coupled with Blaser’s inertial block system gives peace of mind

a very strong locking arrangement. These locking pegs have a larger cross sectional area than most tapered round locking pins often found in low profile designs. A full width under lump beneath the bottom barrel engages with a machined recess in the receiver floor to complete the strong barrels-to-receiver locking arrangement. Initial operation of the top lever to open the gun could be slightly stiff, with the review F16 offering some resistance that could be felt upon opening but should smooth up with use.

Simple but smart The Blaser F16, in both Sporter and Game versions, retains the now familiar businesslike ‘Teutonic’ theme set by the F3 and carries no engraving beyond the F16 logo, which is in-filled in red on the Sporter model, and in silver on the Game model, on each side of the

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

65

REVIEW BLASER

On the Sporter model, the trigger blade position is adjustable, so you can get the reach just right

receiver. The standard wood for forend and

is well proportioned to be effortlessly but

a blustery first outing. The Sporter’s stock

stock is likewise nice enough, displaying some

securely gripped, and has a nice competition-

balancing system allows the gun’s balance to

figure without being exceptional, being grade

style radius for a comfortable, relaxed, wrist

be easily adjusted and, by removing weights

two walnut, though an uplift to grade three or

position. The pistol grip has not been cropped,

(68 grams/2.4oz each), the overall weight can

four walnut is offered at extra cost. The grain

as some are, and easily accommodates the

be reduced and the balance altered.

is reasonable and, with the oil finish, is very

little finger even for those with large hands.

The Game version comes in 28 and 30-

easy to maintain: this can be an important

Unlike the Game model the Sporter has a

inch barrel lengths with the 28-inch barrel

consideration for a gun used out in the field

trigger blade adjustable for position, so the

option weighing 3.1Kg (6lb 13oz.) If your game

where the odd knock is virtually inevitable.

reach from grip to trigger can be adjusted to

shooting involves a lot of walking then the

suit the shooter’s hand size; another useful

lighter Game model may prove best. If you

feature to have.

shoot mainly driven birds while on pegs then

Chequering is neat and crisply cut and follows traditional patterns on the grip and forend. The sensibly long forend permits a wide

the Sporter should be well suited, especially

choice of gripping points that should suit any

Summary

length of arm and the different preferences to

The F16 certainly brings Blaser’s quality build,

The excellent feel and ergonomics of the

suit the type of game or target being engaged.

feel and handling to a very moderately priced

stock and forend make the F16 easily managed

It is of the ‘London’ style, being quite slim but

gun that is sure to prove attractive. The

with positive handling and smooth swing

deep enough that the rounded lower profile fits

Sporter model is reviewed here but there’s a

control. Recoil is well tamed, and the more so

the hand very well, with the finger tips feeling

Game version too, and the primary difference

with the additional weights.

secure as though in a semi-beavertail form;

between them is the Sporter has the facility

Good trigger pulls are essential to consistent,

very nice and suited to clay and game use. It

to fit (optional extra) barrel weights which the

accurate shooting and the F16’s pulls are

also blends nicely with the semi-rounded lower

Game does not, and the Game model has a

utterly superb. Both broke at an ounce under

receiver profile. Personally, I prefer this to the

fixed trigger so be sure the reach is good for

three pounds and ensured shots could be

once-dominant Schnabel style.

you if choosing the Game model. Both have the

taken fast and without disturbance. Pulls like

low profile tapered top rib but the foresights

these make for a delightfully responsive gun,

differ (optic fibre or metal bead).

whether the measured approach on fast, tall

The Sporter-style stock is non-adjustable with standard drops of 38mm/50mm at comb

for high ones, and more versatile.

and heel; the Game stock can be chosen if

As supplied (without barrel weights but with

birds or ‘snap shooting’ – sometimes essential

preferred (38/56mm drops) but I found the

three stock weights fitted), the Sporter is light

when your peg is on a woodland ride or small

F16 Sporter shot flat for me, no more than

enough for the field at under 7lb 13.4oz, with

clearing. Often the downfall of modestly priced

55/45 per cent at 20 yards, so I would choose

a balance point fractionally behind the hinge

guns, the F16’s trigger pulls are the match of

the Sporter stock for game or clay use. The

point. This lead to a very fast handling feel

any gun you could pay many times more for.

stock carries around 3mm and 8mm of cast at

with good instinctive pointing properties. This

Blaser introduced the F16 O/U into the lower

heel and toe, which made for easy mounting

allowed a mid 80 per cent score to be achieved

middle price bracket but be assured; it feels

and good eye alignment for me. The grip

on a mixed sporting clays layout, even on

and performs without hint of any compromise.

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kit CLOTHING

SUIT UP!

Whether it’s winged or hoofed game you’re after, you need clothing to suit the job. Our selection of outer layers will keep you protected from the elements...

Orton Packable Suit

Swazi Kagoule

New from Harkila, the Orton is a waterproof, breathable and quick-drying

A new release for 2018, the Kagoule follows the smock design, with

suit that packs down into its own pocket and can be hung on a belt. It is quick

an oversized pocket across the front complemented by chest pocket

to unpack and put on – so as soon as you feel the first drops falling you can

and extra-large hand warmer pockets. Soft, quiet and breathable, it’s

get protected. The suit features a newly designed Härkila Weather System

a protective jacket that can still be worn in the summer thanks to its

membrane, designed especially for hunting. This technology is waterproof

super-low 880g overall weight. You’ll also get riveted flaps to prevent

and windproof and has superb breathability. In the ultra-changeable weather

water ingress, and Swazi’s iconic hood to keep your head dry wile

of Scotland you need a garment that can cope with everything – and this is it.

maximising peripheral vision.

Price: Jacket £199.99, over trousers £119.99

Price: £399

01844 237944 harkila.com

Swazi swazi.co.nz

Westone Featherweight

Grampian Hooded Smock

RAM Light Sportif jacket

This technical men’s jacket is a new release for

Seen here in the Grampian Tweed pattern,

Waterproof, windproof and breathable thanks

2018 and sports a traditional appearance that

Nomad’s time-proven smock is functionally

to Blaser’s proprietary Rambrane technology,

conceals a lot of technological advancements.

designed for stalking, made from a silent,

this jacket is a relatively new arrival in the

With a Cordura outer, the jacket is waterproof

stretchable, waterproof and breathable fabric. It’s

UK but could soon become a common sight.

and breathable, while there’s also a waterproof

long-lasting, too – Nomad say they have re-taped

Features include a stand-up collar with

membrane on the inside. Made with game

some 15-year-old smocks that are still in perfect

detachable hood, two-way YKK zip, two pockets

shooters in mind, it’s got durable fabric panels on

condition. You get all the practical accoutrements

with zips, two bellows pockets with concealed

the sleeves and cuffs. The large cartridge pockets

you need, too, including folding hood, extended

pockets behind, chest pocket, two inner

have eyelet drainage holes, while there are also

front zip, and an array of pockets.

document pockets, mobile phone pocket and pen pocket, and poacher pocket.

hand warmer pockets, map pocket, secure

Price: £430 (Grampian/Argyll tweed),

internal pocket and large back poacher’s pocket.

£340 (olive/khaki)

Price: £435

Price: £479.95

Nomad UK 07736 255100

Blaser Sporting 01483 917412

Alan Paine 01623 415760 alanpaine.co.uk

www.nomaduk.biz

blaser-sporting.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

69

kit CLOTHING

John Field collection

Browning XPO Pro Parka

John Field has launched its latest collection, with a number of entirely new

Get geared up for the toughest weather with Browning’s reinforced,

product lines that grows its technical range. Given that much of what’s new

waterproof and hooded parka. Boasting Thinsulate multi-zone

is water-resistant rainwear, it’s going to prove particularly enticing to Scottish

insulation, it’ll keep the wearer warm while being breathable at the

stalkers, for whom rain is never far away, even in the summer. Pictured

same time. The pockets have magnetic closure and can also be

here are two of the highlights: the new waterproof overtrouser and the

expanded, while there’s a game pocket running across the back. The

2-in-1 jacket, both developed in response to customer feedback. The entire

hood is adjustable and removable. Check out the high-waisted trousers

collection is made in Europe using eco-friendly materials.

and gloves in the same range, too.

Price: Various

Price: £317

John Field johnfield.eu

Browning 01235 514550 browning.eu

Available in standard or long cuts, the Highland

Highland jacket

Islander four-season jacket

Hillman Hybrid Jacket

is Deerhunter’s latest offering to the game

A lightweight suit, Black Islander’s latest garment

quickly converts into a fully functional vest

shooting crowd – though with the technical

offers the ability to stalk using a layered system,

thanks to its one-zip sleeve detachment. This

The jacket is truly an all-season garment – it

innovations it’s packed in, it’s more than

with the jacket and accompanying trousers

two-in-one solution means you can cover more

applicable to any kind of shooting. Breathable

assuming the role of the top layer. The jacket

stalking situations with the same basic clothing

and water-resistant, it’s padded on the shoulder

weighs only 600 grams, with integral hood,

set-up – not to mention that it’s comfortable

to help counteract recoil, while a high collar and

waterproof zips, four front pockets, internal cuffs,

and quiet, too. Made of a cotton-touch fabric

detachable hood help prevent water getting in

Velcro-adjustable outer cuffs and a warm inside

with polyester outer surface, it’s not going to

to unwanted places. As well as the obligatory

high collar. The trousers weigh 200 grams, with

irritate the wearer on long stalks or high-seat

two cartridge pockets, there are two hand

adjustable waist Velcro, and adjustable bottoms

vigils, and it’s waterproof to boot. Available in

warmer pockets and a zipped game pocket.

with zip for easy boot removal.

sizes from medium to 3XL.

Price: £272.99

Black Islander 01394 877770

Price: £159.99

Deerhunter 07766 323683 deerhunter.eu

blackislander.co.uk

Venator 01738 479414 venatorpro.com

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marsh etiquette

marsh MANNERS

Shoot-day etiquette is well-known, but why not wildfowling etiquette? In an attempt to address the imbalance, Will Wykes sets out his proposed wildfowling rules…

W

hen we think of etiquette

There is an old word that seems to be forgot-

or boots, or sitting in the van with the engine

in shooting, our minds

ten in most walks of life now: “common sense”.

running at a marsh access close to houses

automatically drift to thinking

Something that should be adhered to a lot

possibly isn’t the greatest idea.

about shooting game. Whether

more, especially when it come to how wild-

it be a walked up day or driven, those unwrit-

fowlers should behave.

If you’re going on marsh for the first time, do some homework on the area beforehand.

ten rules such as not taking your neighbouring

Once we arrive to our fowling location, pull-

Google maps with the satellite imaging on

gun’s birds, not letting your dog roam off dur-

ing up the verge on a single track road is never

your smart phone is extremely good for point-

ing a drive, and tipping the keeper, even down

going to go down well. Thinking, “Another car

ing out creeks and gutters in relation to your

to the silly superficial things like wearing breeks

will get by fine,” doesn’t sounds so easy-going

position in real time (if you can get a signal),

or trousers will come to mind. Most know of

when you get back to it and either find a wing

but having a walk out in the daylight is the

the “shoot day etiquette” – even if you’re new

mirror hanging off, or the very angry driver of

only way to properly get to know the lay of the

to the sport you’ll still be aware of it. So why

an articulated tanker doing the early morning

land. Get out in good time, and be courteous

should wildfowling be any different, I wonder?

milk run stuck behind your abandoned car.

towards other fowlers. If someone is already

Is it because it’s open to everyone (in Scotland

Parking in or across gateways is another big

in the place you planned on being it’s not the

anyway)? The behaviour of some so-called wild-

no-no; our hard-working British farmers have

end of the world, however, don’t just walk 40

fowlers would have them thrown off a pheasant

enough to do in the short daylight hours of

yards from him and set up your hide, as I’m

shoot before the first drive had started.

winter, don’t make their day any harder by

sure the guy you just bumped into will have

What am I getting at? No, you haven’t turned

denying them access to their own land. This

something to say about it. Give other fowlers

up on the marsh with the wrong coloured

is a fine way for fowlers to lose access to the

at least a 100 yard gap. If you meet or bump

waders! The conduct of some, towards other

shore. Finally, we need to remember that not

into another fowler in the dark, be civil – after

fowlers, the marsh, and even sometimes the

everyone has the same enthusiasm as we do

all, we’re all here to enjoy ourselves. Ask them

local community, leaves a lot to improve upon.

about being up at 5am, so slamming car doors

if they know of anyone else out to give you a

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wildfowling etiquette

better idea of where to go. Or tell them where

Be courteous and careful about where you set up; give other fowlers a decent gap and then minimise movement as much as you can

you’re planning on going.

I personally can’t stand head torches, and have had a number of flights ruined thanks to guys waddling out with head torches flashing all over the place. They wander right to the edge of the marsh, only to hear an eruption of geese as they have flashed over the roost, causing every one to fly a mile up the mud to the next roost, basically evaporating any chance of getting a shot. There is a place for a torch on the marsh (mostly in your pocket), though it should be used with your hand cupped over the lens to navigate a deep creek or an obstacle such as a fence, or to give a quick flash to an approaching fowler to make him known of your presence, and then put away again. But it’s definitely not for illuminating your entire walk onto the marsh from your van to marsh edge.

Once the flight begins stay in your hide or

goose can vanish in a matter of minutes – they

Once the main flight is over, and you’ve picked

gutter. There should be no need to be out un-

are surprisingly quick runners, and if they get

up all your gear and litter, cartridge cases

less it’s a quick alteration to the decoy spread.

to a creek with water in your rates of retrieval

and so on, I usually make a timely exit off the

If the birds then start to come your way and

diminish significantly.

marsh. I try to pick up any cases or used wads I

you’ve identified them I can’t stress enough

The other acceptable reason to be up and

can find on the walk back. Fortunately I live lo-

about making sure they are in range. I have

moving about during the flight is for a wound-

cally to the marsh, but this also means I need

mentioned this in a previous article, so don’t

ed bird that has planed out, geese especially

to get off before others to go to work. If there

expect to win any popularity awards if you’re

have a tendency to turn and plane out onto

are still odd geese moving around then I tend

the marsh skybuster that morning. Also, don’t

the mudflats if they’ve taken pellets to the

to get tucked in until they pass in the hope

be surprised if the marsh warden is waiting for

body or outer wing. At this moment in time

that someone else may get a crack at them

you when you walk off, either. If they do come

your flight is over, it is your responsibility to try

instead of just scaring them off. If you’re head-

off well and you get shooting, mark your birds

your utmost to retrieve and dispatch that bird,

ing back to a public car park or place where

down if you’re sure they are dead; there is no

even if it means walking out onto the flats with

you may encounter members of the public try

need to get up and send the dog when birds

your dog to do so. Other genuine wildfowlers

and cover your birds up, keep dogs on leads

are still flighting. The only exception to this

will have far more respect for you trying to re-

and guns in slips and, possibly most impor-

is when birds are in the water or wounded,

trieve a bird and not getting a shot because of

tantly, remember to take your balaclava or

don’t carry on shooting in the hope to retrieve

a retrieval effort than seeing a goose plane out

facemask off! We need to appreciate not eve-

wounded birds later. A wounded duck or

on the mud and get neglected.

ryone agrees with what we do, so you should try your best to keep confrontation or distress down. Camo-clad men in balaclavas on public footpaths, although doing nothing wrong, can cause alarm to some.

The way we conduct ourselves while on the shore is now more important than ever. High powered binoculars, telescopes and cameras are readily available, and those who intend to use them against our sport are a real threat.

So why do some feel the need to persistently allow themselves to behave in a manner that threatens all our sport? If we cannot be respectful towards other fowlers what hope do we ever have in swaying the general public to sympathise with our activities?

As I mentioned, common sense has a lot to do with etiquette on the marsh. You should always act and treat people in the way you would like to be treated. BASC has a “Wildfowling code of practice” booklet available online

Marking and retrieving birds is an important part of marsh etiquette and one all fowlers should be diligent about

which outlines wildfowling conduct in detail if you’re interested in reading further.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

73

Wildfowling introduction

A SHOOT ON THE WILD SIDE

Never been wildfowling in Scotland before? You’re in for a treat – it’s all the excitement of a driven day at a fraction of the price

W

Join the club

Hazards

it bluntly, at the less

The sport is run through numerous wildfowling

Being out on the foreshore is undoubtedly an

glamorous end of the spectrum

associations that have sprung up over the

enlightening experience but one that has its

of

shooting.

years to cover geographical areas, offering

risks. Making a simple mistake when reading

However, those who discount it out of hand

plentiful opportunities to those who join. Much

a tide table might lead to being cut off by the

are turning their back on something very

work is carried out by these bodies behind the

advancing tide, which in the depths of winter

special, where the rewards can be counted in

scenes as they try to ensure that the sport is

in the dark might have tragic circumstances, so

more ways than just the day’s bag.

protected and able to continue alongside the

a thorough understanding of the environment

Unlike most forms of game shooting,

interests of other wildlife and conservation

in which you are shooting is key.

wildfowling is a solitary pastime, and one

groups. Wildfowling often comes under attack,

Whenever you go out, it’s worth letting

that requires plenty of physical stamina and

however, and sometimes the only answer is

someone know where you are headed and

patience. It is not something to be entered

to purchase the ground directly to prevent it

what time you expect to return. Simply getting

into lightly – it is the most dangerous of all the

falling into the hands of those whose ambition

out to the spot where you intend to set up

shooting sports.

would be to see the sport disappear forever.

might take an hour or two – slithering your

ildfowling

live

is,

quarry

to

put

It takes place in an environment that is far

Joining one of these associations is a good

way through the channels of a salt marsh is

from benign – mostly estuaries and coastal

idea, but be aware that some are massively

tricky enough when walking, but far tougher

marshes – in wet, muddy cold conditions that

oversubscribed and there is often a waiting

when loaded down with a gun, the gear to

can make getting into position to take a shot

list for membership.

build your hide and the obligatory hot flask to

a challenge that lesser men would not rise to.

Before diving in with both feet, it is important

keep you fortified against the cold. Learning

Ducks and geese are the staple quarry of the

to understand more of the sport, ideally by

the routes in and out is crucial, as is knowing

wildfowler and many of these are migratory

going out with an experienced ‘fowler’ and

where the hidden hazards are, such as areas

birds whose homes are up in the Arctic circle.

seeing how it is done first hand.

of sand or soft mud.

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Wildfowling introduction

It can be very easy to become disoriented,

from a hide, the trick is to look through the

sheer weight of these leviathans made them

especially if fog moves in, and having been out

netting to see your quarry; popping your head

more of a hindrance than a help.

on the foreshore with one of the UK’s leading

up and down to see what’s going on is a sure

Out on the foreshore it’s always been

fowlers who got lost as we headed back in

way to go home empty-handed. Always stay

important to be able to fire heavy loads of large

the dark with a rising tide I can attest to the

still and out of sight until the last moment,

shot to deal with long range shots, and ensure

fact that losing your bearings is a serious

then move and take your shot quickly before

that the bigger quarry such as geese were killed

issue indeed.

the birds flare away.

cleanly. The same rings true today, perhaps even more so, as with lead now banned on

Those tides help, along with the moon and the wind, to govern the habits of the ducks

Right tool for the job

the foreshore, the steel loads tend to be even

and geese that the fowler seeks. The former

Historically speaking, wildfowling guns have

heavier than before to compensate for the

usually come in at dusk to feed and spend

often been a little different from the norm.

reduced kinetic energy that steel shot delivers.

the night on the pools before returning

Excluding the huge boat-mounted punt guns

Over-and-under guns chambered for 3in or even

to the mudflats at dawn while geese fly in

that fired vast loads of shot into flocks of

3½in cartridges took over from side-by-sides and

with the rising sun to their feeding grounds

birds on the water that were favoured by the

today those guns are also being superseded by

and at dusk head back out to sea and their

‘market gunners’ in the late 19th and early

gas-operated 3½in chambered semi-autos that

mudflat roosting areas. With much of the

20th centuries, the weapon of choice up

are lighter to carry and softer on the shoulder

action happening at each end of the day, it’s

until recently was the double gun. Originally

when firing the biggest loads. Today, the 12-

important to be able to identify quarry species

it came in the form of long barrelled, tightly

bore is the dominant calibre, though there are

in low light conditions and, if in any doubt as

choked side-by-sides, which were de rigueur

a few manufacturers still making 10-bore guns.

to whether it’s a legal species, then it’s best to

in various bores including 12-gauge, 10-gauge

Ammunition is the issue, with only a handful of

not take the shot lest you end up shooting a

and even 8-gauge. A tiny number of four-

loaders producing cartridges at a cost that is

protected bird that could drop the individual

bores were made as side-by-sides, but the

positively eye-watering.

and the sport as a whole into hot water.

Techniques There are many different techniques used to get into position for the shot. Some prefer to shoot from a boat, moored amongst a reed bed perhaps, awaiting the sound of wing beats that signal the arrival of the quarry.

Alternatively you could shoot from a pit hide.

This entails simply digging a hole in which you can stand with only your head and shoulders above the surface of the ground. Although they are very time-consuming to dig out in the first place, these pits are very easy to shoot from as you are stood up and they offer great concealment. Note that they have been banned in some areas due to them being a trip hazard for both humans and livestock.

They can also have a habit of filling in as the tidal waters rise, so may need bailing out on a regular basis.

Another popular option is to use a netting hide, similar in construction to one you might use for pigeon decoying. Remember that you may have to walk in excess of a mile to reach your chosen spot so always opt for as light a net as you can and make sure that you use lightweight hide poles, or even better, try some bamboo canes, as if they break they will be easy to replace. Try to pick a camo pattern that’s neither too light nor too dark.

You want to blend in with your surroundings; a very dark green hide will stick out like a sore thumb on the foreshore.

When you have picked the site of your hide, make sure that it’s big enough for you, your gear and of course your dog. When shooting

Taking geese when they are directly above you ensures they are as close as possible

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

75

Wildfowling introduction

However, those ultra-expensive cartridges

around the country and you will find that

aren’t a huge issue, as for most fowlers,

memberships are buoyant, and the waiting

shooting 10 or 15 shells in a day is something

list for places continues to grow. It looks like

of a red-letter day and it’s not uncommon to

the future of wildfowling is bright, and long

fire just one or two shells, or even go home

may it stay that way.

with clean barrels.

As already mentioned, these solitary and quiet days are a far cry from a big day in a pigeon hide or a peg on a 250-bird pheasant day, but that is part of the appeal of the sport. It is perhaps the most natural of all types of hunting, working alone to battle the elements, picking your spot and hoping that your field craft and understanding of tides, moon and the birds will be enough to put you in the right place to get a shot. That combination makes a successful day one of the most rewarding you will ever experience with a gun, and one that gets you closer to nature than any other.

In these days of readily available shooting, you would think that the sport would be in decline, that people would prefer to take an easier route to enjoy their shooting. But speak to any of the wildfowling associations

A successful morning outing in the very north of Scotland

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A fowler’s BEST friend However you choose to shoot, always be sure that you take a well-trained dog with you on a wildfowling outing.

With deep cloying mud, fast running currents and plenty of other hazards, you don’t want to be trying to retrieve your shot birds as it would be a recipe for disaster.

Which breed? A Labrador is a good bet for the job, as is a golden retriever.

Spaniels, although nimble and quick on their feet, can prove a little too skittish to sit uncomplaining in a hide for hours at a time, and their coat doesn’t offer quite the same insulation to them on a freezing winter’s day as some of the other breeds do.

SCSTG PROMOTING FIELD SPORTS

PRESS SHOOT The SCSTG invited the cream of the world’s shooting press to Scotland for a field sports experience they’d never forget

A

s part of the marketing and promotion

The castle is spectacular and was developed

some excellent driven pheasant shooting

of Scotland as a leading country sports

when the industrialist, James Hunter (later

followed by a duck flight.

tourism destination, a familiarisation trip for

to become the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of

Andrew Case from Case Sport had arranged

European journalists was undertaken during

Ayrshire), acquired the Glenapp Estate and

visitor firearm permits and supplied the

October 2017. Thanks to the generosity of

commissioned

Edinburgh

firearms for the day. Both Andrew and Barry

the estates’ and hotel’s owners, the journalists

architect, David Bryce, to design a suitably

Smyth offered some professional coaching,

were able to experience some of the best

magnificent home for him.

as none of the journalists had experienced

Scottish hospitality and sport available.

the

celebrated

Bryce was a leading proponent of what

a driven day before. It was something that,

The journalists, representing some of the

came to be known as the Scottish Baronial

although they found it quite challenging, they

top sporting titles in Europe including France’s

style, which combines elements of Gothic and

all thoroughly enjoyed. The total bag for the

Voyages de Chasse, Chassons.com, Germany’s

Renaissance styles to create the grandeur and

morning was 35 pheasant and five duck.

Jagdzeit (Hunter’s Path), Sweden’s Big Game

fairytale appearance of Glenapp Castle today.

Nick’s team of beaters and pickers-up, were

and Norway’s Jeger, Hund & Våpen (Hunter,

The castle’s mellow sandstone battlements,

exceptional with the dog handlers drawing a

dogs and guns) and Jakt & Fiske, should all be

topped by soaring turrets and towers, have

great deal of attention.

publishing articles on the trip around the time

earned Glenapp a rightful place as one of the

A traditional shoot lunch was served in the

that Shoot In Scotland 2018 is published.

most romantic luxury castles in Scotland. It

castle dining room, with the views from the

was a fitting venue to start the trip.

balcony overlooking the River Ayr and the

After meeting at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, the group travelled to Glenapp

Coincidentally, the venue for the following

Castle Hotel in Ayrshire where Siobhan

day’s driven pheasant shoot, Sorn Castle,

Liddington,

senior

sales

marketing

had also been updated and improved by the

The group had time for a quick stop at AD

manager,

had

arranged

luxurious

architect David Bryce. But back to the sport,

Rattray’s Whisky Experience, where Raphael

accommodation and fine dining for the guns.

the estate factor, Nick Wright, had arranged

Marinoni outlined the finer aspects of ‘tasting’

78

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roaring open fire adding to the warm welcome offered by Nick and his staff.

SCSTG PROMOTING FIELD SPORTS

A suitable stag is identified during the trip to Taransay

Asgeir Stoerdal from Norway, who had been chosen to take the shot, he crawled down hill to find a suitable spot from which to shoot.

A young stag of around three years old was taken. After dragging the beast for around half a mile, the Argo arrived and the stag was driven off the hill and onto the landing craft.

The second group, led by Donald Muir, had been less successful. Although they saw a number of stags, they were unable to get into a suitable position to take a shot. The views and wildlife including snipe and golden eagles dispelled any feelings of disappointment.

After a slightly bumpy flight back to Glasgow, the journalists made their thanks and farewells before departing back to their respective home destinations.

The dog handling work was one of the highlights of the trip for the visiting hunters

We look forward to reading their articles in

the

coming

months.

Copies

will

be

rare Scottish whisky. All agreed that it was

they were welcomed by Steve Woodhall,

added as blogs on the SCSTG website,

an hour well spent, learning how to properly

estate manager at Borve Lodge Estate. On day

www.countrysportscotland.com, as soon as

savour a dram.

one the group was introduced to the art of fly

they are available.

It was then back to Glenapp Castle Hotel to freshen up before dinner. Siobhan and Jill

fishing for salmon on Loch Fincastle. Although salmon were seen, none were landed.

DO IT YOURSELF

If you want to follow in the steps of the

Chalmers, commercial director at Glenapp,

That evening, meals were expertly prepared

joined the group, and a magnificent meal

to a very high standard for the group by

group, get in touch with the following

comprising some amazing, locally sourced

personal chef Chris Loye.

providers of sport and accommodation: Glenapp Castle Hotel

ingredients and fine wine was enjoyed by

On the second day, a short trip by landing

all. One guest remarked that they had never

craft took the party to Taransay where they

01465 831212 F: +44 (0)1465 831000

thought of Scotland as being able to produce

split into two groups to stalk red stags. Steve

www.glenappcastle.com

such wonderful cuisine – they particularly

Woodhall’s party was dropped at Paible on

Sorn Castle Shoot 01659 58697

enjoyed

cheeses.

a pristine white sand beach so typical of the

sorncastle.com/sporting

Overall, the hotel provided an intimate level

Hebrides. The group stalked north, up the

Case Sport 01644 430469 07747 691447

of service with genuine attention to detail

eastern side of the island. A few small groups

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as well as exceptional customer care. Both

of stags were spotted early but they moved

AD Rattray Whisky Experience

Glenapp Castle Hotel and Sorn Castle certainly

off before the party could get near enough

01655 760308 www.adrattray.com

delivered in terms of high-quality driven

for a shot. Climbing towards the highest point

Borve Lodge Estate 01859 550358

shooting and a quintessential taste of top end

on the island, Ben Raah at 876 feet, a small

borvelodge.com

of Scottish hospitality and luxury.

group of stags was spotted below and towards

Chris Loye, private chef 07951 643066

Following on from their two days in Ayrshire,

Clet More. Steve felt that one of the stags was

flavour.scot

the group travelled to the isle of Harris, where

harvestable, and accompanied by the stalker,

the

range

of

Scottish

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

79

Expert advice Beginners

Ups and downs

Taking tricky shots on the hill? You need to read this. Darryl Pace debunks common misunderstandings with bullet trajectory and shows you how to shoot at an incline successfully

M

ost hunters are familiar

at varying intervals, you would note that it

This is why it’s often more useful to look at

with the traditional bullet

continuously drops. When zeroing at, say, 100

bullet drop when comparing calibres rather

trajectory arc, rising from the

yards, what we are actually doing is pointing

than comparisons over a zero range. Below

muzzle to a peak (or apex)

the rifle barrel marginally up to achieve the

is a graph showing visually what has been

somewhere between where the bullet leaves

desired impact point. Essentially the bullet

explained with a .308 Win, 150gn bullet zeroed

the barrel and the zero distance. At the

is being shot up in the air before dropping

at 200 yards.

desired range the bullet finds itself once again

back down on to the target. Flatter shooting

Now we get to the up- and downhill portion

level with the muzzle, thereafter dropping.

calibres drop at a slower rate than sluggish

of the article. Here, there is one important

This is not unfamiliar territory for most people.

heavy calibres, hence the reason why the apex

aspect to bear in mind. As we all know from

However, before we get onto tackling incline

is less.

school, objects fall to the earth as a result of

compensation let us first make clear why a bullet follows the path described above.

The reason behind the shape of the classic bullet trajectory is fairly straightforward in its most general form. The problem arises with the concept that a bullet will rise and then fall after leaving the barrel. As most shooters are used to seeing trajectories with a zero point of at least 100 yards this has been ingrained in general thinking as being the behaviour of a bullet. In truth, a bullet is always falling from the moment it leaves the crown of the muzzle.

The reason we see an arc is because of the very fact that we zero our rifles at a distance greater than point blank.

If you were to hold a rifle barrel perfectly horizontal and test the bullet impact position

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Bullet drop v. path to los-.308 win, 150gn

Expert advice Beginners

Shots taken up or downhill cover less horizontal distance – hence their lesser perceived drop

gravity, which acts at 9.81m/s2. If we didn’t

trigonometry. If we assume, for simplicity’s

if you take the same 300-yard shot facing uphill

have to contend with gravity pulling bullets

sake, that your rifle is zeroed at 300 yards,

with an incline of 10 degrees, the horizontal

to the ground then the discussion of flat-

and you assume the shot covers 300 yards in a

distance would be 295 yards. The difference in

shooting calibres would be irrelevant (ignoring

straight line, you can begin to understand the

bullet drop over the extra five yards is almost

any real-life implications of firing a rifle in zero

shortcomings. In fact, you would, in truth, only

irrelevant, since is likely to be smaller than the

gravity and the effects of aerodynamics).

be taking a 212-yard shot in terms of bullet

level of accuracy to which most people can

Keeping this in mind, we now need to think

drop compensation – meaning that your bullet

shoot at that distance.

about how gravity acts on a bullet. If we take

will shoot higher than you expected with the

In simple terms this explains the basics

the example of shooting a bullet directly up

300-yard straight-line distance. This logic also

– but, of course, it’s not the full story. What I

gravity will only act to slow the bullet down by

applies when shooting downhill.

have explained here is the Rifleman’s Method

pulling it back to earth. If we were to shoot

What is worth noting, however, is that unless

of Compensation. It is not entirely accurate for

from a cliff, directly downwards, gravity would

the distances and angles are fairly large the

several reasons, including bullet flight time,

only act on the rear of the bullet – therefore,

difference will often be negligible and rarely

drag and declining velocities. But the principle

it would travel in a perfectly straight line if all

worth trying to compensate for. For instance,

of it will get you a long way when judging a shot.

external conditions were equal.

Armed with this information, we can now answer the question of why it’s believed that bullets shoot high when a shot is taken up- or downhill. The key reason lies in the horizontal distance of the shot and not the straight line of sight. Gravity can only act on a bullet over the horizontal distance and so the amount of bullet drop experienced will occur over this shorter distance and not the line of sight.

For example, if you took a 300-yard straightline shot up at 45 degrees, the horizontal distance would be about 212 yards using basic

Whatever the angle, stalking in close enough for a confident shot ia always the most important step

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

81

Roebuck Ayrshire

Credit: Tim Plowden / Alamy Stock Photo

Reluctant roebuck Not everything goes to plan during the rut. Ayrshire-based professional stalker Chris Dalton recalls a time when he had to abandon the call and go for Plan B

I

t is that time of year again –

a bit of a guessing game to pinpoint exactly

chosen to stalk the fields close to a deciduous

in the roe stalker’s calendar

when things get going. I had a regular client,

wood where I knew there were a couple of

eagerly

Richard, contact me in early August to see

decent bucks and some yearlings. Sadly, despite

awaited weeks of all, those at

what the chances of success might be as he

my best efforts with the Buttolo and Nordik roe,

the end of July and the beginning of August

was in the area. As I had seen bucks chasing

I got no response to any call in three different

when the roebucks are rutting. Or, at least,

on ground close to the house over the last

places. It looked like one of those days when

they should be. I actually prefer the first few

days in July, my response to his request was

nothing works – and despite what folk may tell

days of the roebuck season, when we start to

positive, so Richard booked in and we firmed

you, this is often the case. We fondly think of

take a few of the young cull bucks – fantastic

up the arrangements for a morning stalk.

days when everything works perfectly – you give

probably

the

most

for the table and it signals the end of the

We wouldn’t set off too early, as often the

a little pip on the call and a massive roe buck

winter period. Regardless, no stalker can fail

deer are inactive in the first hour of daylight

comes crashing in – and it does happen, but

to look forward to calling a good roe buck in

when they may have been rutting during the

not often. Neither am I one for overdoing it – if

full summer pelage.

dark hours. However, neither were we mid-

it does not work after a reasonable go, sack it

The diary is invariably full with visiting

morning as Richard had to get into work later

, continue as if on a normal stalk, or go for a

stalkers. Dean and I are booked and out most

on in the day. So we set off around an hour

cuppa and try later or tomorrow. With Richard, I

days for three weeks

after sunrise.

said I would try in one more spot, and if we still

from around 26 July.

Normally, the peak of our rut in south-west

The world was quiet and it was a cool morning

Scotland is around 8-12 August, but it’s always

with little wind – a real pleasure to be out. I had

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did not get any response, we would stalk back home for breakfast.

Roebuck Ayrshire

My final calling point was from a corn field

But he stopped and looked back, knowing

broadside staring back at him. Fortunately it

tram line, leaning against a telegraph pole,

something was clearly wrong.

was sufficiently bemused to stand there and

which gave us a view into a valley and the edge

What followed was, in retrospect, rather

of a wood. It was a great position – we were on

amusing. Richard, who had now got to a firing

So a successful outing and a nice buck in the

high ground looking down, so anything below

position with the rifle securely rested against

larder with trophy for the wall – but definitely

us in the field was in shot, and we could see if

the tree, inched round to take a shot at a deer

not a successful calling operation. However, I

anything moved inside the wood. After three

that he found was no longer there. When he

will take any deer I can get, especially after a

sets of calls, we saw movement in the wood.

realised that, he looked back at me, defeated.

memorable stalk in stunning surroundings.

A roebuck was slowly coming up to the edge

I jabbed my finger off to his right and he

of the trees. He was not charging but was

visibly jumped when he saw the buck now fully

working our way, so there was some interest.

But my best efforts at getting him to come out of the wood failed – instead, he dropped down into a patch of spent bluebells, curled up and nodded off. Charming.

We worked back out of sight and came into the wood downwind and below him. I slowly

allow Richard to line up and take the shot.

For stalking opportunities Chris can be contacted on 07710 871190 or ayrstalk.co.uk

“ My best efforts at getting him to come out of the wood failed – instead, he dropped down into a patch of spent bluebells, curled up and nodded off ”

stalked up to where we had last seen him.

If you have done this you’ll know that when Left behind? Chris is left in an unusual situation watching Richard stalk on ahead

you are approaching the deer from a totally different direction, it is incredibly difficult to know exactly where the deer is couched.

I knew we were close, and the dog was on point, but no matter how hard I glassed I could not pick him up. We inched closer, glassing every blade of grass and the hollows under tree roots, until I finally got sight of a set of antlers no more than 45 yards away. There was no shot from where we were, but I could see some high ground off to our right, which would probably offer a neck shot – but it was a one-man crawl to get there. So I briefed Richard to crawl slowly forward and see if the shot was on from the identified vantage point. Ordinarily, I do not condone neck shots, but in the case of a couched buck with neck up, dozing and from a stable, prone position, then it becomes an option provided that you are aware of exactly how you rifle-and-round combination performs at the selected range.

Oscar and I sat tight and waited – unusual for me as I am normally in front and making

Who needs calling? This buck was grassed in rather more fortuitous circumstances

the decisions, but I had no choice as there was no way the two of us and hound would all get to where we needed to be. So we watched.

Richard made the designated tree and slowly deployed the rifle. We waited for the shot… it did not come. Instead, the rifle came down.

Richard looks back and crossed his neck with his spare hand – there was no shot from there either. He signalled that he would crawl forward some more. I gave the thumbs up and he moved on again. He was getting really close to the dozing buck – any slight noise and the game would be over.

After what seemed an age Richard slowly lifted the rifle again, using an old, knurled oak tree as cover. But he had been rumbled.

The buck jumped up and stared intently back, before moving slowly off about 40 yards.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

83

know how calibre choice

What calibre SHOULD I PICK?

Heading to the hill for roe or red? We round up the most common deer-stalking calibres to help you make your choice of rifle

T

here is no all-round ‘best’ calibre –

of 2,450fps and a minimum ME of 1,000ft/

ammunition. It allowed hunters to shoot one

personal choice very much comes into it.

lb. So many .223 or .22-250 rounds would

calibre for a large spectrum of quarry, with

Your choice should depend upon a number

be suitable. This may seem odd as there is

moderate recoil and excellent trajectory.

of

species

nothing to suggest that a Scottish roe requires

Loaded as low as 55 grains, and factory

engaged and the environment in your local

less energy to kill it than an English one – but

loaded up to 105, it makes an excellent

area. Whatever you choose, make sure you

the law is the law. Meanwhile, red, fallow and

lightweight

bear in mind the laws regarding legal calibres

sika in Scotland require a bullet of at least

knockdown power for small and medium-sized

and energies, which differ depending on your

100 grains and a muzzle energy of 1,700 ft/lb.

deer. And it can pass the legal requirements

quarry species and what side of the England-

Again, there is no minimum calibre, but a .270,

for larger deer too – though more on that in

Scotland border you live on.

.308 or .30-06 is really recommended.

a moment.

ensure is that you know the relevant laws.

.243 Winchester

hunters will be pleasantly surprised by how

It’s not the same as in England, where .243 is

Surely the most ubiquitous calibre in the UK,

good the .243 Win is, even in the ‘compromise’

the minimum for everything except the two

the .243 Win wins on versatility – it can take

bullet weights such as 87gn and 95gn. Bear in

smallest deer species. In Scotland, taking roe

on fox and deer alike – though not, in fact, on

mind these do preclude the larger deer species

as an example, there is no minimum calibre

ballistic performance in every scenario.

– for those you’ll have to step up to 105gn.

factors

including

availability,

For hunting in Scotland, the first thing to

calibre

while

offering

good

In terms of long-range accuracy, many

stated – but the bullet must weigh at least

An efficient, short-action design, the .243 Win

It is tempting to say the .243 Win could be

50 grains, have a minimum muzzle velocity

was a breakthrough in terms of factory-loaded

the answer to all, but be cautious. Beyond

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

85

know how calibre choice

accuracy to punch paper at some impressive ranges. On the other, the 7.62 NATO arms our allies and our enemies the world over.

The history of the calibre is complex. It began life as a research request from the American government to the Frankfort Arsenal. They wanted to achieve similar power and range capabilities to their already established .3006 Springfield, but in a smaller, more compact case. Pressure from the commercial world, and speculated leaks in case design, saw the chief of ordinance give Winchester the permission to use the cartridge in its rifles, and hence the .308 Win was born.

The hunting world owes a lot to the development of this cartridge, which was

“ In terms of long-range accuracy, many hunters will be pleasantly surprised by how good the .243 Win is ”

one of the first that really went for compact efficiency. Previously, the focus tended to be on packing more powder into bigger cases, and little time had been spent trying to achieve similar performance from a smaller cartridge.

The .308 Win led the way with this ethos, and more than 50 years on, we see the same

lightweight foxing loads, bullet selection for

efficiently hunting bigger species. Velocity was

quarry type is important. At the top end of the

only going to count for so much. There is a

You can’t avoid the .308 Winchester. You

.243 Win capabilities, it is a little underpowered,

certain point when you need bullet weight to

may deride it as the default no-imagination

and placement has to be good. That is why

penetrate and kill.

choice of so many hunters, but if you handle

priority emerge in modern calibre designs.

some estates insist on calibres larger than

You cannot deny that the .270 Win has

a lot of rifles, you’re going to end up using a

.243 Win when stag season comes around.

proved incredibly successful, and to this very

.308 sooner or later. The ease of use, ammo

It does offer tremendous scope, if used with

day, even in the UK we see .270 Win chambered

availability, undeniable accuracy, and sheer

some thought and attention.

rifles leaving gun shops on a regular basis.

choice with regard to rifles and reloading

The Forestry Commission, certainly for a time,

make the .308 Win hard to ignore, especially

.270 Winchester

used it as its calibre of choice, and it was

when considering the scope of game that can

Often cited as the ‘calibre that can do

the ‘go-to’ calibre of the hill stalker for many

be engaged with it. Certainly in Scotland, there

anything’. the .270 began its life in a rather

years. That said, I doubt it would have been

is nothing it cannot handle, and for the most

muted fashion. Turn the clock back to 1925,

elevated to such heights without the help of

part, when it is loaded with the correct bullet

when Winchester launched the 130-grain

Jack O’Connor.

weight and type, the calibre will tackle pretty

.270 Win to the hunting public, and the

much any form of game around the world.

story began as anything but the success the

.308 Winchester

calibre became. The calibre soon went quiet,

The .308 Win we use for sporting purposes

.30-06 Springfield

more than likely owing to the popularity and

leads a Jekyll and Hyde existence. On one hand

In the modern day, the .30-06 has been

availability of sporterised .30-06 Springfield

we put lead down-range in pursuit of game,

somewhat left behind. Seen as dated and less

rifles on the market.

and target shooters make use of the excellent

effective compared to modern Magnums, this

Then, the famous Jack O’Connor rescued the calibre. He took a large spectrum of game from around the world with the .270 Win, though his wife, who was also an avid hunter, used a 7x57. During those years more and more hunters chose the calibre as a good allround solution to North American game.

But as time wore on, we began to see cracks in the.270 Win. Most of these came in the form of excessive meat and skin damage owing to the high-velocity nature of the calibre.

Some hunters began to note that although O’Connor had successfully used the calibre on big American game, it was far more suited to open-range country on lighter game. Indeed the 130-grain bullet was woefully inadequate in the cold light of day when it came to

86

www.countrysportscotland.com

know how calibre choice

...or smaller, flatter-shooting calibre? The choice is youts

Big bore for down-range energy transfer...

Four firearms to pick from...

Sako 85 Carbonlight

Mauser M12 Max

Sako’s lightest ever rifle has a carbon fibre stock with a soft

This thumbhole version of Mauser’s M12 introduces a modern

touch surface, built using the same CFRP technology used in

twist to the design. The rifle still features the same wide breech,

the aerospace and racing industries yielding a rigid and durable

2lb direct trigger and 60-degree bolt lift, but with a considerable

rifle. The rifle has a cold-hammer forged barrel and a staggered,

change to the feel and pointability from the standard Prince of

two-row metallic magazine as well as an adjustable trigger and

Wales grip It’s available in nine standard calibres from .22-250 to

two-way safety. It comes in calibres from .22-250 to .30-06 with

9.3x62 with a 22in barrel and 5+1 detachable mag. There are also

matching action sizes.

magnum versions in 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag.

RRP £2,825 GMK 01489 579999 gmk.co.uk

RRP £1,504 Blaser 01483 917412 blaser-sporting.com

Howa Alpine

Merkel RX Helix

Embodying the trend for ultra-light mountain rifles, the Howa

Merkel’s flagship straight-pull switch-barrel rifle, the Helix is

Alpine boasts a new fibreglass stock and slimmer metalwork

field-strippable and allows you to change between different

than its parent, the 1500. The barrel’s lightweight, too, just

calibres on the same rifle. Barrels are available in standard

14.5mm in diameter. Coming in at 5.7lb overall, it’s an ideal

and semi-weight, three different lengths and standard calibres

choice for hill stalkers. You can get your hands on one in .243,

ranging from .222 to 9.3x62 as well as 7mm Rem Mag and .300

.308, 7mm08 and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Win Mag.

RRP £1,000 Highland Outdoors 0845 0990252

RRP from £2,602

www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk

Viking Arms 01423 780810 vikingshoot.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

87

know how calibre choice

hugely successful calibre deserves serious

used for the biggest and most dangerous

round calibre. It has no shortage of followers,

consideration from hunters in every country,

game). Despite this, many countries ban its

Scottish stalkers among them.

including the UK. Indeed, the usefulness of the

use on big game today – probably a sensible

The .300 Win Mag has seen global success,

calibre is reflected in the fact that every major

move for all but the most experienced hunter.

seeing extensive use as the calibre of choice

manufacturer offers rifles chambered in .30-06.

And for Scottish sport? It isn’t the flattest-

for antelope in the open plains, or cross-

Seen by Frank C Barnes as “undoubtedly

shooting and may be seen as a little on the

canyon

the most flexible, useful, all-round big game

heavy side, but don’t be put off. The 110-grain

sheep and goats. Equally, it provides adequate

cartridge available to the American hunter”,

bullet will adequately take care of any deer on

energy to cope with the biggest bears, pushing

its hunting credentials extend back to its

the hill, while heavier options give you scope

a 180-grain bullet with 3,500ft/lb muzzle

introduction via a bolt action rifle, the Remington

for varying conditions, foreign travel and wild

energy. It also exhibits more than acceptable

model 30, in 1921. Seen for decades as the

boar. In spite of this, it doesn’t do anything

varminting capabilities, using the flat-shooting

standard by which all other big game cartridges

the .308 Win can’t do cheaper, and in some

130-grain projectile.

should be judged, it’s perhaps surprising to

cases more accurately. So this is the choice

Of course, you can’t squeeze out all that

find that it performs very well even when pitted

of the headstrong individual. If you don’t want

performance without having to pay for it. The

against more modern rounds.

to follow the crowd, and don’t mind paying a

equal and opposite reaction to this down-

little extra for the ammo, then embrace an old

range magic is some unpleasant recoil.

For all deer species, goat or wild boar, its 180-grain offering is judged by experienced

favourite and choose the .30-06.

hunters to be able to cope with virtually any

targeting

for

perilously

perching

Plus, it’s hard not to feel that today, the calibre has been outclassed ballistically by the

hunting conditions. In the past it was used

.300 Win Mag

.300 Weatherby Magnum and more recently

for dangerous game in Africa, including lion,

The .300 Win Mag definitely falls into the long-

the .300 Rem Ultra Magnum. The numbers are

buffalo, and leopard, on a regular basis

distance category, but it encompasses some

quite telling if you delve into them. But given a

(though a 220-grain bullet was more widely

favourable properties, making it a superb all-

260-yard zero, the .300 Win Mag will still shoot inside a six-inch kill zone out to 300 yards. You

“ The .30-06 is the choice of the headstrong individual. If you don’t want to follow the crowd, and don’t mind paying a little extra for the ammo, then embrace it ”

will gain a few more yards with the Ultra Mag, sure, but even at out at 350 yards we are only talking a 1.5in advantage. Serious advantage is only seen in ultra-long range shots, which have questionable ethics at any rate. The .300 Win Mag provides an excellent compromise, with a level of accuracy that was never in question.

As important as picking the ‘right’ calibre is getting to know your setup on the range

88

www.countrysportscotland.com

GAME LOWLANDS

far from the hill Don Brunt says topography isn’t everything when it comes to driven game – Scotland’s lowland shoots certainly hold their own

W

Generally

speaking,

differs

of being able to move quickly. If you have

and ptarmigan on the

depending

on

shooting

several layers of clothing on, be careful not to

are

immediately

pheasant or partridge. If you get a partridge

mismount the gun. If the weather permits, it

mind when one

flying down a hedgerow 20 feet above a hedge

may be worth shedding a layer or two for the

thinks of Scottish game, there is still plenty

with sky behind it, it’s generally deemed to be

duration of the drive to allow yourself greater

of enjoyment to be had on shoots deemed

fair game, but the same doesn’t apply if it’s

range of movement and better gun mounts.

far less glamorous that make do without the

a pheasant, especially a hen bird. Because

As for technique, it’s the same for pheasant

plunging valleys of their (forgive the pun)

of their diminutive size, hens can look rather

and partridge. Go straight to the bird, pull off

higher profile brethren. Scotland’s lowland

further away than they actually are, especially

the beak and pull the trigger. Chances are you

pheasant and partridge shoots certainly hold

when silhouetted against a bright sky.

won’t have time to swing through, and if you

tops

hile

jumps to

moorland what

grouse

whether

etiquette you’re

their own against the best any other part of

It is not unusual to find yourself standing in

do you will get crossed up and come close

the UK have to offer. But you need to know

a wood where snap shooting is the order of

to losing your balance. Try to practise this

what to expect, and approach them in a

the day and the birds may be no higher than

technique before the season begins. Be aware

different way to the screaming high-bird or

the tree tops. In that situation, use the height

that a bird that is ‘cocking up’ and flapping its

driven grouse days.

of the trees to judge the range. What might

wings like hell to get up through the trees is

For most of us, the moment that we

look like a screamer might only be 30 yards

not something you should be shooting at.

ultimately aspire to is bringing down a cockbird

away or less, while if you were stood out in the

If the ground is very flat and the birds

on a cold, crisp morning, which folds neatly

open that same bird would look much lower.

are reluctant to get up, you can expect to

with its head back before tumbling to earth.

Quite often people will shoot a pheasant in a

take most of your shots as crossers, though

Of course, we all like to tell everyone how the

ride drive that they might not even put their

you must always ensure they have plenty of

bird in question was so high that it needed an

gun up to if they were stood out in the open.

sky around them. A good keeper will know

oxygen mask, but on most shoots the birds

There is very little time for footwork changes

how to best work his drives to get the best

are rather closer than you think, though that

when snap shooting, so place yourself on

results. Being stood on the peg and seeing

does little to dampen people’s enjoyment.

ground where you have the best chance

the beaters pushing birds away from you

90

www.countrysportscotland.com

GAME LOWLANDS

Cartridge choice is simple: 30 grams of No.6 is sufficient for any pheasant out to 45 yards

can be disconcerting. However, if they then

Use this combination and you can be assured

go forward, take on the wind and then come

that if you miss then it is your fault and not

curling back over you, then it will be a job well

the gun and cartridge combination. Bearing

done by the keeper.

in mind the ranges you will be shooting

Shot selection on driven pheasant days is

at between 25 and 35-40 yards, nothing

far easier than when tackling partridges as

more than 30in barrels are necessary, and

there won’t usually be as many in the air at

although I choose to shoot pheasants with a

one time. As far as etiquette is concerned, you

sporting over-and-under (because I like the

should stick to your own airspace spanning 45

weight and stability it affords) the choice is

degrees either side of you. It’s acceptable to

yours depending on your preference. Mid-

shoot at birds over your neighbour if they are

range pheasants can be shot with smaller

either unloaded or have just missed a bird out

gauges and a 20-bore or even a 28-bore can

in front, though there is a fine line between

be very effective in the right hands, though

a good sporting shot over your neighbour

don’t go too light on the cartridge load as you

and poaching a bird from his next door gun.

risk wounding if you do.

If a cock and a hen are flying together at

There are few better ways to spend a

similar heights and speeds, you should always

winter’s day than shooting pheasant or

choose the cockbird unless the hen is a more

partridge with friends. Try and remember as

challenging shot.

many of your shots as you can, for all too soon mid-season

the day will be over and you will be on the

pheasants, it’s recommended that you use

journey back home. Those memories will be

quarter and half choke through which 30

what tides you over until – at last – you and

grams of No.6 would be more than enough

your friends gather once more in a yard full of

to kill effectively and reliably out to 45 yards.

excited dogs, ready for the off.

For

traditional

early

to

Swift manoeuvres are key when shooting pheasants. Unrestricted clothing is essential

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

91

kit OPTICS

SIGHT SEEING

Glass your quarry and acquire targets with ten of the best scopes and binos money can buy

Vortex Optics Diamondback 8x42

Zeiss Victory RF

Part of Vortex’s all-encompassing optics range, the Diamondback

The newly released and reworked Victory RF sees Zeiss set a new

binocular has dielectric multi-coated lenses and a field of view of nearly

standard in premium rangefinding binos, with an effective range of

120m at 100m. It’s argon-purged and weighs in at a little over 600g.

2,500 yards. An integrated ballistic information system (BIS II) analyses

The binoculars are clad in rubber, with two thumb indents that give a

environmental data to give you accurate holdover data, while Bluetooth

comfortable grip when combined with the short-hinged design. The

connectivity means you can load your ballistics into the binos via an

eyecups twist up to adjust eye relief. The Diamondback is covered by the

app. With a relocated and enlarged focusing wheel, this is the complete

Vortex VIP Warranty as standard.

package for serious hunters.

Price: £220

Price: From £2,499.99

Country Sports Wholesale 01462 743223 csw-online.co.uk

Zeiss 01223 401525 zeiss.co.uk/sportsoptics

Hawke Endurance WA

Kahles K318i

Leica Geovid HD-B 3000

Brand new for 2018 is Hawke’s wide-angle

This new short-format scope packs a lot of optical

Boasting what Leica reckons is the highest laser

addition to the Endurance line. It boasts

quality into a compact body. It’s got an FFP reticle

rangefinding capability in its class, the Geovid

a super-wide 24-degree field of view for

and 3.5-18x50 specification, so it can reach out

HD-B 3000s can range out to – as the name

easy target acquisition, coupled with 4-inch

to longer ranges. The wide field of view and

suggests – 3,000 yards. Central to the HD-B range

eye relief. Built into a 30mm chassis, all

high-contrast sight picture are of the standard

is its ballistics system, with a microSD input so

models feature a heavy-duty erector system,

you’d normally only find in much longer scopes.

users can load their own ballistic data. The binos then calculate point of aim correction, taking

maximising internal stability. A glass-etched

Plus, this scope incorporates clearly defined and

illuminated ballistic reticle is available in either

precise clicks for repeat accuracy, twist-guard

only 0.3 seconds to output all relevant data.

LR Dot configuration or a similarly new LRC

windage adjustment with freely rotating end cover,

Temperature, barometric pressure and angle are

that provides the user with aim points to

and hex key for zeroing stowed away in the cap of

factored into the calculation. Plus, the unit has a

match centrefire ballistics.

the illumination unit. It’ll be available from April.

new display with more easily interpreted symbols.

Price: £459.99

Price: £2,830

Price: from £2,525 (HD-R from £2,175)

Hawke 01349 387762 hawkeoptics.com

RUAG 01579 362319 ruag.co.uk

Leica leica-sportoptics.com

92

www.countrysportscotland.com

kit OPTICS

Minox ZX5i 3-15x50

Swarovski Z8i 2-16x50 P

With a sporting reticle, the Minox ZX5i 3-15x50 SF Riflescope comes

The Z8i is a high performance riflescope from Swarovski that gives you

in matte black hard-anodised aluminium for exitra durability and zero

more than enough power and precision for hunting on the hill. The 8x

retention even when it’s knocked about. Built in a 30mm tube, it has

zoom factor combines a 21-metre field of view at the base magnification

extended fast focus dioptre adjustability. The 50mm objective lens is

and 93 per cent light transmission. Swarovski recommend their Optik

recessed over 20mm into the body for protection and to reduce glare

Ballistic app for calculating shot flights and their ballistic turret flex (BTF),

in the sunlight. Illumination control shuts off automatically after three

a separately configured turret that can be used as a top turret for bullet

hours, or if the rifle is laid vertically or on its side.

drop compensation or a side turret for windage adjustment.

Price: £799

Price: £2,350

Blaser 01483 917412 blaser-sporting.com

Swarovski 01737 856812 swarovskioptik.com

Delta Optical Titanium HD 2.5-10X56 SF

Kite Lynx

Steiner Ranger Xtreme

The most compact model in Kite’s range, the

Looking distinctly new-age but offering a

The Titanium line of rcopes has a 56mm objective

Lynx binos won’t weigh you down on a long hill

tried-and-tested spec, the Ranger Xtreme

lens thoughout the range, making for good light-

stalk – and they’ve got comfort eyecups and a

binos boast a range of handy advancements, such as a two-way-valve nitrogen pressure

gathering capability. The 2.5-10x spec is ideal for

large focus wheel to make the user experience

stalking, and features capped adjustments, a 30mm

even easier. A wide field of view (151m at 8x)

system and ClicLoc strap attachment. The

tube and side parallax. Other features include

gives you the maximum change of acquiring

eyecups adjust using a twist mechanism. An

an ergonomic zoom ring, illuminated reticles and

targets, while the outer lens surfaces are

extra-wide field of view complements Steiner’s

variable illumination. It boasts 92 per cent light

reinforced with Kite’s new PermaVision coating,

crisp optics, while a balanced grip and long-

transition and cones with a 10-year warranty.

which makes them dirt-and water repellent, as

life rubber armouring make these binoculars tough and comfortable.

Price: £625.99

well as much more resistant to scratches.

Sportsman Gun Centre 01392 354854

Price: From £470

Price: From £430

sportsmanguncentre.com

Browning 01235 514550 browning.eu

GMK 01489 579999 gmk.co.uk

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

93

DIRECTORY

where to shoot

2

Plan your next Scottish shooting foray anywhere from the Borders to the Highlands with this selection of outfitters and estates compiled by the SCSTG

1

3

4 5

6

7

8

9

10 11

SCSTG Regions 1

Shetland

2

Orkney

3

The Outer Hebrides

4

Highlands and Skye

5

Aberdeen and Grampian

6

Angus and Dundee

7

Perthshire

8

Argyll, the Isles, Loch

Lomond, Stirling and

Trossachs 9

The Kingdom of Fife

10 Edinburgh and the Lothians 11 Glasgow and the Clyde Valley 12 Ayrshire and Arran 13 Dumfries and Galloway 14 Scottish Borders

94

www.countrysportscotland.com

14

12

13

DIRECTORY

4

Achentoul Estate

5

Aswanley

4

Black Mount Estate (Glen

Anson MacAuslan, Welbeck Estates

Lauren Rodman, Aswanley, Glass, by

Etive)

Co Ltd, Portland Estates Office,

Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4XJ

Helen Polley, Bidwells, Carn Dearg

Berriedale, Caithness, Highlands,

sophie@aswanley.com, 01466

House, North Road, Fort William,

KW7 6HE

700262, www.aswanley.com

Highlands, PH33 6PP

macanson@hotmail.com, 01593 751237

7

Atholl Estates

Andrew Bruce Wootton, Atholl

helen.polley@bidwells.co.uk, 01397 702433

Estates, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, 4

Achnacarry Sporting &

PH18 5TH

3

Borve Lodge Estate

Country Pursuits

abw@atholl-estates.co.uk,

Steve Woodhall (Estate Manager),

Linda Poll, Ardechive House,

01796 481355

Estate Office, Borve Lodge, Borve,

Achnacarry, Spean Bridge,

www.atholl-estates.co.uk

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides,

Highlands, PH34 4EL info@achnacarrycountry.co.uk,

HS3 3HT 5

Auchmacoy Estate

INTERNATIONAL BIG GAME & BIRD HUNTING

steve@borvelodge.com,

07554 275832

Sheila McIntosh, Auchmacoy Estate

01859 550358 / 07810 023255

www.achnacarrycountry.co.uk

Office, Ellon, Aberdeenshire,

www.borvelodge.com

Long-established, well

AB41 8RB 4

ALTYRE ESTATE

Sir Alistair Gordon-Cumming, Altyre

office@auchmacoyestate.co.uk, 01358 720291

Estate, Forres, Moray, Highlands office@altyre.com, 01309 672265, www.altyre-estate.co.uk 4

Alvie and Dalraddy

4

Badanloch Estate

shooting, stalking and fishing in

Diane Fleming, Badanloch Estate Ltd

Highlands, KW7 6HE

Scotland, as well as throughout

c/o Strutt and Parker, The Courier

macanson@hotmail.com,

the UK and big game hunting

Building, 9-11 Bank Lane, Inverness,

01593 751237

and wing shooting overseas.

Truly everything is available –

diane.fleming@struttandparker.

14

Inverness-shire, PH21 1NE

com, 01463 719171

Billy Hamilton, Buccleuch Arms, The

info@alvie-estate.co.uk,

www.badanlochestates.co.uk

Green, St Boswells, Melrose, The

01540 651255 9

Balbirnie Home Farms

Robert Balfour, Pitillock Farm,

01835 822243 / 07803 745331

Freuchie, Fife, KY15 7JQ

buccleucharms.com

01337 857437

13

The Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AS

www.balbirnie.com

Forrest Estate Enterprises

info@amhuinnsuidhe.com,

endless – get in touch to discuss your ideas and requirements.

Offering personal attention, quality accommodation and experienced guides, International Big Game & Bird Hunting pays attention to every part of the experience – pulling

Andrew Case, Case Sport/Forrest 7

Ballathie House Hotel &

Liz Edington, Ballathie House Hotel

Galloway, DG7 3XS

& Estate, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perth,

andrew@casesport.com,

Rosy Thomson, Ardchattan Priory,

PH1 4QN

01644 430469

Oban, Argyll, PA37 1RQ

liz@ballathiehousehotel.com,

07747 691447

admin@ardchattan.co.uk

01250 883268

www.casesport.com

www.ardchattan.co.uk

www.ballathiehousehotel.com

goes around it.

Visit www.kiltarlity.com, email girlboots@btinternet.com, or call Cara on 07771 695494 / 01540 661496.

7 12

Ballogie Estate

the trigger and everything that

Estate Enterprises, St John’s Town of Dalry, Castle Douglas, Dumfries &

Ardnamurchan Estates

groups. The possibilities are

Case Sport /

Estate

Ardchattan

from single hunters to large family

billy@buccleucharms.com,

RobertBalfour@balbirnie.com,

8

for all budgets and group sizes

Scottish Borders, TD6 0EW

Castle, Isle of Harris, Western Isles,

www.amhuinnsuidhe.com

from bespoke packages designed

Buccleuch Arms

Innes Morrison, Amhuinnsuidhe

01859 560200,

sporting experience, including

Estates Office, Berriedale, Caithness,

4

Estate Office, Kincraig, Kingussie,

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Hunting can offer all forms of

Welbeck Estates Co Ltd, Portland

IV1 1WA

3

International Big Game & Bird

Estates

David Kinnear / Sarah Harvie, Alvie

www.alvie-estate.co.uk

connected and reliable,

Braemore and Langwell

Cassillis & Culzean Estates

Craiganour Estate

Romy Jackson, Craiganour Estate

Ann Williamson / Chris Savage,

c/o Savills, Earn House, Broxden

Niall Rowantree, West Highland

Jean Menage, Ballogie Estate Office,

Cassillis & Culzean Estates,

Business Park, Lamberkine Drive,

Hunting, Ardnamurchan Estates,

Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5DS

Jameston, Maidens, Girvan,

Perth, PH1 1RA

Acharacle, Argyll, PH36 4LH

info@ballogie-estate.co.uk,

Ayrshire, KA26 9NF

RLJackson@savills.com,

hunting@westhighland-hunting.

01339 886497

ann@cassillisestate.co.uk,

01738 477535

co.uk, 01972 500275 / 01972 510208

www.ballogie-estate.co.uk

01655 332555

www.craiganour.co.uk

8

5

www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk 8

Benmore Estate

4

Corrielair Estate

7

Culfargie Estates

(Isle of Mull)

Lynda Campbell, Corrielair Estate,

(Bandirran and Lochan)

Hugh Nicol MRICS, Argyll Estates

Michael Laing, Benmore Estate, c/o

Battleby Farm, Redgorton, Perth,

Brian Kaye, Culfargie Estate Office,

office, Cherry Park, Inveraray, Argyll

Strutt & Parker, 5 St John Street,

PH1 3EN /

Tarrylaw, Balbeggie, Perth, PH2 6HL

& The Isles, PA32 8XE

Perth, PH1 5SP

Highlands, IV63 7YW

Brian.Kaye@culfargie-estates.co.uk,

enquiries@inveraray-castle.com,

michael.laing@struttandparker.com,

lynda.campbell@ihbrown.com,

01821 640294

01499 302203

01738 783353 / 07894 623979

01738 637175

www.bandirran.co.uk

www.inveraray-castle.com

www.benmoreestate.co.uk

8

Argyll Estates

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

95

DIRECTORY

office@dougarie.com,

4

Glenaladale Estate

www.dougarie.com

Glenfinnan, Fort William, Highlands,

0131 331 9940,

PH37 4LT

www.hopetoun.co.uk

Drimnin Estate

Rhonda Newsham, Drimnin Estate,

j.cheape@btinternet.com, 01397 722411

Morvern, Highlands, PA80 5XZ

4

Glenavon Estate

Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5QD

07714 248425

c/o Glenavon and Braulen Estates,

richard@innerhadden.co.uk,

www.drimninestate.co.uk

Beannacharan Lodge, Braulen

01882 632423 / 07917 120429

Estate, Glen Strathfarrar, Beauly,

www.innerhadden.co.uk

7

Drummond Estates

Inverness, IV4 7JX

Michael Aldridge, Drummond Estate

admin@glenavonestate.co.uk,

the past six years. The Hotel is

Office, Muthill, Perthshire, PH5 2AA

01463 761204

Friendly Hotel of the Year for 2017.

This 38-bedroomed hotel is owned and run by a family who have been involved in country sports for over 50 years and know exactly what guests require.

The sport available is wide

Inverness-shire, PH21 1NU

01764 681257,

Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover,

girlboots@btinternet.com,

www.simulatedgameshooting.com

Glenmuick Estate, Glenmuick,

07771 695494

Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5SL

www.kiltarlity.com

14

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

01335 350279 www.glenmuick.com

high, testing pheasants and

01835 822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk

partridges from drives whose

excitement to ‘mixed’ and ‘knockabout’ days.

7

East Haugh House Hotel

Glenprosen Estate

Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TW angus@invercauld.org,

Headkeeper’s Cottage, Glenprosen

01339 741224

Estate, Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 4SD

www.invercauld.org

Perthshire, PH16 5TE

01575 540319

info@easthaugh.co.uk,

www.glenprosenestate.co.uk

4

Inverpolly Estate

David & Nicky Davies, Inverpolly Estate, Ullapool, Ross-shire IV26 2YB

01796 473121, www.easthaugh.co.uk 4

Edinglassie

Invercauld Estate

Ruth White, Estate Office,

info@glenprosenestate.co.uk,

5

5

Angus McNicol, The Estate Office, 4 The Keiloch, Invercauld, Braemar,

6

Sophie McGown, Pitlochry,

All types of shooting and stalking are available:

enquiries@glenmuick.com,

St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish lee@dryburgh.co.uk,

which adds great variety and

5

Lee Renton, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, Borders, TD6 0RQ

as an extensive range of species,

International Big Game &

Bird Hunting

Glenmuick Estate

drummondestates.org.uk,

renowned local shoots providing

all of the shooting world, as well

4

Cara Richardson, Burnbank, Insh,

michael_aldridge@

and varied, with some of the

names are well known throughout

Estate, Kinloch Rannoch, by

Debbie Behan, Glenavon Estate Ltd

Sports Hotel of the Year for

Hotel as well as Scottish Dog

Innerhadden Estate

enquiries@drimninestate.co.uk,

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has been

currently Scottish Country House

7

Richard Barclay, Innerhadden

Drimnin House, by Lochaline,

recognised as Scottish Country

clays@hopetoun.co.uk,

Jane Cheape, Slatach House,

4

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Edinburgh & The Lothians, EH30 9SL

01770 840259,

Glenshiel Estate

Claire Acheson (Estate Alison

info@inverpolly.com, 01854 622452, www.inverpolly.com

• Pigeons over decoys

Malcolm Hay, Edinglassie, Huntly,

Stoddard), The Burton Property

• Roebuck stalking

Aberdeenshire, AB54 4YD

Trust c/o Galbraith Group, 17 Old

• Grouse – walked up, over

malcolm.hay@btinternet.com,

Edinburgh Road, Inverness, IV2 3HF

Jacqui Wallace / Iain Biggart, Kilchoan

pointers and driven

01466 700274

claire.acheson@galbraithgroup.

Estate Office, Inverie, Knoydart,

com; booking@glenshielestate.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire, PH41 4PL

com, 01463 224343 / 07766 770796

kilchoanestate@btinternet.com,

(Alison), www.glenshielestate.com

01687 462133

• Driven pheasant and partridge • Mixed walk-up days, woodcock a specialty Contact: mark@dryburgh.co.uk, 01835 822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk

6

Dalhousie Estates

Richard Cooke, Dalhousie Estates,

5

Fasque & Glendye Estates

Murdo MacLeod/Rachel Sedgwick,

Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne,

Katrina Larson, Kingairloch Estate,

www.fasqueandglendye.com

Aberdeenshire, AB34 5EU

Ardgour, Fort William, Highlands,

info@glentanar.co.uk,

PH33 7AE

01339 886451, www.glentanar.co.uk

info@kingairloch.co.uk,

9

Game Shooting Fife Ltd

www.dalhousieestates.co.uk

Strathkinness, Fife, KY16 9SA

01967 411242 7

Highland Lodges

07502 412201

Gardens, Meigle, Perthshire,

14

www.deerscotland.com

PH12 8QX

Doug Virtue, Lammermuir Game

info@HLSCOT.co.uk,

Services, Whiteknowes House,

01828 640064 / 07900 861270

Westruther, Gordon, Berwickshire,

www.highlandlodges-scotland.com

TD3 6NE

George Goldsmith

10

www.diana-hunting.com

48 North Castle Street, Edinburgh,

Hopetoun Estates

info@georgegoldsmith.com,

10

Jamie Gibbs, The Estate Office,

0131 476 6500

Mike Eagers, Home Farm,

Dougarie, Isle of Arran, KA27 8EB

www.georgegoldsmith.com

Hopetoun, South Queensferry,

www.countrysportscotland.com

Lammermuir Shoot

info@lammermuirshoot.co.uk,

EH2 3LU

96

www.kingairloch.co.uk

Nicki Barnett, Kinloch Beag, The

info@diana.dk, 00 45 6220 2540

Dougarie Estate

4

jamie.horne@deerscotland.com,

240, DK-5700, Svendborg, Denmark

12

Kingairloch Estate

Rachel Gray, Brooks House,

Jamie Horne, 58 Main Street,

Diana

Glen Tanar Estate

01330 850689 / 07714 409122

01356 624566

Kristina Moellar, Diana, Faaborgvej

5

factor@fasqueandglendye.com,

Invermark, Angus, DD9 6SG dalhousieestates@btinternet.com,

Kilchoan Estate

www.kilchoan-knoydart.com

Bridge of Dye, Strachan, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6LT

4

01578 740258 www.lammermuirshoot.co.uk

DIRECTORY

4

Loch Choire Estate

7

Pitcarmick Estate

14

Rule Valley Simulated Game

4

Strathspey Estate

Abigail Severn, c/o Savills (UK) Ltd, 7

Mark Wood, Lower Dalvey,

David Reddihough, Rule Valley

Tracy Wharton, Strathspey Estate

The Square, Fochabers, Highlands,

Pitcarmick Estate, Ballintuim,

Simulated Game, Spittal on Rule,

Office, Old Spey Bridge Road,

IV32 7LD

Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 7PZ

Denholm, Hawick,TD9 8TA

Grantown-on -Spey, Moray,

Asevern@savills.com, 01343 823000

pitcarmicksporting@btinternet.com,

info@rulevalley.com, 01450 870202

Highlands, PH26 3NQ

07769 206003

www.rulevalley.com

01479 872529

7

Lude Estate

Duncan Gordon, Lude Estate, Blair

www.strathspey-estate.co.uk 7

Rannoch Estate

5

Scotsport Strone Estate

Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5TR

Anna Young, Rannoch Estate,

Alf Sorensen, Learney House,

dwjg@lude.co.uk, 01796 481230,

Rannoch Barracks, by Rannoch

Torphins, Banchory, Aberdeenshire,

Tom Turnbull, Strone House,

www.ludeestatecottages.co.uk

Station, Perthshire, PH17 2QE

AB31 4NB

Cairndow, Argyll, PA26 8BQ

rannochdeermanagement@gmail.

scotsportuk@btconnect.com,

strone@btconnect.com,

com, 01882 633241

01339 889290 / 07712 892456

01499 600284 / 07743 879830

www.rannoch-estate.com

www.scotsportuk.com

7

MacIntyre & Thomson

Simon Wright, MacIntyre & Thomson, 42 Comrie Street, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4AX

8

4 7

Remony Estate

12

Sorn Castle Shoot

Suisgill Estate

Diana Darwall, Suisgill Estate,

macintyreandthomson@btinternet.

James Duncan Millar, Remony

Nick Wright, The Estate Office,

Blachford Manor, Cornwood,

com, 01764 670150

Estate, Aberfeldy, Perthshire,

Ulzieside, Sanquhar, Ayrshire,

Nr Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9QX /

www.macintyreandthomson.co.uk

PH15 2HR

DG4 6LA

Highlands, KW8 6HY

remony@btinternet.com,

nick@stanleywright.co.uk, 01659

diana.darwall@btinternet.com,

01887 830209

58697

klaus_olofsen@hotmail.com, Klaus

7

Mansfield Estates

Anne Conoboy, Mansfield Estate, Scone Palace, Scone, Perthshire PH2 6BD

07787 527824

www.lochtaylodges.co.uk 12 8

Resipole Farm

South Ayrshire Stalking

www.suisgill.co.uk

Chris Dalton, Garryloop, Penkill, Old Teasses Estate

estate@scone-palace.co.uk,

Peter Sinclair, Resipole Farm,

Dailly, Girvan, Ayrshire, KA26 9TG

01738 554920

Resipole, Acharacle, Argyll,

chris@ayrstalk.co.uk, 01465 871393 /

Kenneth Horne, Teasses Estate Office,

PH36 4HX

07710 871190

Ceres, by Leven, Fife, KY8 5PG

peterresipole@googlemail.com,

www.ayrstalk.co.uk

kennethhorne@teasses.com,

5

Mar Lodge Estate

Lisa Dipper, Mar Lodge Estate,

01967 431422

Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ

www.resipole.co.uk

marlodgeestate@nts.org.uk, 01339 720163 Murthly and Strathbraan

9

07966 529327 / 01334 840580 4

Southesk Estate

www.teasses.com

Charles Gow, Southesk Estate Office, 4

RHIDORROCH ESTATE

Haughs of Kinnaird, Brechin, Angus,

4

Tulchan Estate

Kim Scobie, Rhidorroch Estate,

DD9 6UA

Christopher Excell, Tulchan Estate,

Ullapool, Ross-shire, Highlands,

factor@southesk.co.uk,

Advie, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray,

Estate

IV26 2XQ

01674 810240

PH26 3PW

Ralph Peters, c/o Bidwells, 5 Atholl

holidays@rhidorroch.com

www.southesk.co.uk

estateoffice@tulchan.com,

Place, Perth, PH1 5NE

01854 612373

ralph.peters@bidwells.co.uk,

www.rhidorroch.com

7

01738 630666

01807 510200, www.tulchan.com 3

South Uist Estate Tweed Valley Sporting

Jennifer MacLeod, South Uist Estate,

14

Storas Uibhist, Oifis Storas, Daliburgh,

Dougie McKenna, Tweed Valley

Victoria Roddie, Roxburghe Estates,

South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SS

Sporting, Unit 6, South Park Industrial

Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7SF

jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.com,

Estate, Peebles, EH45 9ED

Mrs A G O Walker, Newark Castle,

vroddie@floorscastle.com,

01878 700101

info@tweedvalleysporting.co.uk,

Ayr, KA7 4ED

01573 227 663

www.grogarrylodge.com

01721 726462 / 07836 606316

fiona@newarkcastle.plus.com,

www.roxburghe.net

www.murthly-estate.com 12

Newark Castle

14

Roxburghe Estates

Sporting Lets

01292 441587 Roxton Bailey Robinson

7

Venator Pro

Galbraith Group/Sporting Lets,

Kenneth Larsen, Venator Pro Ltd,

Ltd

Lynedoch House, Barossa Place,

Riverview Business Centre, Unit 3,

Alastair Riddell, Balintyre House,

25 High Street, Hungerford,

Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5EP, sporting@

Friarton Road, Perth, PH2 8DF

North Chesthill Estate, Glen Lyon,

Berkshire, RG17 0NF

galbraithgroup.com, 01738 451600

kenneth.larsen@venatorpro.com,

Perthshire, PH15 2NH

info@roxtons.com, 01488 689788

www.sportinglets.co.uk

01738 479714 / 07940 297921

information@chesthill.com,

www.roxtons.com

7

North Chesthill Estate

01887 877267, www.chesthill.com 4

Pearsie Estate

www.venatorpro.com 6

RJH Sports

Strathmore Estates

Willy Inglis, Strathmore Estates,

9

Woodmill Shootings

Russell Hird, RJH Sports, 9 New

Glamis, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1RJ

Steven Wade, Woodmill Shootings,

Mrs Rosemary Rose, Pearsie Estate,

Street, Back, Isle of Lewis, Outer

admin@strathmore-estates.co.uk,

Woodmill, Lindores, Newburgh, Fife,

Glen Prosen Sporting Limited, East

Hebrides, HS2 0LH

willy.inglis@galbraithgroup.com,

KY14 6JA

Memus, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3TY

info@rjhsports.co.uk, 07751 839579

01307 840242

stalking@woodmillshootings.com,

rrose@memus.com, 01307 860355

www.rjhsports.co.uk

www.strathmore-estates.co.uk

01337 810428

6

www.pearsie-lodge.com

www.woodmillshootings.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

97

BACK PAGE CAUTIONARY TALE

SAFETY FIRST AND LAST Speaking from experience, Darryl Pace recalls why safety is more important than anything else on the hill

T

his book is full of stories of hill and field –

grasses. The next thing I recall is dragging

I tell you all this because though still incredibly

both places I was unable to visit for some

myself up and out of it in tremendous pain. My

uncomfortable, it could have been far worse.

time, instead spending it lying somewhat

face had planted in nettles, my wrist had a deep

Good gun safety, walking with a broken

contorted on the sofa. The reason? An

throb, and my leg was in agony. Fortunately help

gun, meant a far more serious accident

accident while on the first drive of the first day

was only a few metres away, with my wife on

was avoided. Who knows what would have

of the season on our small syndicate shoot.

hand first to see what had happened, followed

happened otherwise.

I was a standing gun. The walking line had reached the end of a small valley, and with

promptly by my brother, as well as guest and fellow Shoot In Scotland writer Jason Doyle.

It also focused the mind as to how ill prepared many of us are to tackle even minor

my young dog at heel, I wanted to work him

The end result was a broken wrist, and a

incidents in the field. We had a basic first aid kit

through the last part of the drive. Setting him

laceration to the knee down to my kneecap,

with us, but little more, and how many people

free, I jumped the fence, strode over about

requiring 20 stitches. Despite having such a

can make use of the items in there? Really, as

10 paces, my attention focused primarily on

severe open wound requiring cleaning from

hunters and shooters, an understanding of how

the hound, before taking a final, fatal step that

embedded debris, some medical incompetence

to deal with injuries, and the kit to help us do it,

would write off any chance of proper physical

intervened and I got no prescription for

is the minimum we should take into the field.

activity for six weeks.

antibiotics despite it being mandatory in such

Fortunes can change quickly in hunting –

instances. As such, my recovery was stunted by

nowhere more so than in Scotland. Above all,

the week of infection that promptly followed.

shoot straight and shoot safe.

What I hadn’t seen was a drainage ditch, about six feet deep, covered over with dead

98

www.countrysportscotland.com