Shoot in Scotland 2017/18

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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

£4.95

SHOOT IN SCOTLAND 2017/18

2017/18

In association with the

Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group

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www.countrysportscotland.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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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

of sporting providers that can be contacted

Scotland on your next sporting trip. Visit the

world class sporting shooting and deer-

directly with enquiries. It also contains helpful

website www.countrysportscotland.com for

travel tips for those coming from overseas.

more information and sporting opportunities.

stalking destination to potential visitors. It provides comprehensive information about the

We hope you find the magazine of great

various sports available and lists a wide variety

help and look forward to welcoming you to

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www.countrysportscotland.com

SCSTG

introduction

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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contents

contents

28 9 EDITOR’S FOREWORD

24 KNOW YOUR GAME

44 GET GEARED UP

Pete Carr dwells on the allure of Scotland and

Get acquainted with shooting kit, seasons

Whether it’s tweeds, camo or hill boots you’re

how it has played host to some of his greatest

and etiquette – it’s Don Brunt’s beginners’

after, we’ve got all the clothing and footwear

sporting memories

guide to game

that will do the job north of the border

10 PLANNING YOUR TRIP

28 UNDERAPPRECIATED GEM

47 ROGUE STAG

Useful links from the Scottish Country Sports

Though less celebrated than grouse or

Pete Carr finds himself stalking up a river bed

Tourism Group

ptarmigan shooting, Scottish pheasant

to catch a Glen Etive stag that’s been causing

shooting is still among the world’s finest,

some trouble

13 WHERE TO STAY

opines Simon Everett

52 THE CHASE IS ON

We’ve listed shooting and fieldsports-friendly hotels around Scotland, proudly bestowed with the SCSTG’s mark of excellence

33 THE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT

Ayrshire stalking guide Chris Dalton takes a

A salmon on the fly, a brace of grouse off the

the weather threatens to derail proceedings

client out in search of a rutting roebuck – but

16 ABOUT THE SCSTG

hill, a stag in the roar – all in one day. Pete

Andrew Grainger on the Scottish Country

Carr has done it after 30 years of trying – here

56 THE TESTING BENCH

Sports Tourism Group’s role and how it plans

he finally tells the tale

Byron Pace reviews the versatile and hill-ready Mauser M03 .308 rifle

to support field sports providers in 2017

38 GROUSE 101 18 TRAVEL ADVICE

Top shooting coach Nick Hollick has all the

60 ALL THE OPTICS

By plane, train or automobile – we have

technique tips you need before heading to

We’ve brought together 15 binoculars and

useful links and advice for travelling to and

the butts on 12 August

riflescopes for spying quarry and drawing a

within Scotland

bead on the hill

40 SUBLIME SMALL-BORE 20 ESSENTIAL INFO

The best things come in small packages,

65 SIKA PURSUIT

Considering your first ever Scottish trip?

as Richard Atkins finds when he tests the

Chris Dalton celebrates sika stag stalking in

Here’s a guide to the activities on offer

Browning 725 Hunter in 20-bore

Scotland and heads out to grass one himself

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contents

Cover photo: John A Cameron / Shutterstock Editorial department Editor-in-chief Pete Carr Deputy editor Colin Fallon Sub-editors Anthony Platt, Kate Puttick Art editor Jonathon Hyland Advertising sales 01225 687394 fieldsports@futurenet.com All departments First Floor, Unit 4 Jephson Court, Tancred Close, Leamington Spa CV31 3RZ fieldsports@futurenet.com Production Production and procurement manager – Matthew Eglinton Production and proceurement co-ordinator – Alison Kenehan Subscriptions & back issues Online: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Email: contact@myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Telephone: UK: 0344 848 2852 International: +44 344 848 2852

47 85 EVERYTHING YOU NEED... ...when stalking or shooting game. We’ve got all the essentials covered

88 LEADING LADIES We learn more about the SCSTG’s work to encourage women into the shooting sports

92 WHERE TO SHOOT Plan your next Scottish shooting trip with our exhaustive listing of shooting locations

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in Scotland

96 FIREARMS ADVICE 69 PTARMIGAN ON THE TOPS

Dos and don’ts to keep you within the law

At 3,000 feet, Pete Carr experiences one of his most remote shooting days ever in pursuit

98 THE KEEPER’S WAY

of ptarmigan

Hill keeper Davy Thomas considers the future of the Scottish sporting way of life

73 HIGH ANXIETY How high is too high when shooting geese on the foreshore? William Wykes has all the advice you need

76 GET YOUR GOAT

Management Managing director, magazines – Aaron Asadi Editorial director, field sports – Paul Newman Group editor-in-chief – Peter Carr Art director, Leamington Spa – Chris Sweeney Group art director – Rodney Dive Licensing Senior licensing and syndication manager – Matt Ellis Matt.Ellis@futurenet.com +44 (0)1225 442244 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers. The opinions expressed by the correspondents are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Future Publishing Limited recommends that readers satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of advertisers’ claims before any purchase is made, and accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from any purchase.

Readers are advised to make appropriate enquiries and take appropriate advice before sending money, incurring any expense or entering into binding commitment in relation to an advertisement in this publication. Future PLC shall not be liable for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of accepting or offering to accept any invitation contained in any advertisement or article published in this title.

Future Publishing Limited provides the information contained in this publication in good faith and makes no representations as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out any instructions detailed in this publication do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of parts, equipment and environment for a particular use. Appropriate protective/safety gear should be worn at all times when handling dangerous equipment.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future Publishing Limited, its supplier or any of their employees, agents, subcontractors or contributors shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information, provided that nothing shall exclude or limit the liability of any party for personal injury or death caused by negligence or for anything else which cannot be excluded or limited by law.

Bedfordshire keeper Paul Childerley heads north to grass a Billy

80 WILDFOWLER’S DREAM Shaun Carr has the time of his life when heading to the wildfowler’s mecca, Orkney, for four days’ goose shooting

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introduction

editor’s foreword Pete Carr describes his personal affinity for Scotland and how this spellbinding land has captured many a sporting enthusiast’s heart

I

have been fortunate enough

Scottish game is now available to all who would

just have to find it ,and this journal is the ideal

to engage all manner of game

seek it. Thanks to the proliferation of budget

starting place to find inspiration for a sporting

around the world, covering four

airlines, Scotland is easy to get to, and there’s

odyssey like no other.

continents. However, as excit-

so much worth seeing outside of sporting in-

Scotland is unequalled in the variety of sport

ing as the pursuit of musk ox is across the bar-

terests, it’s a great destination to take the wife

it has to offer. The dedicated driven game

ren tundra of Greenland, the adrenalin rush

along with you and gain a few points on the

shooter will find pheasant and partridge shoots

of dangerous game in the African bush, driven

credit side of the domestic ledger.

of the highest quality, and moors the envy of

wild boar in the Bavarian forest or moose on

Never before has there been such oppor-

all the uplands. Wild game enthusiasts will find

the Scandinavian peninsula, nothing compares

tunity for sport in Scotland. There are many

woodcock, snipe, ptarmigan and plover. Wild-

to the quality of sport, Highland welcome, and

outfitters offering sport (see page 92 for a list

fowlers are spoilt for choice, as are game fish-

dramatic landscapes of Scotland. As exciting as

of places to shoot), and travel is reasonably

ers and stalkers. Highland stag stalking is truly

the aforementioned quarry and destinations

inexpensive, as is accommodation. Sport here

unique to Scotland and is conducted in exactly

have been during my extensive travels with rod,

is no longer the pursuit of the privileged few,

the same way as it was in Victorian times when

gun and rifle, I have always had a strong urge to

class boundaries are mostly gone, and you

the pursuit was made fashionable by Albert the

return home, particularly to Scotland, and sam-

might even find yourself in the company of the

prince consort.

ple the finest traditions of sport, some unique

laird himself.

to this wild country, with a turbulent history and a proud populace.

It matters not if it’s the rise of the grouse,

The rise of the middle class has enabled

the pull of a fish or a nerve-testing stalk into a

those of us who want to work to earn a rea-

stag that floats your boat. Scotland caters for

Be it the mountain lochs, screes and granite

sonable living that will allow a little shooting

all, and with a world-famous welcome, what’s

cathedrals, of the Highlands, or the heather-car-

or fishing indulgence. All Scottish field sports

not to like? I hope Shoot In Scotland inspires

peted moorlands, bogs and mosses, the west

have become so much more available. Now no

you to come to Scotland and sample some of

coast firths, rivers, and dramatic foreshores,

longer the sole preserve of the aristocracy and

the sport this wild, rugged country has to of-

Scotland never fails to impress, and everywhere

officer class, any safe, polite sportsman can fol-

fer. Come and immerse yourself in the unique

promises sport. Indeed the country’s sporting

low the path of Nimrod if he so chooses, and

traditions of this inimitable land and its people.

heritage is steeped in unparalleled tradition.

Scotland really is the perfect destination. There

Give Scotland a try – you will not be disappoint-

Once the sport of the ennobled, the pursuit of

is wild sport to suit all pockets out there – you

ed I assure you. Slåinte.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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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: search for “Scottish Country Sports Tourism�

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www.countrysportscotland.com

on travelling with firearms

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where to stay

Stay and shoot Rest assured in this list of shooting-friendly hotels and lodges, compiled by the SCSTG specifically with field sports in mind

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 shooting-friendly 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.

ABERDEENSHIRE

Blair House

Aswanley Holiday Cottages

ARGYLL

Lauder, Berwickshire,

INVERNESS-SHIRE

Glass, by Huntly,

The Pierhouse Hotel ****

TD2 6RA

Alvie Holiday Cottages ***

Aberdeenshire, AB54 4XJ

Port Appin, Argyll, PA38 4DE

enquiries@carfraemill.co.uk,

Alvie Estate, Kincraig, Kingussie,

sophie@aswanley.com,

nick.horne@pierhousehotel.co.uk,

01578 750750,

Inverness-shire, PH21 1NE

01466 700262,

01631 730302,

www.carfraemill.co.uk

info@alvie-estate.co.uk,

www.aswanley.com

www.pierhousehotel.co.uk

01540 651255, The Wheatsheaf

www.alvie-estate.co.uk

AYRSHIRE

at Swinton ****

& Mill Cottage

Blair Estate

Main Street, Swinton,

Dalrachney Lodge ***

Lower Dess Sporting Estates,

Dalry, Ayrshire, KA24 4ER

Berwickshire, TD11 3JJ

Grantown Road, Carrbridge,

Aboyne, Aberdeenshire,

enquiries@blairestate.com

reception@wheatsheaf-swinton.

Inverness-shire, PH23 3AT

AB34 5BE

01294 833100,

co.uk, 01890 860257,

dalrachney@aol.com,

antonia@lowerdessestate.com,

www.blairestate.com

www.wheatsheaf-swinton.co.uk

01479 841252,

Glenapp Castle *****

Muckrach Country

Mill of Dess Lodge

www.dalrachney.com

01763 264249, Ballantrae, South Ayrshire,

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

ANGUS

KA26 0NZ

Friars Carse Country

House Hotel ***

House of Turin

info@glenappcastle.com,

House Hotel ***

Dulnain Bridge,

Turin House, Forfar, Angus,

01465 831212,

Auldgirth, Dumfries, Dumfries &

Grantown-on-Spey,

DD8 2UF

www.glenappcastle.com

Galloway, DG2 0SA

Inverness-shire, PH26 3LY

fcsalesandevents@pofr.co.uk,

info@muckrach.com,

www.lowerdessestate.com

info@houseofturin.com, 01307 830463,

BERWICKSHIRE

01387 740388,

01479 851227,

www.houseofturin.com

The Lodge Carfraemill

www.friarscarse.co.uk

www.muckrach.com

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where to stay

Glenapp Castle

House of Turin

Mill of Dess Lodge

Kingsmills Hotel

01479 872106,

info@easthaugh.co.uk,

Kippenrait, Sheriffmuir,

Culcabock Road, Inverness,

www.culdearn.com

01796 473121,

Dunblane, Perthshire,

www.easthaugh.co.uk

FK15 0LN

Inverness-shire, IV2 3LP reservations@kingsmillshotel.com,

PERTHSHIRE

01463 257141,

The Kenmore Hotel ***

Barley Bree

07721 082156,

www.kingsmillshotel.com

The Square, Kenmore, Aberfeldy,

Restaurant & Rooms ****

www.cauldhameestate.co.uk

Perthshire, PH15 2NU

6 Willoughby Street, Muthill,

LANARKSHIRE

ross.mcewen@kenmorehotel.com,

Nr Crieff, Perthshire, PH5 2AB

SCOTTISH BORDERS

Hearthstanes Estate ***

01887 830205,

info@barleybree.com,

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel ****

Tweedsmuir, Biggar,

www.kenmorehotel.com

01764 681451,

St Boswells, Melrose,

www.barleybree.com

Scottish Borders, TD6 0RQ

Lanarkshire, ML12 6QN

bev@cauldhameestate.co.uk,

holidayrentals@hearthstanes.com,

Ballathie House Hotel ****

01899 225119,

Kinclaven, Stanley,

Royal Dunkeld Hotel ***

01835 822261,

www.hearthstanes.com

Perthshire, PH1 4QN

Atholl Street, Dunkeld,

www.dryburgh.co.uk

lin@ballathiehousehotel.com,

Perthshire, PH8 0AR

MORAYSHIRE

01250 883 268,

reservations@royaldunkeld.co.uk,

The Tontine Hotel ***

Culdearn House ****

www.ballathiehousehotel.com

01350 727322,

High Street, Peebles,

www.royaldunkeld.co.uk

Scottish Borders, EH45 8AJ

Woodlands Terrace,

mark@dryburgh.co.uk

Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire,

East Haugh

PH26 3JU

House Hotel ****

Cauldhame Country

01721 720892,

enquiries@culdearn.com,

Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5TE

House & Cottages

www.tontinehotel.com

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www.countrysportscotland.com

kate.innes@tontinehotel.com,

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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introduction

Credit: Karen Deakin / Shutterstock

A BRIGHT FUTURE

Andrew Grainger of the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group unveils a new strategy designed to make 2017 the most successful year ever for Scottish field sports

T

he end of 2016 saw the

support as we all work together to help secure

and support the social media advertising efforts,

publication of the Scottish

even greater success in 2017 – and beyond.”

a series of short films have been commissioned

Country Sports Tourism Strategy

Malcolm Roughead, CEO of VisitScotland, took

that will highlight some of the unique aspects of

‘Game for Growth’. The document

the opportunity to announce that: “The Scottish

Scottish country sports as well as showcasing the

is available as a pdf on our website, www.coun-

Country Sports Tourism Group has been award-

stunning landscapes in which we enjoy our sport.

trysportscotland.com, and sets out the ambi-

ed VisitScotland Growth Funding… The funding

Attendance at the Swedish Game Fair at Elmia,

tious target of growing the value of the sector by

will help to establish their digital presence in

Jonkoping, in May will be followed by the GWCT

£30m, to £185m a year, by 2020.

international markets and promote the unique

Scottish Fair at Scone from Friday 30 June to Sun-

aspects of country sports in Scotland.”

day 2 July, then The Game Fair at Hatfield House

A Scottish parliamentary reception for the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group and The

The combination of ministerial, private and

on the last weekend of July, and finally the High-

Gift of Grouse, sponsored by Edward Mountain

public sector support will help make 2017 one

land Field Sports Fair on 4-5 August. So if you are

MSP, was also held in late 2016. Sarah Troughton,

of the most proactive years in terms of the mar-

attending any of these events, please do come

chair of SCSTG, introduced the many MSPs pre-

keting and promotion of country sports in Scot-

and see us.

sent to the Country Sports Tourism Strategy

land. We will be running an integrated marketing

There are also plans to invite leading journal-

and highlighted the accessible and affordable

campaign embracing traditional and digital ap-

ists from the European tourism and sporting

aspects of sport in Scotland. Fergus Ewing, cabi-

proaches. We’ll also be promoting Scotland to a

press to participate in country sports in Scotland.

net secretary for rural economy and connectivity,

Scandinavian audience at the Elmia Game Fair in

This will include the opportunity to enjoy a taste

welcomed the ambitious target outlined in the

Sweden – this will be supported by a social me-

of the best accommodation and food Scotland

strategy, and said: “I would like to thank you all for

dia campaign in Scandinavia as well as targeted/

has to offer.

your efforts in delivering the successes we have

paid for social and Adwords campaigns to Ger-

seen in 2016 – and assure you of our ongoing

man and French audiences. To further showcase

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www.countrysportscotland.com

View the SCSTG’s strategy in full online: http://bit.ly/GameForGrowth

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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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

International

links, airports and ferry ports.

Air Berlin

Many domestic and international airlines allow

www.airberlin.com; 0049 30 3434 3333

passengers to store firearms and ammunition in

Air France

the hold – though international visitors travelling via

www.airfrance.co.uk; 08716 633777

connecting flights should ensure your firearms are

Brussels Airlines

permitted by each airline.

www.brusselsairlines.com; 09056 095609

If you want to arrive on your first day refreshed

Emirates

and bright-eyed, you can travel overnight on

www.emirates.com; 08448 002777

ScotRail’s Caledonian Sleeper train, which runs be-

Eurowings

tween London Euston and Scotland. There are also

www.eurowings.com; 0330 365 1918

regular services to Scotland from many major sta-

Norwegian

tions in England and Wales.

www.norwegian.com; 0330 828 0854

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

Credit: Chester025

Thomas Cook (ex. flights departing from Canada)

Rail travel

www.thomascook.com; 08718 950045

Approximate travel times:

United Airlines

London-Edinburgh: 4hr 30min

www.united.com; 08458 444777

London-Glasgow: 5hr Regular services throughout the day from main

- When booking your flight, inform the agent

English cities. Overnight sleepers also available.

that you are going to be carrying ‘sporting firearms and ammunition.’

National Express East Coast

- You may accrue additional charges for the

www.eastcoast.co.uk; 03457 225333

Air travel

carriage of sporting firearms and ammunition.

National Rail

Major airlines serving Scotland

- Try to obtain written confirmation by email,

www.nationalrail.co.uk; 08457 484950

letter or fax that you have pre-booked the

Caledonian Sleeper

UK

firearm in question.

www.sleeper.scot; 0330 0600500

British Airways

- Contact the airline at least 72 hours before

Virgin Trains

www.britishairways.com; 08444 930787

flying to confirm carriage of your firearms and

www.virgintrains.co.uk; 08450 008000

Eastern Airways

check restrictions, charges and requirements.

www.easternairways.com; 01652 680600

- Passengers are restricted to 5kg ammunition

By Car

easyJet

per person.

The two main driving routes to Scotland from

www.easyjet.com; 08431 045000

- Airlines will often require proof that your

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

Flybe

firearms are licensed, either when booking

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

www.flybe.com; 08717 002000

or checking in. Make sure you have all of the

Logan Airways

necessary documentation.

Coach travel

www.loganair.co.uk; 01418 487594

- Ensure your firearms are in a purpose-built

Scottish Citylink (servicing more than 200

Ryanair

and securely locked gun case, separated from

towns and cities in Scotland)

www.ryanair.com; 0871 246 0000

your ammunition and main luggage.

www.citylink.co.uk; 08712 663333 Postbus

Local firearms licensing departments Aberdeen 01224 306270 | firearmslicensingaberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk Stirling 01259 727668 | firearmslicensingstirling@scotland.pnn.police.uk Dundee 01382 596858 | firearmslicensingdundee@scotland.pnn.police.uk Edinburgh 01313 113297 | firearmslicensingedinburgh@scotland.pnn.police.uk

(Northern and Scottish mail delivery service that accepts fee-paying passengers) www.postbus.royalmail.com; 08457 740740 National Express (servicing the UK) www.nationalexpress.com; 08717 818178 Eurolines (servicing the rest of Europe) www.eurolines.co.uk; 08717 818178

Glasgow 101 | firearmslicensingglasgow@scotland.pnn.police.uk Inverness 01463 720484 | firearmslicensinginverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk Glenrothes 01592 418424 | firearmslicensingglenrothes@scotland.pnn.police.uk Dumfries 08456 005701| firearmslicensingdumfries@scotland.pnn.police.uk

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www.countrysportscotland.com

Ferry travel Many cruise lines offer travel to Scotland throughout the year, with journey times from Ireland starting from one hour.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

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essential Info

IN GEAR FOR game A brief guide to what to expect – and bring along – on your first shooting experience in Scotland

T

he varied sporting opportunities available

with a 100gn bullet for red deer. That said,

Driven game shooting

in Scotland means there are a host of kit

a .270 Win or .308 Win is widely seen as the

Though similar to rough shooting in terms

and legal requirements to be aware of. But

sporting choice. Estates often have calibre re-

of equipment requirements, bear exposure

there’s no need to feel daunted – a simple mat-

quirements – on top of this, first-time guests

in mind and bring a sturdy gun slip. Whether

ter of preparation will set you in good stead.

must prove their proficiency on a target.

you’re walking between drives or in an ATV or 4x4, it will be a bumpy journey.

In the Highlands, red and roe deer stalk-

You will need a reliable riflescope with flip-

ing takes prominence, with sika also available

up lens caps, bipod, sling and possibly a mod-

on some estates. Further south, on the firths

erator. A DSC Level 1 certificate may also be

Wildfowling

or inland over stubble, the UK’s best wild-

required in some places. But keep weight

In Scotland you cannot use lead shot over a

fowling opportunities are to be had – though

in mind – you don’t want your rifle and kit to

tidal estuary or at the loch side, but can do so

there is plenty of this in the Highlands too. If

weigh more than around 10lb if you’re going

over stubble fields and away from open water.

it’s driven shooting that has encouraged you

highland stalking.

Use a 12-bore for duck and geese: a threeinch magnum chambered gun with 30in bar-

to make the trip, there are abundant grouse,

Rough shooting and walked up grouse

rels and plenty of choke will be required for

Whatever your chosen pursuit, stay safe,

You’ll need a 12-bore or 20-bore over-and-

up to 28in barrels – regular game chokes are

come prepared and always follow the instruc-

under or side-by-side shotgun that weighs a

fine. A heavier gun, with a minimum weight of

tion of the gamekeeper or stalking guide.

maximum of 7lb. Requirements for 12-bore

7lb, is needed to dampen the recoil of heavy

cartridges are a maximum of 32 grams, and

load cartridges.

Stalking

28 grams in a 20-bore. Don’t forget to bring a

For more advice turn to page 10 or consult

Minimum calibre requirements for roe deer

three-piece cleaning rod to keep the barrels

http://www.countrysportscotland.com/deer-

are .222 Rem with a 50gn bullet and .243 Win

clear of obstructions.

stalkinghunting

partridge and pheasant populations in many of Scotland’s sporting estates.

geese, while duck want a 2¾in chambered gun

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Expert advice Beginners

THE WORLD’s GREATEST GAME

If you’re heading to Scotland for the first time with a gun, you need to read this.

It’s Don Brunt’s guide to all the winged game available north of the border KNOW YOUR SEASONS

Grouse Season opens 12 August - 10 December Driven grouse shooting is viewed as the epitome of game shooting, and the Glorious Twelfth is eagerly awaited by those fortunate enough to enjoy this most expensive of shotgun sports. With grouse skimming the moorland heather at high speed, quick reactions are called for – instinctive snap shooting is

F

often all the guns have time for. Unusually rom 12 August through to

‘go to wood’, which usually takes place from

for driven shooting, shots are taken head-on

1 February the countryside

mid-July through to the end of August depend-

at the birds and also as they are going away.

resonates to the sounds, sights

ing on how early on in the game season the

and smells of the very best

first day’s sport is due to take place.

Driven grouse days often require a loader to allow a fair number of shots to be taken,

shooting the world has to offer. Avid enthu-

In the case of pheasants, the pens are usu-

siasts from every corner of the globe make

ally in woodland clearings, and can stretch

grouse ‘pack up’ and come over the guns in

Scotland their number one destination, and

for several acres on larger shoots. They sport

large numbers. Guns stand in ‘butts’, which

for good reason: it’s something we are very

high wire sides and are protected from foxes

are typically stone built or may be dug down

good at. Of course, those that arrive at Edin-

by electric fencing. This is the danger time for

into the ground so only the gun’s head and

burgh and are stood on a peg in the Highlands

young birds, who in the first days after release

shoulders are above ground level. Because

the following day know little of what it takes to

are particularly susceptible to bad weather,

of the speed and adrenalin-fuelled nature

present those screaming birds to them, or of

disease and predation, which in turn means

of the shooting, it’s not difficult for a gun to

the huge number of people involved.

the gamekeeper and – if the shoot is big

get carried away and accidentally swing his

The process begins way back in the early

enough to support them – his underkeepers

barrels ‘through’ his neighbouring gun, a

summer with the hatching of partridges and

will be busy keeping an eye on their charges,

practice that in the heat of the moment can

pheasants. Whether done on a small scale to

checking them several times a day.

have tragic consequences. Consequently a

especially later in the season when the

produce a few dozen birds or as a commer-

Hopefully their pest control efforts in the

cial operation producing tens of thousands

months leading up to the release will mean

of each butt to halt the swing and ensure

of poults, as the young birds are known, the

the threat is minimal and the birds can flour-

everyone stays safe. Likewise, the beating

process requires careful husbandry to ensure

ish. As time passes, the ‘pop holes’ in the wire

line who may start the drive quite literally

that birds are maintained in the best of health.

will be opened so the birds can begin to ex-

miles from the guns will, when they get

A few weeks later and the birds are ready to

plore the surrounding area, hopefully heading

24

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set of ‘sticks’ are erected to the left and right

Expert advice Beginners

within 300 yards or so of the gun line, blow a whistle which signals that the guns must no longer shoot incoming birds and must instead turn and only shoot birds going away behind the butts.

Red grouse are a wild bird and no birds are released. Habitat management is key, with practices such as heather burning encouraging the growth of new heather on which the grouse thrive. Unusually it’s important to substantially cull numbers each year before the end of the season, as unless the birds are shot out leaving only a small breeding stock, a large population will be prone to disease from parasitic worms. Uniquely in game shooting terms, the bag is described in brace – 52 brace equates to 104 birds shot.

Partridge Season opens 1 September - 1 February Sun-soaked early season days provide some of the best enjoyment you can get in the field

Driven partridge can often be found in areas that favour arable agriculture, and shoot-

home each evening to the security of the pen.

beating line may number anywhere from two

ing early season partridge on freshly cut

Even that requires the help of the keeper, who

or three people to 20 or 30 depending on

stubbles in early autumn is a joy to behold.

for the first few weeks and possibly months

the size of the shoot. They walk through the

Whether French ‘red leg’ birds or the rarer

will spend much of their afternoons ‘dog-

cover, maintaining as straight a line as possi-

English variety, the birds often fly over the

ging in’ the birds, pushing them back towards

ble, pushing the birds towards the guns, often

guns in coveys from a dozen birds up to 100

home, though these days that often means us-

to a ‘flushing point’ from which the birds will

or more. There are some partridge shoots

ing a quad bike rather than the more literal,

take off towards the waiting gun line. Usually

that specialise in presenting high partridges

traditional way of doing things.

there are eight or nine ‘guns’ waiting for the

at 50 yards or more but most traditional par-

Partridge shoots are more often found

birds, spread along a line that may be 200

tridge shooting in the UK sees the birds over

among rolling arable farmland, with pens con-

yards or longer, and on particularly big days

the guns at between 25 and 35 yards.

structed amid swathes of cover crop, which

where there are large numbers of birds to be

gives the emerging birds protection from the

shot they may be ‘double gunned’. This term

they are moving faster than they are, and as

elements. Many of the issues that have to be

means each will use a pair of guns, and once

such it’s important not to give them too much

dealt with are the same as with pheasants,

they have fired both barrels they swap for the

lead – many are missed in front. Because of

though with the partridge season starting on 1

other, already loaded gun, while their loader

their relatively small stature when compared

September, weather conditions are often more

reloads the first gun. A good loader can enable

to pheasants, only relatively light loads are

favourable than with pheasants, for whom

his ‘gun’ to maintain a rate of fire far superior

needed – 30g of No 6 or 7 is usually more

hostilities don’t begin until a month later.

to that which they might manage if they were

than enough. The same principles of having a

loading just the one gun.

beating line are used as with pheasants but,

The first shoot of the year is often a nerv-

Being small in size, partridges can look as if

ous affair for the keeper, who will be hoping

The etiquette on a Scottish game shoot is

as most of the terrain is open, each beater is

that the birds fly well and that they go in the

a big part of the day, and a full explanation

often equipped not with a stick with which to

right direction when pushed from cover. The

would require more space than is available

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

25

Expert advice Beginners

thrash their way through thick cover but with a flag to make themselves more visible to the birds and prompt them into flight.

Pheasant Season opens 1 October - 1 February The archetypal image of game shooting is tackling a high driven cock pheasant on a cold frosty winter’s morn. As such this is by far the most widely available and popular form of the sport. From legendary high bird shoots through to featureless flat-lands, Scotland has as much variety in its pheasant shoots as any other part of the UK. Driven pheasant days vary in size from 50 birds and upwards and caters to suit most pockets, with an average cost of around £30 per bird, which is on a par with partridges and less than half the cost of driven grouse. Woodland is the preferred habitat for the birds and the best shoots

A decent bag is a relief for keepers

are those that are blessed with steep hillsides and valleys from which the birds can

here, though there are some key points that

in height, making a successful shot one that

be presented at good height. The extreme

must be followed by the ‘guns’ at all times. The

should prove to be memorable.

high bird shoots can regularly show birds

shooting of low birds is frowned upon – the

Once a bird has been shot and has come

at more than 60 yards over the heads

reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, shooting

back down to earth, responsibility for collect-

of the guns, but this requires a team of

at birds close to the ground puts the other

ing the bird often lies with a picking-up team,

suitably experienced guns using the right

guns and the beating line at risk of being on

which can comprise of just one person with

equipment to be able to do the birds jus-

the receiving end of stray pellets, and also very

a couple of dogs, or up to as many as eight

tice. Most average pheasants are shot at

low birds are considered to be too easy to hit

or 10 people running 40 or 50 dogs between

ranges less than 30 yards.

and therefore unsporting.

them. These pickers-up sweep the ground and

If a bird is flushed and is heading for a

neighbouring cover after the ‘drive’ and their

as they are a far bigger bird than either

neighbouring gun then it is regarded as poor

priority will be any wounded birds, which obvi-

partridges or grouse. Those who regularly

form to shoot at the bird until that gun has

ously need finding and dispatching as quickly

tackle the skyscraper high birds employ

done so. ‘Stealing’ a gun’s birds is one sure

as possible.

heavy shot such as No 4 in a load of up to

way to make sure you aren’t invited back to a

The collected birds are then loaded onto

42g through long-barrelled, tightly-choked

shoot again, though if he does shoot at it and

the game cart after being tied together in

guns, and as such those fortunate enough

misses, you are perfectly entitled to have a go

pairs (a brace) and are then, in the case of

to be invited on such a day should go

yourself so long as it is a safe shot.

commercial shoots, taken back to the farm to

A shot size of No 5 or 6 is preferred

On more and more shoots the emphasis is

be stored in refrigerated chillers before being

beforehand at a clay range on long-range

turning more to the quality of the birds. The

collected by the game dealer who will sell on

driven targets.

ideal high pheasant is one that goes over

the oven-ready birds to restaurants and other

the gun line at speed, at least 40-50 yards

outlets in the food chain.

suitably equipped and having practised

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Shoot IN SCOTLAND

27

Game Pheasant

Pheasant experience

Opportunities for lowland pheasant shooting are plentiful in Scotland and offer exhilarating sport for any keen game shooter. Simon Everett tells you what you need to know

U

sually,

of

and the foothills of the mountainous regions.

less of budget, from smaller, intimate days of a

shooting sport in Scotland,

when

thinking

Whatever the landscape, pheasant shooting is

few brace walked up on the edges of the estate

grouse and geese spring to mind

there, woven into the fabric of the countryside.

to full-blown formal days of 400 or 500 birds in

first – but that does no justice to

Pheasants are not an indigenous bird but

the most majestic of settings. From the high-

the excellent pheasant shooting opportunities

they have been around on mainland Britain

lands and islands to the fertile Speyside and

available. In fact the pheasant forms the main-

certainly since the Norman invasion, so the no-

Perthshire farmlands and on down into the

stay of bird shooting in Scotland, thanks to its

ble bird has a long established pedigree here.

hills of the central borders, the scenery is as

ability to adapt to a wide variety of habitats.

It is possible the Romans introduced them

mixed as the weather.

Magnificent scenery forms a background to

before that. Pheasant shooting as we know it

Good shooting starts with a good footing, so

the lower ground that provides the bulk of the

really took hold in the 1800s and many estates

a pair of waterproof boots that provide a sure

shooting sport. Now, when I say lower ground,

in Scotland have a tradition of shooting pheas-

grip and sound support are a necessity. The

remember this is Scotland; what the Scots

ants over their lower grounds going back at

peaty soil holds water like a sponge, so even

consider to be low ground can still be feature-

least a hundred years.

on a dry day it can be quite wet underfoot in

ridden and anything but flat. Even when one is

places. I would also advise bringing all-weather

stood on ground at sea level the hills are never

Be prepared

breathable clothing that can be adapted to suit

very far away, decorated by patches of forest,

Scottish shoots have nature on their side, with

a variety of conditions, from an Indian summer

woodland or birch scrub provide rich and var-

the topographical contours providing ideal

to driving rain, a hard frost or even snow. Scot-

ied colour to the landscape. This is a landscape

surroundings in which to present challenging

land can be unpredictable so it is best to be

that changes from one minute to the next with

and sporting shooting. Where possible the nat-

prepared; there’s nothing worse than getting

the passing of the clouds throwing shadows,

ural flora is utilised, but over the years genera-

drenched by a surprise shower that leaves you

diffusing the sunlight or illuminating features

tions of gamekeepers have worked tirelessly to

uncomfortable for the rest of the day. You can

with a bold ray, as if in the spotlight on a stage.

enhance these natural features by establishing

always take a coat off at your peg if it is warmer

Other times the skies are vividest blue and the

broadleaf woodland that suits pheasant shoot-

than expected, but once the chill sets in your

water sparkles like a tropical paradise. Scot-

ing. Carefully planted game crops are also

shooting will suffer and your enjoyment of the

land is a land of enchanting contrasts.

used to ensure the growth of each season’s

day can be diminished.

For sportsmen, the beauty of Scotland is the variety of topography which can hold

pheasants and to help with their presentation over the guns during the drive.

During the pheasant season in the northern latitudes the sun never rises very high in the

pheasants, from the rolling hills of the border

When it comes to pheasant shooting in Scot-

sky. If the glare from the sun has previously

country through the glens of the great rivers

land there is something for everyone, regard-

prevented you from getting a proper bead on

28

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Game Pheasant

Scottish pheasant shooting is a sport steeped in history and tradition – and it supports many communities economically

your target, you will know the value of a peaked cap and shooting glasses. Imagine the birds curling around the corner of a craggy peak, covered in birch and rowan trees, and the bright sun glinting off your barrels as you swing in front. Most shoots will try to organise the drives in such an order that the chances of this happening are minimised, but even so a pair of shooting glasses will help you to pick out the bird against the landscape. In misty conditions, pale yellow lenses allow one to see the birds more clearly through the grey of the mist.

Choosing a gun Which gun should you use? The answer is, the one you shoot best with. The longest shooting cartridges are no use if the shot string isn’t going in the right direction. It is suggested that early season birds are easier to shoot than those later in the season, however if you take your birds out in front, where the head and neck take the full force of the charge, it matters less.

Plenty of shots use a 20 bore to good effect, even on high pheasants, and the prevalence of the diminutive 28 bore is becoming ever greater with little or no loss in effectiveness and the added advantages of a much lighter gun to With rolling hills and plenty of woodland, Scotland offers the perfect landscape for a driven pheasant shoot

carry. If you do shoot a 12 then a lighter gun will be an asset if you have much walking to do.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

29

Game Pheasant

Scottish shoots make careful use of their topography, from snap-shooting drives set in thick cover...

There’s something to suit every budget – from the essentials to total luxury

30

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...to more open high-bird drives amid the gorse and heather

Your standard game-shooting set-up with No 6 or 5 shot should serve you well through the season

Game Pheasant

Drives can be tricky and there’ll be plenty of work for the dogs

Unless you are shooting on a particular high-

ing your cartridges to the peg. A cartridge bag

drive shoot then a normal game configuration

or magazine comes into its own for carrying

will be perfect; after all this is exactly what they

bulk, but a good cartridge belt might see you

were designed to be used for. At the end of the

through a drive on a smaller shoot. There are

day you will be less fatigued than had you been

double capacity belts available which spread

swinging a heavy gun.

the weight and keep the shells within easy

Following on from the question of gun is

reach. Each time you return to the vehicle you

the preferred cartridge. In a standard 12-bore

should refill your cartridge bag or belt and put

most shots opt for a 30g load of No 6 for the

a further 20 or so in your pockets, just to be

first half of the season, gearing up slightly af-

on the safe side. On a tricky drive you might

ter Christmas to 32g or even 34g of No 5 that

need five cartridges for each bird downed. It is

carries some additional down-range energy

quite easy to go through 50 or more shots on

to penetrate the denser plumage of the more

a single drive and it is unforgivable to run out

mature, winter feathered birds. Users of the

of cartridges.

The picking-up team at the Ardtaraig shoot

other calibres should balance their choice of

Finding pheasant shooting in Scotland is

cartridge load with similar considerations. The

not difficult as most sporting hotels will have

Where to shoot

cartridge of choice in a 20-bore is the 28g load,

contacts for shoots within easy reach of their

Here are some well-known estates that offer

and in the 28-bore a 24g load with No 5 shot is

doors. Alternatively there are numerous reli-

pheasant shooting. The list is only a minute

effective throughout the season. It goes with-

able sporting agents who can not only arrange

snapshot of the vast range of pheasant

out saying that all cartridges should be of the

shooting but every aspect of your holiday,

shooting on offer in Scotland, the true extent

fibre wad design.

should you wish, from sourcing the shooting to

of which would fill a book the size of a tel-

booking your accommodation and arranging

ephone directory.

Longcroft, gameshootingscotland.com The Bowmont Valley, gameshootingscotland.com Tulchan Estate, www.tulchan.com Thirlestane Castle, www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk Novar Estate, www.novarestate.co.uk

On the subject of cartridges, don’t underestimate how many you will need before turning

airport transfers.

up to a shoot. The majority of guns will order a

Pheasant shooting in Scotland is an expe-

box of 250 to see them through the day. Hav-

rience to be relished. Everyone who shoots

ing plenty in the car is not much good if you are

should experience it at least once in their

in the thick of it on the main drive; you need

lives, and those who have been already

to ensure you have enough on your person at

know how strong the temptation to return

all times. There are various methods for carry-

can be.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

31

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Feature MACNAB

Mastering the Macnab

Editor-in-chief Pete Carr secures his Macnab after nearly three decades of trying in an awe-inspiring Scottish landscape

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

33

Feature MACNAB

I

have spent a significant part of my British

law came into effect on many occasions – often I

Over the years I have been instrumental in the

shooting career north of the border roaming

would find Murphy sitting on my shoulder, over-

success of other sporting comrades’ procure-

the Highlands with rod, rifle or gun in pursuit of

seeing a fish slipping from the net at the vital mo-

ment of a Macnab. The most recent was a cou-

Scottish game. As a sporting destination, Scot-

ment, or ensuring a rogue eddy in the wind took

ple of seasons ago when Wesley Stanton’s ef-

land really has no equal, certainly in Europe,

my scent to the stag as I was about to touch off

forts secured what might be a unique Macnab,

for variety of sport and uniqueness, especially

the trigger, or making a grouse slip the point to

as the brace-of-grouse element was in the form

where hill stag stalking and red grouse shooting

run on and flush out of range.

of ptarmigan.

are concerned. Even the Scottish form of salmon

That said, I have enjoyed every minute out on

I witnessed Wes landing his salmon before

fishing is particularly traditional, with a tweed-

the hill with heather and peat underfoot, or whiling

breakfast; we then decided we would head up

clad ghillie, specific flies and casting techniques.

the hours away on the river, working the fly across

one of the Bens in pursuit of ptarmigan as it had

It is that sporting tradition, complete with the

the rocky pools I have become so familiar with over

been a poor year for grouse. As we climbed the

Highland welcome extended to all – even the

the years. I know most of the fish-holding lies what-

hill from sea level, the enormous scale of the

‘auld sassenach enemy’ – that makes Scotland a

ever the water height, and the hope accompanying

task struck home – so much that conversation

special destination for the roving Nimrod.

every cast has never diminished with the passage

was completely absent. Thankfully at 2,000 feet

Achieving a Macnab – the taking of a salmon,

of time. One comes to know which peat hag or

we got into ptarmigan, and Wesley secured his

stag and a brace of grouse on the same day – is

brae is likely to produce a covey of grouse, or which

brace of birds in fine style with a neatly executed

the height of sporting achievement in this land. I

corrie will hold a stag if the sportsman regularly re-

left and right.

have tried on many occasions to complete one,

turns to the same estate ground each season. But

The gun was immediately handed to me,

but across all my attempts, at least one of the

even with that hard-won knowledge, triple success

and Wes raced back down the Ben Starav path

elements required remained elusive. Murphy’s

in one day is still a big ask.

to catch up with the keeper, Mark Shone, to

A stag was to form the final part of Pete’s Macnab puzzle

34

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Feature MACNAB

The salmon fought bravely...

...but Pete worked the line to bring it in

go back out and stalk a stag. I carried on and

The wind was awkward and that, coupled with my

gle momentarily at the end of the drift, before

quickly shot a left-and-right too before slipping

undue haste, resulted in two leaders reduced to

tweaking the line to induce a take. And induce

the gun and going on to complete three Munros

bird-nest form in quick succession. Frustration

a take it did. The line became taught; I resisted

in succession: Ben Starav, Glas Beinn Mor and

was an understatement, accompanied by some

the urge to strike and released the bight of line

the Highlander. Meeting Mark and Wes on the

colourful language that was fortunately lost to

as the fish turned away, and lifted the rod. The

way back to the lodge with a stag in the back of

the wind. Things hadn’t started well, but my first

fish fought well, leaving the water a number

their Argo finished off a perfect day for three

proper cast across Collitier Run looked promising.

of times in true aquabatic style in a valiant at-

Technically the cast itself deserves some recog-

tempt to slip the hook. Thankfully I managed

A personal Macnab continued to elude me for

nition in the art of fly-casting. Fishing is a pastime

to bully him into the net and land a coloured

the next three seasons until last year when all

of continuous compromise, and that was what

cock fish of about 5lb looking resplendent in all

the stars became aligned, and Diana or which-

this cast was all about. I whipped the rod back,

his breeding finery. First cast and the piscato-

ever other hunting deity, looking down on me,

pushed it forward and somehow managed to slice

rial gods gifted me the first element of my Mac-

decided it was my time to enter that exclusive

the line across the wind. Unfurling as if the hand

nab. Photos taken, the fish was quickly brought

club of sportsmen. I had arrived late to the lodge

of god had intervened, the line defied the law of

round in the current, and released to finish his

and as always suffered a restless night. It had

physics and rolled the leader forward in as perfect

calling and propagate the species.

been raining steadily and the water was up. At

a presentation as one could wish for.

like-minded sportsmen.

Breakfast was a happy affair, with a smiling

5am I couldn’t stay in bed any longer so I rose,

I pulled a slack bight of line off the reel and

keeper and guest, but strangely, going for a

dressed and grabbed the rod and landing net

held it in my hand to allow for the take I was

Macnab hadn’t entered our thoughts until the

before jumping in the truck and driving down to

praying for. Following the line round, the fast-

better half asked if I was going to attempt the

the river via the keeper’s house.

moving water made the fly swim, and I let it dan-

very thing. I had, after all, completed the hard-

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

35

Feature MACNAB

Easy as one, two, three? The salmon was in the net before breakfast...

...the brace of grouse eventually fell after hours of hard work...

...and with the stag, Pete had finally achieved his long-sought-after feat

est element early in the day, meaning time was

split and an old hen held to the point. I moved

a stunted patch of heather and into some dead

on my side.

forward in as anxious a state as one could im-

ground. Spying cautiously over the ridge, we

I realised the opportunity and discussed op-

agine, and Rasmus clicked his fingers, indicating

wriggled on to a knoll for a shot. The stag fed

tions with the keeper Mark Shone, who thought

to the pointer it was time to flush the bird. The

on, oblivious to our presence.

the best plan was to take the pointers on to Kings

dog went in, the bird rose, dipped a wing and

Strangely I wasn’t nervous at the shot – I was

House Moor with Danish under-keeper Rasmus.

soared away with the wind. I mounted the gun,

rather calm in fact. I’d enjoyed a textbook stalk

An hour later I was all tweeded up, had swapped

gave every effort to push through the bird for the

in and had a good shooting rest, plus I’m a much

rod for gun and was on the hunt for red grouse

required lead and fired, killing the bird with the

better shot with the rifle than the shotgun. Eve-

with my German colleague Falk Kearn under the

first barrel. I was ecstatic – the second element

rything had gone to plan and I was confident of

direction of our Viking guide.

had been achieved.

a successful outcome.

It was a difficult day for the dogs – intermit-

Thankfully the stag was a straightforward af-

A 90-yard neck shot put him in the larder and

tent rain showers with a strong but variable wind

fair. Heading back up the Glen, we were met by

I had achieved my Macnab. Mark pumped my

and grouse that were anything but sticky. The

Mark Shone, who had already been spying the

hand like he was bailing out the Titanic, and a

dogs struggled to hold the point and the grouse

hills for a suitable stag to shoot. I don’t mind

tremendous sense of achievement coursed

preferred to run on under the heather. Despite

telling you that the excitement was rising. We

through me. I helped Mark drag the stag down

this, I shot an old cock grouse with a fortuitous

only had a few hours of the day left to secure

the slope to where it could be recovered with

snap shot quite early in the foray, but it was an-

a stag and that in reality meant we would only

the Argo, and we drained the contents of his hip

other anxious two hours before the second bird

have one chance at it. Mark, as always, was all

flask in celebration while waiting for the ghillie.

joined him in the game bag. Indeed I was begin-

smiles – except this time his smile was a touch

Precious moments spent in an awe-inspiring

ning to think that the required brace of birds

more devilish. “I’ve found you an old beast. He’s

landscape, in good company, after a successful

would elude me. Covey after covey were testa-

a 10-pointer, one of my feeders, and I doubt he

stalk and conclusion – shooting the right beast

ment to the keepers’ diligence and expertise in

will make this next winter. If we get him it will be

at the end of his term – cannot be described in

their trade, but the birds continued to rise out of

a good beast for your Macnab, for sure.”

words. Highland stag stalking is truly the sport

range and fly on.

We pursued the old monarch who had made

of kings, and one that is available to all who

Almost in desperation, Rasmus decided to

the lower slopes of Ben Starav his home. Work-

would seek it. To the three stalwart keepers

concentrate on one covey, and after flushing

ing the wind, we carved out a circuitous ap-

who made my Macnab happen – Mark, Rasmus

them a couple of times the birds decided to

proach below him and began a crawl in across

and Davy – I salute you.

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Shoot IN SCOTLAND

37

Technique Grouse

Get to grips with grouse

Nick Hollick, owner of Honesberie Shooting School, gives his advice for any shooter attending a grouse-shoot this season

T

he ‘Glorious Twelfth’ marks

Preparing your gun for your day involves hav-

vent any gun from shooting down the line, thus

one of the most important

ing the right choke (if you have interchange-

endangering those in next-door butts.

dates in the shooting calendar –

able chokes). It’s a good idea to have 1/2 choke

Position yourself right at the front of the

the start of the grouse-shooting

first barrel for out-in-front birds and 1/4 for

butt, lean in and be greedy. Being right at the

season. For novice shots, a day on the grouse

second barrel, closer shots. The optimum

front of the butt gives you the longest possible

presents a whole different set of challenges

cartridge for grouse in my opinion would be

swing, while ensuring at all times you are safe

opposed to lowland driven shooting.

28g No.7, although 30g No.6 is also a good all-

for others in the field. However, it is important

round cartridge.

to remember that the etiquette of the lowland

Grouse offers arguably the most challenging and exciting shooting to be found any-

sporting field still applies – don’t shoot your

where in the world. Because grouse shooting

The day itself

neighbour’s bird. If grouse are crossing and are

is so different from any other form of driven

When arriving at your butt, take time to acquaint

in range and safe to shoot, that’s fine. But it is

game shooting, it requires a different set of

yourself with the butt as well as the ground

far easier to shoot your neighbour when shoot-

skills for any degree of success on that all im-

around you and make sure you acknowledge

ing at a covey of birds going to him or her.

portant day.

the flanker. Don’t be afraid to ask your loader for

There’s no doubt that having a session with

some advice, particularly if they are local. If this

Don’t panic!

a specialist grouse instructor, who has shot on

is the case, he or she could have stood in that

The real skill in grouse shooting is recognising the

a grouse moor, is invaluable to set you up for

butt countless times and will therefore have an

limited window you have to shoot them and shoot-

your day. Make sure the school has a decent

idea of how birds will fly. Your loader will also be

ing early enough. That doesn’t necessarily mean

grouse butt, and that traps are set to deliver

another set of eyes for approaching birds.

shooting 70 yards out – although this is doable, the killing zone is between 45 yards and 20 yards.

head-high targets rather than partridge-like

Nowadays markers, canes, sticks or safety

clays. An instructor will also give you invaluable

frames are commonplace on most moors. The

When the bird comes into your predefined

advice about how to use double guns properly,

purpose of these is not only to show neighbour-

area, don’t think about tracking and swing-

but more about that later.

ing guns where their next gun is, but also to pre-

ing through the target, just shoot. Do not un-

38

www.countrysportscotland.com

Technique Grouse

Safety frames are a common sight at most moors

Pay attention to the angles you shoot at

derestimate the speed of grouse, either, and

As the drive progresses, there will come a time

Essential kit

remember they fly in the most unpredictable

when you can see the beaters approaching the

Because the season opens in August, choosing

manner: grouse follow the contours of the

line of butts. All guns will have had it drilled into

suitable clothing can be a bit of a nightmare.

landscape, which leads them to twist and turn

them that you should not shoot at people, so this

A baking August morning can soon turn into a

sharply as they follow the heather.

often puts novices off. Remember that no one

chilly and wet afternoon, so keep this in mind

will criticise you for not shooting in front because

when planning any outfit and have plenty of

you have concerns.

options with you.

Shooting grouse defies almost everything you have learned when shooting driven game.

The first thing to remember is: don’t panic!

On most moors, a horn will sound to signal

Having the right coloured glasses is essen-

Remain still and calm. When a pack begins to

to stop shooting in front. Never be tempted

tial. Purple, yellow or orange can all be used

approach, lift your gun and do what is natu-

to shoot a high grouse above the beaters. To

– the aim is to allow you to pick up the birds

ral. Pick a bird and stick with it. If you get a kill

shoot safely behind, be at the front of your butt

against the heather. Because grouse follow the

with your first shot then fine, switch to another.

and keep to shots well within your markers and

contours of the heather so closely, being able

Your goal is to get one bird with two shots.

don’t pick up your target too early. Quite soon

to pick them out quickly is essential.

Although there is talk of two in front and two behind, it can be the case that many guns are too

after this horn, another will sound to mark the end of the drive.

Take good quality midge repellent and you might even want to take a midge net. There’s also a lot of insect repellent clothing out there

quick to turn and chase targets out the back. This missing the chance to shoot really good birds in

Double gunning and having a loader

front while chasing others out the back.

When going on a driven grouse day, it’s almost

Worn-in ankle high walking boots are a giv-

Packs are habitually cigar-shaped, and can

a given that you’ll be expected to double gun.

en, and gators can also be useful. Don’t take

range from 100 to 300 in a group. You often

If you have never shot double guns before, it’s

a brand new pair of boots – the last thing you

have time for about six shots, or three guns,

a very good idea to go to a shooting school to

want is to be crippled on the moor if they don’t

before really needing to turn round to shoot

practice just how double gunning works.

fit. Waterproof leggings and a lightweight jack-

can lead to an almost seesaw effect – and to you

out the back.

To shoot well with two guns very much depends on the rhythm you establish with your

now suitable for the moor, including an extensive range of tick-repellent shooting clothing.

et are invaluable, though later in the season you may require a slightly thicker jacket.

Safety first

loader. Established shots will often have their

For early in the season, it’s a good idea to

Perhaps the best safety advice on the day is to

own loader who will travel with them from

shoot in a waistcoat, which not only gives you

only shoot in front in a 90° arc either side of the

moor to moor. Having an experienced load-

plenty of movement but also keeps you cool

mid point, meaning there is no chance of any

er on the day will pay dividends, not just in

enough while shooting. Keep your general

gun shooting their neighbouring gun.

terms of having a loaded gun at the right time,

clothing dark green or brown, so as to blend in

The same applies when shooting behind; the

but having a wealth of experience to learn

with the countryside.

safe arc is 45° to the right and left of the mid-

throughout the day. This applies just as much

point. Many accidents happen after the first horn

for seasoned shots as well as novices.

Nick Hollick is the owner of Honesberie

blows, due to the fact that grouse flush in singles

Work out with your loader how things will

Shooting School, one of the UK’s leading

between the butts, or fly down the line not di-

work in the butt, and how you can maximise

rectly away from guns. Never swing through the

space so as to not trip over guns or knock

shooting grounds offering first-class clay

line. After shooting in front, stop your swing and

against each other. Visit a shooting school to

lift your gun over the butt line before reconnect-

practise how to pass guns safely and make it

ing with birds flying away from you.

clear between you how guns should be passed.

and game shooting instruction.

01327 262922 www.honesberieshooting.co.uk

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

39

Shotgun Review Browning B725 Hunter 20 Gauge

A LITTLE BEAUTY

Richard Atkins puts the 20-bore Browning B725 Hunter through its paces and, small though the gauge may be, finds it a big hit as a game gun

S

ome smaller gauge guns have

now available. The two most popular shot weights

istence. Modern materials, heat treatment and

an appeal all their own. When

for game/field use, 28g (1oz) and 32g (1⅛oz), are

surface treatments now allow the same principles

based on classic lines like the

readily available in a choice of types – fibre and

to be incorporated within the more compact de-

Browning we have here, the re-

plastic wad, standard and high velocity – and from

sign. Overall receiver height reduction is achieved

modeled frame becomes slimmer still in 20 gauge

a wide range of makers from home and abroad.

with a combination of smaller diameter hinge pin

and attractiveness is enhanced. Like the sleek

Increasing sales have also brought prices very

and shallower locking under lumps but strength

lines of a well-designed sports car, where the el-

close to those for 12 gauge ammunition, remov-

and integrity remains. Overall this produces a

egance makes it more than a mode of transport,

ing that former downside. Specialist loads in

neater looking package in the 12 gauge; in the 20

so it is with the B725 Hunter Grade 1 20 gauge. It’s

lighter and heavier charge weights and shot sizes

gauge it is, frankly, almost exquisite.

a truly light and lovely O/U shotgun.

increase the versatility of the modern 20 gauge

Now is the ideal time for Browning to introduce

guns too.

its svelte new gun. For many years the 12 gauge

I must confess to being a fan of Browning style guns. My first O/U was a Winchester 101 that relied heavily on JMB’s design, my first competi-

shotgun has ruled supreme as a hunting/game

Format

tion gun a Miroku 800S Skeet and my Trap gun a

gun – for more formal shoots as well as walking

The B725 format is the latest incarnation of the

Citori. That I have them all still, over 40 years on,

the fields - but that dominance is changing. The

original B25 design, trimmed down with reduced

probably confirms things!

fact that smaller gauges can prove very effective

receiver height. Importantly, all the prime features

But my background is in engineering, so things

is becoming well recognised. Lighter weight and

John Moses Browning embodied in his original

have to work besides feeling satisfyingly practical

easy handling characteristics are increasingly ap-

design remain: the full-width hinge pin totally sup-

to gain my approval, and these guns do. I’m there-

preciated. This can be seen by the proportion of

ported in the steel receiver; breech under lumps

fore delighted to have observed their evolution

shooters now happily equipping themselves with

that lock into recesses in the receiver floor; and the

and to feel an affinity with what I see today.

16, 20 and even some 28 gauge guns. Of these

full-width flat, tapered locking bolt now also em-

the 20 gauge is becoming a firm favourite.

ployed by numerous other makes.

Changes include a move to a mechanicallyoperated trigger instead of the recoil operation

Very significant in the advance of 20 gauge

The immense strength and longevity provided

of the earlier guns, meaning the second bar-

guns is the greater choice of ammunition types

is unquestionable given this design’s 90-year ex-

rel will fire even if the first did not. That’s more

40

www.countrysportscotland.com

Shotgun Review Browning B725 Hunter 20 Gauge

A well proportioned gun, easy and steady to swing and with good recoil control

Superbly crafted parts of the‘Fire Lite’ mechanical trigger give light and crisp trigger pulls. A trigger stop is also incorporated

The latest incarnation of the original B25 design, the B725 now has a reduced receiver height

useful in the field than on the clay range, but

built barrel selector action. The safety is manually

the flared inner end when tightened against the

revised geometry and mechanical reset have

operated as supplied, but the necessary compo-

barrel bore recess. This effectively prevents any

produced trigger pulls that are lighter, shorter

nents to convert to automatic operation for field/

gas leaking past the barrel/choke tube interface

and more crisp than the earlier guns, so there

game use are supplied if required.

getting any further - and it works! In the image of

is an advantage. The B725 also has refinements

The reduced spacing between two 20 gauge

chokes in their plastic box, the two at top right

like a trigger over-travel stop, which aids trigger

barrels in the lower receiver height means a re-

hand were removed after extensive use and not

and gun control.

duced firing pin angle, which transmits a harder,

cleaned; note the lack of gas blow-by staining (just

The B725’s barrels are built on the monobloc

faster blow to the firing pins for positive ignition.

grease from the recess).

system as are most guns today. The breech

New style coil springs are used in the action.

The DS chokes are 68mm long; this allows

block into which the tubes are brazed retains

These are double-wound so they have a larger

ample time for the internal choke restriction to

the under barrel lumps and locking wedge ma-

diameter in their centre, the coils fore and aft bet-

be applied and produce good patterns. Five DS

chined from the solid steel forging, ensuring

ter able to share the load. This should improve

choke tubes are supplied.

maximum strength.

efficiency and longevity, though that’s not been a

Internally the action layout follows familiar

major issue anyway.

The top rib is of game format, 6.25mm wide with a brass front bead and no centre bead. Side

Browning format with the tumblers hinged from

The barrels are beautifully struck off exter-

the trigger plate and sears pivoting down from the

nally and deeply blacked, while the internals are

The B725 Hunter Grade 1 has a closely grained

top strap to engage with bents in the tumblers.

straight bored and highly polished. The forcing

walnut stock of nice colour and modest figure

Tumblers have a pronounced second ‘safety bent’

cones are lengthened as is the modern way and

with a polished, oil type finish and fine line cheq-

too, ensuring that a tumbler tripped by a jar, not a

bores a shade over standard diameter. Longer

uering. The forend wood is well matched and its

pulled trigger, will be caught and the gun won’t dis-

cones help smooth transition of the shot load

form similar to the ‘London’ game style, which re-

charge. All components are precision machined

from cartridge to bore.

minds me of a slim beavertail without the finger

ribs are solid and truncated within the forend.

from steel bar stock or forgings, heat treated and

The B725 20 gauge uses double seal (DS) style

grooves. It is both comfortable and practical and

assembled for a long and trouble-free service life.

choke tubes. A compressible bronze sealing ring

affords a very natural point; it is deep enough to

The safety catch is typical Browning with its in-

is fitted just above the usual gas seal provided by

fill the hand yet remains slim.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

41

Shotgun Review Browning B725 Hunter 20 Gauge

Light chequering on the pistol grip and forend mean the gun is very pointable, especially necessary for swift handling in smaller spaces

Japanese-made Brownings now use monobloc barrel construction. The joint with the top barrel is so well crafted as to be barely detectable

Summary

some years ago. I took that on a syndicate

I thoroughly enjoyed using the B725 Hunter. It has

pheasant day and had the best day’s game

sufficient weight to feel good in the hands, is easy

shooting I have ever had. On one particular

but steady to swing and controls the recoil from

drive, where birds were driven from kale fields

normal weight shot loads very well. It is a beauti-

above a steep escarpment with guns posi-

fully proportioned gun and to my mind really does

tioned below, my peg was further down than

look and feel ‘right’. Its scaled down action and

most, making the birds taller. Any fears as to

nicely-proportioned wood work, with semi-pistol

being ‘under gunned’ were rapidly dispelled as

(Prince of Wales’) grip, is both elegant and very

I had a cracking stand that brought a “well shot,

nice in use. The smaller diameter of its 30in barrels

sir” from a picker-up that quite made my day!

gives the impression of being longer still, which im-

You need have no qualms about reaching tall

bues this gun with excellent pointing abilities that

birds, not so far as the 20 gauge gun is con-

will be much appreciated on high incoming birds

cerned anyway.

as well as distant tricky quartering ones.

This Browning B725, with its excellent han-

I mainly used it for sporting clays where

dling and light, crisp and well matched trigger

it performed admirably but a late afternoon

pulls, is a delight to use. Its weight and balance

stroll through a local copse put a fast depart-

make it a very nice gun to carry around the

ing woodpigeon disturbed by my arrival in the

fields too. I can give an unreserved ‘thumbs

bag, plus another as I waited below an open-

up’ to this delightful little gun and feel sure it

ing in the canopy above. Here the swift handling

will be appreciated by others. Many will, like

proved handy, just as it would when standing on

me, have been shooting with larger gauges for

a peg set along a woodland ride.

many years and looking for something a little

Using this B725 Hunter brought back memories of when I tested a 20 gauge B525 model

42

lighter and handier: to those I say try it, you will not be disappointed.

www.countrysportscotland.com

The receiver is strong yet well proportioned and retains all the key features of the original design, including the substantial cocking lever and top strap-mounted combined safety catch and barrel selector

Five of the latest Invector ‘Double Seal’ chokes are supplied with the B725

Technical specifications Make: Browning Model: B725 Hunter GD1 Action: Over / Under Barrel length: 30in (32in) Chamber: 76 mm (3”) steel proof Overall length: 47⅜in Pull length: 14¾in (375mm) Trigger pulls B/T: 3lb 11oz / 3lb 12oz Total weight: 7lb 7oz (3.1kg) SRP: £1,995 (inc hard case) UK distributor: BWM, www.browning.eu

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

43

kit clothing

What’s hot to wear From tweeds to serious stalking clobber, get yourself geared up with this selection of top-notch clothing and footwear

The Brace Shooting Jacket

Swazi Tahr anorak

The Brace is a traditional shooting jacket brought up-to-date. Made from

If you want total protection, check out this smock. which has fewer seams

water-resistant Teflon-coated British tweed, it has stylish twists such as

and zips to leak, and is long enough to cover your backside, eliminating rain

the patriot underside to the pocket flap, and is cut low at the back and

run-off with three layers of protection. The outer layer deflects wind and

high at the neck to keep out draughts. Hand-crafted in Dorset using

allows moisture to escape, while the central membrane lets

British tweed and British design.

perspiration out.

Price: £480

Price: £345

Maude & Fox www.maudeandfox.com

Swazi www.swazi.co.nz

Nomad Hooded Quadrider Stalking Smock

Having found favour when undergoing a

Bestard Explorer BG3

Deerhunter Predator Available in digital camo or timber,

This smock has been specifically designed for

rigorous test for Sporting Rifle magazine last

Deerhunter’s Predator range is ideal for dawn and evening stalks in the brutal

tough conditions – whether remote hills and

year, Bestard boots are growing in popularity

long distances, or foxing on cold, wet evenings.

– and you can do a lot worse than checking

British outdoors. Jacket and trousers

It’s made from Nomad UK’s ‘Stealth’ fabric –

out the Explorer BG3 model, pictured here.

form the mainstay of the range, with cap,

breathable yet waterproof, light and windproof.

With a Gore-Tex lining, the boots are insulated

beanie, facemask and gloves also available.

Designed for long use, it’s a comfortable, durable

and water-repellent, while comfort is ensured

Deerhunter’s Stormliner membrane is built

option in a fabric that’s seen 14 stalking seasons

by a semi-rigid Bestflex midsole and full grain

in, while four-way stretch fabric and a YKK

without a leak. The Hooded Quadrider features a

leather/rubber upper. This is a high-quality boot

zip ensure there are no easy points of water

long fish tail cut at the back, for protection when

that’s more than suitable for the hill, make no

ingress. The jacket contains a wealth of zip-

you are riding a quad bike, or out in strong winds.

mistake about it.

sealed pockets and rubber antenna hole.

Price: £269.99

Price: £220

Price: Jacket £139, trousers £129

Nomad UK 07736 255100

MM Sporting 01633 877358

Deerhunter 07766 323683

www.nomaduk.net

www.mmsporting.co.uk

www.deerhunter.eu

44

www.countrysportscotland.com

kit clothing

Arxus Arctic boots

Browning Dirty Bird Parka

Coming to these shores from Swedish brand Arxus, the ‘Arctic’ model is a

This jacket features several reinforcements to help it withstand a tough

revolutionary boot that has insoles with built-in heating elements that can

life outdoors. A member of Browning’s winter range, it has an adjustable,

be adjusted by remote control. These really are the ultimate boots, equally

removable hood, watertight cuffs, Primaloft insulation, and strengthened

applicable for those freezing cold nights spent foxing as they are for long

shoulders and forearms – great news if you’ll be crawling in it. Shown here

stints in a high seat waiting for your targeted buck to emerge.

in Realtree Max-4 Camo, it has four frontal and two handwarmer pockets.

Price: £350

RRP: £219

Hammond Sporting 07765 465174 www.hammondsporting.co.uk

Browning 01235 514550 www.browning.eu

Black Islander Forest

Hillman Novel Boots

Seeland Logano Fleece

These extra-thick boots are made with 2.4mm

Created to make long-distance treks as

This two-layer fleece functions on its own as

leather for durability and comfort, yet weigh

comfortable as possible, the Novel boots

an outer layer, as our model demonstrates

just 850g. Waterproof, breathable, and with

sport a soft cushion, memory foam insole

here – but it’s thin enough to be built into a

Thinsulate linings for warmth, they are ideal

and ultra-flexible outsole. An Almotec

full hunting set-up as a mid-layer too. A two-

for soggy conditions. High rubber randing

membrane transports moisture out and

layer fleece, it’s certainly warm enough either

protects your toes and a soft padded leather

reflects body heat, while an A-Top lacing

under a jacket or on its own for hill stalks

collar will keep your feet cosy. Available in

system aids ankle support. The Novel boots

around September time, especially when

sizes 7-13, these boots are the latest release

are built and tested to last in water, mud

things get a little more strenuous. Built to be breathable, it’ll cope with long pulls up the hill

from a brand that’s set the standard for hill

and snow, to keep you dry in heavy rain and

footwear for some time – so you can do a lot

to provide unmatched excellence for long

without leaving you drenched. It’s finished off

worse than checking them out.

distance hunting.

with quilted amaretta on the shoulders, collar

Price: £219.95

Price: £229.99

and zips.

Black Islander 01349 877770

Venator Pro

Price: £74.95

www.blackislander.co.uk

www.venatorpro.com

Seeland www.seelanduk.co.uk

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

45

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46

www.countrysportscotland.com

Glen Etive Red stag

rogue stag Pete Carr engages a threatening stag in trying conditions in one of Scotland’s most remote but dramatic glens

Credit: Mzphoto.cz Shutterstock

E

ngaging Highland red stags

A couple of seasons ago I was all set for the hill

down by the sea loch. It wasn’t long before Mark

in the roar is one of the

when the keeper, Mark Shone, arrived at the

picked him up in the binoculars on the other

most moving stalking experi-

lodge with some unusual news and a change-

side of the river, running his hinds and roaring

ences available in the British

of-plan request. One of his older stags had

like his life depended on it. With quick assess-

Isles. Steeped in tradition, the sport is much

taken up the territory alongside the river where

ment made we backed the trailer into a gateway

as it was in Victorian times – only the advances

the firth joined the sea loch. This in itself was

and made haste back up the glen to a ford that

in firearms and optics add any modernism to

not unusual, but where river met sea was also

would give the Argo access to the other side of

a day out on the hill in pursuit of stags. I enjoy

a popular car park with tourists, and said stag

the river. The truck crunched to a halt in the

this uniquely Scottish sport every year on my

had taken umbrage with the cars (which in the

gravel alongside the river – I was amazed at the

annual jaunt to the Highlands with rifle, salm-

stag’s eyes had become challengers to his turf

keeper’s agility and speed of operation as he

on rod and shotgun.

and hinds). He had become increasingly aggres-

leaped into the Argo and backed it off the trailer

Every stag hunt has its own story and all are

sive and put the fright up one too many mem-

with a thumb signal to me and camera opera-

equally exciting to those who have followed the

bers of the public, so the decision had been

tive Becky Bailey to climb aboard.

path of Nimrod and understand the feeling of

made to remove him. I was happy to oblige and

We were off in short order and splashed

peat and heather underfoot, the swirling mists

swapped an outing on the hill for a game of cat

through the deep ford, trying to keep rifle and

on the high tops that threaten to turn the day

and mouse along the riverbank and the ques-

camera dry. At one point the rear of the Argo

into a non-event, and the call of the raven or

tionable enjoyment of crawling through gorse.

began to lose grip and it looked a distinct pos-

moorcock reminding you that you are in truly

Leaving the lodge behind, we headed out

sibility that we might float down the river and

wild country where nature can be unforgiving.

in the pick-up with the Argo in tow for a recce

past the stag. Thankfully the water shallowed

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

47

Glen Etive Red stag

A quick recce from the side of the loch...

...and then off into the impenetrable thicket

and we bounced up the bank in grand style with Mark sporting a confident grin, no doubt amused at our waterborne concern.

“ It was a grand sight to see him sound his ownership of the glen, and I enjoyed the moment until I heard Mark’s nervous statement, “Where are the hinds?”

We went through the kit check and assessed the wind, which was perfect for our approach.

Unfortunately the stag would not be visible until we had closed to within shooting range; we would be stalking into his last known posi-

On ground this unstable. finding a steady rest for a shot is no easy feat

tion and hopefully guided by his roaring from time to time. Half a mile of thick gorse lay between us and the stag. The other concern was

Unfortunately the thicket became so thick

water, the sound of which we prayed would

the stag’s harem; if his ladies retired into the

it was impassable, and we had to backtrack

mask our indelicate approach.

gorse they could be our undoing.

and force our way through to the river bank

Eventually the gorse thinned enough for

Picking our way through the gorse was to

in an attempt to circumvent the thickest part

us to clamber back up the bank and pick our

be no easy task. Alternating between hands

of the dense gorse. Reaching the riverside

way silently to the stag’s position. He was close

and knees and a laboured crouch, we mean-

was a milestone, and with it came welcome re-

now. Indeed his roars seemed so close we felt

dered through the thicket like Brer Rabbit in

lief from sweat and toil in the form of a slight

we may walk into him. This, however, was the

his briar patch. The sweat soon began to feel

sea breeze blowing up stream. Taking five we

audio effect of the surrounding hills that rose

corrosive in my eyes, and the season’s late-

caught our breath before heading on along the

on either side of us like giant granite cathe-

surviving midges had clearly taken residence

bank. This soon became impassable too and

drals, coupled with the onshore breeze.

in the thicket too. Progress was slow but we

we slipped down the bank onto the gravel and

Pressing on, we looked for a break in the

were closing, and despite the discomforts, it

stones. I’ve stalked in some difficult and trying

cover to edge out onto the open moss to iden-

was nevertheless a damned exciting experi-

conditions, but this was hell. Keeping one’s bal-

tify a suitable shooting position. This proved

ence, especially when the stag started to be-

ance was one thing – trying to do it quietly was

impossible, so we decided to back up a little

come vocal.

quite another. We took hope from the running

and try to use the river again. Now humour is

48

www.countrysportscotland.com

Glen Etive Red stag

An 11-point stag was one of the heaviest seen on this ground in some time

A long-in-the-tooth stag destined for the Argo and then the larder

spy the stag. I followed, with Becky close behind. Moving as slowly as I possibly could, I deployed the stalking sticks and raised up in full view of the stag, ready to deploy the rifle. This is when Murphy intervened again – the bank fell away, taking me with it. Gathering what composure I could, I regained my position, welcomed by an amused Mark and a satisfied Becky, who wore a vengeful smile.

Thankfully the stag had missed all of this, so I slowly deployed the rifle and waited for him to turn and offer me an ethical shot at his vitals.

He began another roar and stepped forward in a half-turn. It was exactly what was needed and I fitted to the rifle. Drawing a line up his front leg, I began to exhale and steadied the reticle on his heart and lung area. The shot was away to cut his next roar short, and the satisfying thump of the bullet hitting home told of a good shot. It was a relief to see him fall, and Mark said the shot was good. He lit up a customary

Camera mishaps and tumbles in the mud were all forgotten as the result was a happy one in the end

fag as we watched on to make sure the stag didn’t get up and was definitely dead.

always very much a part of hunting, shooting

Mark’s decision to use the river bend as a

Ten minutes later we walked in and checked

and fishing, and in most situations humour can

flanking move soon proved a good call. Staying

the eye response that confirmed death. He

be readily found.

close to the bank and on the lighter gravel, we

was a big stag, and a heavy 11-pointer. Mark

On this occasion we couldn’t have avoided

made it to a point that finally gave us a view of

said his head had gone back from previous

it even if we had wanted to. Becky, camera op-

the stag. It was a grand sight to see him sound

years and an inspection of his jaw showed him

erative extraordinaire, had been grabbing suit-

his ownership of the glen, and I enjoyed the

to be an ancient beast who might not have sur-

able snippets of our stalk as we approached.

moment until I heard Mark’s nervous state-

vived another winter.

As we turned she backed up, tripped and fell

ment, “Where are the hinds?”

An excellent job well done, all caught on

bum first into a gorse armchair. Credit to her

They had gone, and were probably in the

camera. It had been one of the most unusual

professionalism, she suppressed a squeal as

gorse between us and the stag. This was a real

and trying Scottish stag stalks I had ever en-

the gorse negated the waterproof membrane

concern, and if correct would certainly be our

joyed. We had got the result and grassed one

of her trousers and improved the breathability.

undoing. There was nothing for it but to climb

of the biggest stags I had ever shot. All fair

Mark and I nearly remained composed as I of-

the bank once more and try to get a steady po-

chase and hard-won too – a collective effort in

fered her the stalking sticks as a means of exit

sition to take a shot at the stag. Mark carefully

the best of company. It doesn’t get much bet-

from her uncomfortable seat.

slid up the bank and dropped to one knee to

ter than that.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

49

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Shoot IN SCOTLAND

51

Stalking Rut

Witnessed calling Chris Dalton embarks on a roebuck stalk in ‘typical Scottish weather’ when a first-time stalker comes calling during the rut

E

arly August is usually the

band between two grooves to alter the noise.

We met in the early evening of the first

peak of the rut and a time

By placing your thumb over a hole in the bot-

night, discussing his prior stalking experience

of much anticipation among roe

tom of the caller you can reduce the volume

and running through my plan and the lie of the

stalkers. As much of my guided

to suit the conditions at the time. Good rutting

land. It became clear that Mark was an expe-

stalking is on roebucks, I am out most days

weather is often humid and low noise carries a

rienced stalker and particularly well prepared

at this time of the year and the stalking diary

long way. The last thing you want is a call akin

– something I had fully expected of a military

books up quickly, often years in advance.

to the trumpet section of the Grimethorpe col-

man. After a very brief range check to confirm

liery band (good as they are) echoing around

rifle set-up, it was off to the B&B before a very

the whole county.

early start at first light.

When using calls during the rut, I try to replicate the various contact calls made between the doe and kid or doe and buck. I follow a

Most of late July and early August will see me

You can tackle the rut in various ways and it’s

pretty standard sequence of calling that starts

stalking around home in the south west of Scot-

often a productive tactic to go out during the

quietly with the ‘fiep’ – a gentle squeak that is

land, however this year I had Mark booked in.

day – something I do frequently and with good

the contact call between doe and kid – going

Mark was nearing the end of a naval career in the

success. Most rutting will take place under the

through to the distress call, which is slightly

marines and we stalked up in Angus so he could

cover of darkness and if you head out at first

louder and longer. I finish with both the agita-

easily travel from his base. Mark wanted to gain

light, the roe will be relaxing after some very

tion and the agony calls, which replicate a doe

his DSC2 and intended to pursue a career in the

strenuous activity. You can then catch them at it

being pressed hard by a buck.

stalking sector after retirement from the military.

again mid-morning to mid-afternoon after they

I carry two calls, the Buttolo and the Nor-

We booked four days stalking around the peak of

have had a rest. I find this particularly true of

dic Roe, but the one I use most is the Nordic.

the rut. The other advantage for me was that the

bigger boys but the young bucks have to lie low

Because it is blown, it has the added advan-

midge situation on the estate I stalk in the east

when the stand bucks are holding court and I

tage of leaving both hands free and you can

of Scotland is nowhere near as bad as that on

have found that they will take their chance with

simply set up shop with the rifle and start to

the west coast, so the stalking would be relatively

the ladies while the big lads are having a morn-

make your calls. It is pre-tuned; move a rubber

comfortable and net free.

ing nap. Mark’s priority was to get his DSC2

52

www.countrysportscotland.com

Stalking Rut

Credit: David Dohnal

Having hidden behind the trees for so long, the buck finally comes into view

done, so we were chasing the cull bucks, hence

few hundred yards into the trees where the

the early start this morning.

ground dropped away slightly.

For Mark to achieve his DSC2, I needed to wit-

I told Mark to set up on the rifle and watch

ness him stalk and select three roe. We would

for movement in the field in front of us. We did

have ample opportunity for him to do this over

not have a fantastic view but could see enough

four days, but as he had never had a roe called

through the gaps in the trees. I always wait a little

in to shoot he was keen to witness it.

while for things to settle before starting to call.

We set off and headed for a few fields

While we were waiting, our attention was caught

bounded on three sides by some woodland,

by movement. The fox-red tinge of a roe in sum-

on the southern edge of the estate. I had

mer coat could clearly be seen moving slowly

watched a really nice trophy buck in this spot

through the undergrowth. We got a glimpse as

and knew full well it was his patch, but there

he made progress across in front of us – I dou-

were also two yearling bucks that I knew of. As

ble-checked that Mark was ready and started to

we got close to a pull in between two woods,

give very gentle ‘contact peeps’ on the Buttolo.

a young buck walked from the trees across the

Initially the buck stopped and I thought he was

road and into the woodland. He seemed totally

going to respond but he totally ignored the call

unaware of us, nose down all the way over the

and moved away into the undergrowth. Again I

road and up the grass verge into the trees.

waited a few moments; Mark shrugged and made

Excellent, here was a deer checking out some

to move but I told him to wait and stay on the

strong female scent, so I thought there would

sticks. I gave a few calls on the Nordic Roe, mim-

be a good chance of calling him in. We quietly

icking the agitation call of a doe being pressed,

parked, Mark loaded up and we made quick

and boy did that do it. The yearling bounced

progress to the side of the field and made the

back towards us and appeared suddenly about

The Nordik Roe caller is an effective call but you will need to take time to experiment with it and get used to how it works

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

53

Stalking Rut

Mark took the shot at close quarters, bagging himself a young roe that had been on the wrong side of a bigger buck

“ The last thing you want is a call akin to the trumpet section of the Grimethorpe colliery band (good as they are) echoing around the whole county ” 30 yards in front of us. He was not in a position for Mark to shoot, partially obscured by a willow tree with a branch smack over the vitals; another call and he was out again, this time 10 yards away, staring intently at us. What followed was a stand-off for about five minutes with nobody daring to move, and then he bobbed, quick as a flash, back into the trees. Another call had him back again but this time he came in slightly to our right and made the mistake of offering a very nice broadside shot in a little clearing, again only about 20 yards away. He dropped immediately; I do hope he managed to experience the delights of a young lady before he met his end. He had certainly felt the wrath of a bigger buck as we noted the jab marks on his back end when we gathered him up for the gralloch.

No matter how many times I call roe, it is still one of the most magical experiences in stalking.

It is particularly rewarding if you bring someone to experience it for the first time too. Mark went on to stalk and shoot four further roe on the trip and we completed his DSC2 without a midge in sight – heaven.

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

54

www.countrysportscotland.com

The roe shows visible signs of being in a scuff with a much larger specimen

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

55

review rifle

A Modern Classic On the hunt for a new hill-stalking rifle, Byron Pace is keen to try out the Mauser M03 Extreme

I

first shot a Mauser M03 about

as a mountain rifle. Having said that, I take it

els, I think Mauser have pretty much delivered

a year after they came out, and

for hinds in the hill all the time and it has never

everything that can be asked for. I find the all-

they have been so successful

bothered me. Due to the fact it can shoot any-

weather rubberised panels particularly pleas-

that they’ve remained practically

thing from .223 to .458, the action is long. If you

ing, adding welcome grip and security when

unchanged for more than a decade. New mod-

were only ever going to shoot a .223 Rem, the ri-

handling. This model does have quite a dis-

els do come out each season, with a few nice

fle would be overkill, and would dampen the en-

tinct palm swell, which suits me fine, but there

tweaks such as magazine release locks, but

joyment of using a smaller calibre for stalking.

are others who prefer the original design still

essentially it is the same rifle. What it proves

As I’m getting all the negatives out of the way

found on the synthetic stock of the PH mod-

is that Mauser got it right the first time, and I

first (there aren’t that many), I’ll continue: The ac-

els. As a result of the chassis system bedding,

can’t see any reason why they won’t continue

tion itself, though robust, is not the slickest. There

stock composition, recoil pad and weight of

with the M03 for the foreseeable future.

are a lot of rifles that cycle more smoothly than an

the rifle, the transfer of recoil is sympathetic.

When I first completed a test of this rifle it

M03 – but that is not to say it’s bad. It’s just fine.

The M03 can be extremely fancy, but on

immediately captured my interest. I held on to

Lastly, the trigger can’t be adjusted at home.

the Extreme, the simplicity of an understated

that rifle for some time – probably longer than

The chassis is fixed into the stock via screws un-

black nitride finish on the precisely machined

I should have – and two years after sending it

der the buttpad, so you have to be content with

receiver is all that is needed. The bolt release

back I contacted Robert at Blaser Sporting to

the factory setting, which on the direct trigger is

sits practically flush, hugging the contour, lead-

see about getting a Mauser M03 of my own.

excellent. Breaking at a crisp 2.6lb, some people

ing out towards Mauser’s integral, proprietary

I needed a practical rifle for travel and a

may find it a tad heavy if more used to light var-

mounting system. It is expensive, setting you

.308 Win for ammo testing. The .308 Win is

mint-tuned triggers, but when shooting the big

back about £350 for the base and rings, with

a great hill calibre, too. I settled on the basic

game calibres it is welcome. The set-trigger is ad-

no real alternatives. Cost aside, it is hard to

M03 Extreme, which suited my needs and also

justed very easily with the hex key supplied, but

find fault with Mauser’s mounts. Precisely

pleased my bank account.

I feel a tiny amount of travel before it unleashes.

finished, they compliment the rifle perfectly,

The M03 is a very good rifle; I wouldn’t have

But don’t let these few niggles put you off

with a multitude of options from rings to rails.

bought one otherwise. Still, it’s all about what

– no product is flawless, after all. So what is

Detachable with one hand, the spring-loaded

use you intend for it, and for the specified use

there to like about this rifle? A great deal.

pawls hold the three-lug camming locks firmly

here, weight may be a slight issue. My M03

Some of the wooden-stocked versions re-

weighs just under 8lb, so may not suit everyone

ally are beautiful, while in the synthetic mod-

56

www.countrysportscotland.com

in place, detached and re-installed with minimal effort.

review rifle

Moving between calibre sizes may require a new magazine and bolt head as well as barrel

The bolt drop on the M03 is spot on

... and Byron’s little sprocker did his bit The trigger is excellent, although some people may find it a tad heavy. The set-trigger can be adjusted

The bedding cradle is integral to the rifle’s repeatability during barrel exchange

When the M03 was launched, the idea of a

levers go, it is one of the easiest to apply, re-

zine in the field. I always do this when shooting

cocking lever was new. I remember my first

quiring only moderate force owing to its built-

in .375 H&H.

glance at the rear of the rifle; I thought it

in leverage.

The bolt head is the next aspect that needs

looked anything but robust. In fact, it is a very

In the magazine we have the first exchange-

attention. My original set-up was for a .308

simple, smart system, easily cocked and de-

able part of the rifle. Essentially the mag re-

Win, which takes care of a lot of calibres, but

cocked from a shooting position without ex-

mains the same size, although for smaller cali-

when fitting the .375 barrel I needed a mag-

cessive movement. There is a bit of a knack to

bres an internal blanking block is inserted for

num head. The three rows of two lugs lock

re-applying the safety (or de-cocking the rifle).

correct fitting. Construction is dual material,

down directly into the barrel itself, ensuring

In order to prevent snatching your thumb, the

with a strong alloy/synthetic combo. For such

that head spacing is exact for every calibre

lever has to first be depressed fully to the right

a big mag, it is actually very light, and can be

change. With the bolt out, pushing the cocking

before pushing the release lever in, guiding the

locked into the rifle on any M03. Inserting the

lever to the far left allows the head to simply

tab back to its original position. In the safe, un-

supplied 1.3mm Allen key into the small hole in

be pushed out. A reverse of this process fits

cocked position, the bolt is also locked down,

the large, recessed, synthetic button and turn-

the new head. In less than ten seconds, the job

but can be lifted by depressing the lever fully

ing clockwise until it stops will prevent ejection.

is done.

to the left to unlock the bolt with the rifle safe.

This may be useful if hunting dangerous game,

Lastly we get to the barrels which, as you

It sounds complicated but, as far as cocking

illuminating any possibility of dropping a maga-

would expect from Mauser, are excellent. The

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

57

review rifle

“ The M03 has many fans, and very few detractors.

That in itself speaks volumes ”

Two shots taken 100m, barrel and scope removed then another two shots taken.

Group less than 1in, same POI

A pleasing group with RWS 180gr H-Mantel at 100m

Technical specifications

Easy to remove, the bolt head can be changed for different cartridges

variety of barrels on offer is considerable in

ple. Shooting a group of three rounds first, I

terms of length and profile, fitted with or with-

would continue with a fourth after removing

out open sights. To remove, ensure the bolt is

the scope once, and a fifth after removing it a

back and the scope is detached. Using the sup-

second time. I wanted to get the last two shots

plied torque T-bar, undo the two screws in front

inside the first three for a tidy five-shot group,

of the magazine, then simply lift the barrel out.

and I wasn’t disappointed. Five shots with the

Removed from the stock, the chassis of the rifle

scope removed twice, with all shots into 0.8in,

is exposed. This cradle is what makes the rifle

is quite impressive.

so accurate, providing a single contact bedding

Next came the barrel change. Firing three

of the barrel once it’s tightened into place. Slip-

shots with my .308 Win, I then removed the

ping the new barrel in, the screws are tightened

barrel to shoot my .223 Rem with open sights,

back up, and scope re-fitted. I have experiment-

then put my .308 Win back on and shot a fur-

ed with using a torque driver to ensure repeat-

ther two shots. The results are plain to see.

ability, but Mauser have designed their system

The fourth and fifth shots landed inside and

to bottom-out as it reaches optimum tightness,

on my group of three, leaving a <0.75in group

meaning that you can achieve a repeatable ex-

at 100 yards. Just to prove the point further, I

change every time without extra equipment.

shot the .223 Rem at 50 yards with the open

As simple as all this is, there is little point if

sights, again hitting the nail on the head with

the system does not maintain consistent point

a group exactly where I left it at just over half

of aim. Having only recently received my .375

an inch.

H&H barrel, and with Blaser kindly also supply-

The M03 has many fans, and very few de-

ing me with a .223 Rem barrel, I set about test-

tractors. That in itself speaks volumes. The

ing just how well the M03 worked.

versatility of the system simply works and the

I wanted to settle any doubt over the mounting system first. This would be sim-

58

results speak for itself. As far as multi-barrel rifles go, it is still one of the best.

www.countrysportscotland.com

MAUSER M03 EXTREME Mini Barrel length: 60cm (23in) Calibres available: .222 Rem, .223 Rem Magazine capacity: 5+1 Overall length: 112cm (44in) Weight: approx. 3.5kg (7¾lb) Standard Barrel length: 60cm (23in) Calibres available: .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 x 55, 6.5 x 57, .270 Win, 7 x 64, .30-06, 8 x 57 IS, 8.5 x 63, 9.3 x 62 Magazine capacity: 5+1 Overall length: 112cm (44in) Weight: approx. 3.5kg (7¾lb) Magnum Barrel length: 65cm (25in) Calibres available: 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 Weath Mag, 8 x 68 S, .338 Win Mag, .338 Blaser Mag, .375 H&H Magazine capacity: 4+1 (for .338 Blaser Mag.: 3+1) Overall length: 117cm (46in) Weight: approx. 3.5kg (7¾lb) Price: From £2,565 Distributor: Blaser Sporting 02076 222116 www.blaser-sporting.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

59

kit optics

Glass greats

Spy your quarry and ensure a precise shot with our comprehensive selection of scopes and binoculars suitable for Scottish sport

Nightforce SHV

Meopta Meostar R2

The 5-20x SHV (‘Shooter Hunter Varminter’) scope has a large magnification

The R2 2-12x50 seen here is the latest in the MeoStar range, and covers

range for a variety of uses – though its larger specification suits longer-

all hunting scenarios. The 6x zoom and expansive field of view and the

range shots taken on hills or in open spots. Choose from IHR and MOAR

MeoLux twilight-optimised multi-coatings and 12x maximum magnification

designs for reticles. The new SHV model comes with ZeroSet technology for

gives a clear sight picture whatever the range. Eight-step illumination

rapid return to zero even after multiple rotations of the elevation turret.

control ensures precise point of aim – in bright daylight or at twilight.

Price: From £1,197.99

Price: From £1,345

Nightforce Optics www.nightforceoptics.com

Viking Arms 01423 780810 www.vikingshoot.com

Swarovski CL Pocket Binos

Nikko Stirling Diamond

Kahles binos

Small but powerful, these compact-sized

Pictured here in 3-12x56, the Nikko Stirling

Kahles’ range of high-quality binoculars are

binoculars are just the job for stalking on

Diamond is a versatile scope with a 30mm tube,

available in 8x42, 10x42 or 8x32 specifications.

typical Scottish terrain, offering optical quality

available in specifications from 1-4x24 to 3-12x.

Offering crisp sight pictures, the binoculars are built to the same quality as Kahles riflescopes,

of the highest order – much as you’d expect

With a no. 4 dot reticle, it’s ideal for providing

from the revered Swarovski make. Folding up

a fine point of aim – and the scope’s build

with an attractive price tag that means they

small enough to fit into any jacket pocket and

quality is impressive too. With the illumination

can take on some of the top binocular brands.

All models feature shock and noise dampening,

with a low weight of 345 grams, they are the

easily adjustable, you won’t be delayed in

perfect companion for hill or lowland stalkers

taking the shot, no matter what the quarry or

side palm swells and non-slip grooves to

alike, guaranteed not to weigh you down or

surroundings. An affordable yet no less quality

provide a sure grip under any conditions.

get in the way. Plus, they don’t break the bank

option from Nikko, this offers an impressive

There are too many models to list here – check

– what’s not to like?

level of versatility and utility for the price tag.

the distributor’s website for a full breakdown.

Price: £560 (8x25), £600 (10x25)

Price: Around £215.99

Price: From £619

Swarovski 01737 856812

Highland Outdoors 0845 0990252

RUAG 01579 362319

www.swarovskioptik.com

www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk

www.ruag.co.uk

60

www.countrysportscotland.com

kit OPTICS

Kaps Binoculars

Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 50

This binocular range from German optics brand Kaps offers three

Leica’s new Ultravid HD-Plus 50 range promises great colour, contrast, clarity

different magnifications: 8x32, 8x42 and 8x56. The three-position eyecups

and a sharp resolution. The large objective lens diameter makes them ideal

give comfy viewing, and an ergonomic and precise focus control makes

for low light and they’re available in 8x, 10x or 12x magnification. The special

use simple. With high-quality optics and picture clarity, the range comes

AquaDura lens coating protects from scratches, and repels dirt and water.

with rubberised armouring makes the Kaps grippable, even in rain.

Each Ultravid comes with a padded Cordura case.

Price: From £339

Price: From £1,700

York Guns 01904 487180 www.yorkguns.com

Leica www.leica-sportoptics.com

Steiner Ranger Xtreme

Hawke Vantage binos

MTC Genesis UL

Looking distinctly new-age but offering

Hawke has revamped the binocular offering in its

If you’re after a stalking set-up that won’t weigh you down, check out MTC’s popular Genesis in

generous amounts of traditional quality,

entry-level Vantage range, with no fewer than 10

the Ranger Xtreme binos boast a two-way-

new models on offer from 8x25 to 10x42 (there’s

a new ultra-light (UL) format. With a 1in tube

valve nitrogen pressure system and ClicLoc

also a 12x25 option). Vantage scopes have been

and low-profile turrets, the scope weighs just 387 grams – but it’s no less reliable for its new

strap attachment for ultimate security. The

around for a while, but this now completes

ergonomic eyecups use a twist mechanism for

the optical line-up in the British brand’s most

slimmed-down form, thanks to a lens-locking

easy adjustability. A balanced grip and long-

affordable product line. The new models boast a

system that guarantees no zero shift. Parallax

life rubber armouring make these binoculars

waterproof chassis and fully coated optics, and a

is user-adjustable, and the scope is waterproof,

both tough and comfortable, while the high-

choice of green or grey exterior. At a competitive

fogproof and shockproof as well as nitrogen-

quality optics give great image quality and

price, these binos will do everything the cash-

purged. It’s available in a 3-9x40 specification,

light transmission to boot. For a small outlay,

strapped hill stalker needs.

with Butler Creek flip-up covers and sunshade.

you get a lot of performance here.

Price: £74.99-£99.99

Price: £149

Price: £430

Hawke 01394 387762

MTC Optics 01380 859572

GMK 01489 579999 www.gmk.co.uk

www.hawkeoptics.co.uk

www.mtcoptics.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

61

kit optics

Leupold VX-6

Schmidt & Bender 2.5-10x50 Polar T96

The 3-18x44 model from this range suits the longer shots that can arise on a

Advertised as the world’s brightest low-light hunting scope, the Polar T96

hill stalk. The large zoom range allows you to be confident shooting out to the

offers more than 96 per cent overall light transmission in daylight and still 94

edge of ethical ranges – and you can dial it back for for standing shots from

per cent transmission when ambient light drops. Day and night reticles in first

sticks. The 44mm objective lens at the front of its 30mm, one-piece, 6061-T6

or second focal plane, and different mounting options like LMZ or LMC rail

maintube, gives a slender scope, belying the seriously robust optics inside.

make this a choice for the hunter who needs a scope that does everything.

Price: £1,525

Price: £1,595

Viking Arms 01423 780810 www.vikingshoot.com

Schmidt & Bender www.schmidt-bender.com

Zeiss Victory V8

Minox BF

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD

Seen here in its 1.8-14x50 spec, the Victory

The Minox BF line is a versatile entry-level

Available in an 8x42 model (pictured) or with

V8 with ASV is a compact all-rounder for a

binocular, available in 8x42 and 10x42, ideal

10x mag and either 36mm or 42mm lens

wide range of uses and maximum accuracy

for all kinds of stalking. The multi-coated

diameter, these binoculars are made for the field, with a wide field of view and a tough

at any distance. A relaxed view and intuitive

lenses minimise reflections and give good light

target acquisition ensures fast, reliable shots.

transmission and colour retention. The unit is

construction. The Ultras’ ED Prime glass

The large zoom range accompanied with

sturdy, with rubber armouring that protects

is completely water-repellent thanks to a RainGuard coating, while an ultra-wide-band

parallax compensation makes this scope an

and provides a firm grip. Sealing technology

ideal companion in any situation – from driven

also helps the binoculars withstand up to

coating makes for bright images with long

hunting to stalking, from high seat hunting to

0.3 bar of pressure and 3m depth of water.

eye relief, so you can acquire targets quickly.

long-range shooting. There are now a wide

The binoculars come with a neoprene strap,

The body is waterproof and fogproof, and a

range of models in the V8 line-up – see the

eyepiece cap and vinyl case, making carrying in

magnesium chassis makes it lightweight – so no

62

Zeiss site for details.

the field easy and convenient.

trouble if you’re stalking on the hill.

Price: £2,325 Zeiss 01223 401525

Price: 8x42 £130, 10x42 £145 Blaser Sporting

Price: £432 Edgar Brothers 01625 613177

www.zeiss.com/hunting

0207 6222116 www.blaser-sporting.com

www.edgarbrothers.com

www.countrysportscotland.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

63

64

www.countrysportscotland.com

Stalking sika

SIKA ORDEAL

A combination of bad luck and worse weather plagues a guest of Chris Dalton’s – then, when it all seems to have finally come together, the intended quarry goes missing

M

y home turf is Ayrshire

first time we had been able to get up there so

Neil was not back when I got in so I showered

but I do have ground fur-

we were hopeful that Jens would at last man-

and changed and waited for his return. I had

ther afield – this story relates to

age to get his deer. I took my guys into one of

just sat down and got warm with a nice brew

a sika stalking trip in Argyll with

the smaller plantations and left Magne in a high

when the phone rang – it was Neil. He needed

four Norwegian guests one September. The

seat while I stalked with Anders. We had gone

me and the dog as he had lost a good stag

guys were with us for four days, I had Neil help-

a fair way out along a stream valley towards a

to Jens’ rifle. The phone signal was very weak

ing me out, and we had done pretty well de-

tower I had intended to use, but just before

and I lost him halfway through the conversa-

spite the weather, which for the most part had

we got there, at a small intersection where the

tion so was not able to get his exact location,

been torrential rain and low cloud – not help-

stream was crossed by a drain, I saw a set of

but I thought I knew whereabouts he would

ful, but then, this is Argyll. Three of the lads had

legs through the trees moving along the grass

be so off I went again. The weather was now

accounted for their first ever sika, some had

mound at the top of the ditch. Anders set the ri-

appalling, with fog and driving rain closing in,

even shot more than one, all apart from Jens,

fle on the sticks and waited for the sika, not sure

and to cut a long story short I couldn’t find him

and boy was he getting some ribbing from

what sex it was at that stage, to come out into

– in fact, seeing anything in front of the vehi-

the others. Neil had done his best over four

the open around 120 yards in front of us. Sure

cle was hopeless with visibility down to zero.

stalks, but due to an unfortunate combination

enough, after around five minutes, a nice stag

I returned to the farmhouse and fortunately

of weather and pure bad luck, Jens had yet to

browsed into view, paused briefly, and my man

he arrived only minutes later. He told me he

open his account.

needed no further instruction. The stag crashed

had seen the vehicle lights pass within about

The last evening stalk again suffered terrible

forward about 30 yards before collapsing in a

10 feet of him but I couldn’t see him. It would

conditions with heavy rain, but at least the low

big heap – job done and another nice stag in the

have been impossible and dangerous to work

cloud had lifted. Neil had taken his guys off to

bag. What followed was a long drag back to the

the dog anyway, so we agreed the best plan

the far end of the high forest and planned to

truck and then drive to collect Magne, drop the

was to return to the accommodation, along

stalk Jens into a clearing and rocky outcrop,

guys back at their accommodation and return

with both his stalkers who were soaked to

which was a great place for stags. It was the

to the farmhouse we were staying in.

the skin.

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Stalking sika

Despite the weather, Chris and Neil had managed to get most of their guests a sika stag – for some it was their first

While Chris had taken some good stags with the group, Neil and Jens were having rather less success elsewhere

Jens was the last to get his stag, found by Burt after it dashed into thick cover just as the weather turned

“ The weather was now appalling, with fog and driving rain closing in, and to cut a long story short I couldn’t find him – in fact, seeing anything in front of the vehicle was hopeless ” He briefed me on the situation and told me

ested in something. Now at this stage Burt was

the scents coming to his nose were. He slowly

that he had marked where the stag had been

developing into a fine tracking dog and we had

worked through the trees, nose down and

standing at the shot, which was just on the

had some good follow-ups to prove this; how-

definitely on a line, so I followed. We went for

edge of the track. Jens thought the shot was

ever, I had not worked him on sika before and

what must have been 400 yards through thick

good but there was little blood visible and the

this was his first proper track of a deer after

conifers, and it was difficult going, but eventu-

stag had run into thick cover, but he was sure

a long period of time post-shot. I had worked

ally we came to a rocky ledge and steep drop.

he had hit it hard. They had searched under

him on artificial trails, but not an actual cold

He hesitated, seemed puzzled, backtracked a

the trees but it was dark and very thick so they

trail, made all the more difficult by eight hours

little, and then came back in a circle to the exact

could not see anything much.

of torrential rain. I had not seen the shot or

same spot and sat down with his nose pointing

We considered our options and I decided to

reaction to it and so it really was an unknown

over the ledge. I looked over the ledge and, sure

go up again at first light. Fortunately the weath-

situation for us both. However, this was an op-

enough, lying dead at the bottom was a crack-

er was much better in the morning, and I took

portunity for Burt to earn his pay and to relieve

ing eight-point sika stag. Suffice to say, much

Jens with me while Neil sorted the other three

a very worried Jens who had convinced himself

praise was given and after I finally managed to

guys out. The marker was clearly visible and I

he had lost the animal – I left him praying on a

get the stag back to the track, a mightily relieved

had an initial look round with Jens as the light

rocky ledge while I put the harness on Burt and

Norwegian hunter actually kissed Burt he was

started to come up. There was no evidence of

gave him the command ‘show me’.

so happy. I’m not sure I would ever go that far!

a strike and no blood, but to be honest, after

He didn’t rush off, which was the way he

I have to say that was the first time the dog

the rain we had had all night, I hadn’t expected

would normally operate. I would sometimes

got a bigger tip than I did, but it was not the

any. There was no sign under the trees either,

have to hold on to him when he was on a

last time Burt got a tip from a delighted hunter.

but the dog I was working at the time, Burt, my

strong trail, but he had his nose down and

For stalking opportunities, Chris and Tony can be

Bavarian Mountain Hound, was definitely inter-

was clearly working out in his own mind what

contacted on 07710 871190 or www.ayrstalk.co.uk.

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Highlands Ptarmigan

Sport at 3,000 feet

Enduring one of the toughest shotgun pursuits you can find anywhere in the UK, Pete Carr heads up the heights of Glen Etive in search of the hardy ptarmigan

I

n the hunting of ptarmigan,

hen’ is an apt description of this hardy bird

and one of those hills with a hidden summit

Scotland’s most jaw-dropping

that thrives above the snowline.

that seems to move further away as you climb

vistas are there for the taking

One has to be reasonably fit to hunt in this

up. Four of us set out from the hunting lodge

for the most adventurous of

mountainous environment, where the fickle

with high expectations – and a little trepidation

hunters. The premier of Scottish game birds,

moods of the weather make all the difference

at the arduous climb ahead. We started at sea

the ptarmigan is pursued among some of the

not just to success but also to one’s wellbeing.

level and each foot of the 3,000ft ascent would

wildest and most dramatic landscapes on the

Sensible clothing and comfortable, well-worn-

be hard won. There would be no Landrover or

planet. A denizen of the high tops, the bird

in footwear are an absolute must.

Argocat to shorten the distance, as the ground

scratches a living from the lichen-covered

I have made an annual pilgrimage to the High-

scree slopes, supplemented by seasonal ber-

lands in pursuit of ptarmigan since my mid-teens

was just too rough for vehicles. The entire jour-

ries, insects or what few sparse heather shoots

and the flame of excitement has never dimmed.

Splashing across the river ford, I took a long-

can be found in this challenging habitat on

A brace of birds per gun is an adequate return

ing look up the steep corrie, and struck out

top of the world. When choosing a home, the

for the sweat, tears and blisters, but successful

along the pony path that was the first leg of our

species clearly had in mind the estate agents’

or not, a hunting hike up to the high tops will al-

journey. We would pass by the Robbers Water-

creed – location, location, location.

ways be unforgettably exhilarating.

falls and eventually up to the first cairn, where

ney would be on foot.

Strangely named, with a silent ‘p’, the bird’s

Last year’s ptarmigan excursion was to Ar-

moniker is a corruption of the Gaelic label for

gyllshire, and the particular peak we would

at last the guns would be un-slipped.

Three hours later we were approaching

this mountain grouse. The German version,

be ascending was known locally as the High-

the gods. At ptarmigan height and with guns

schneehun, which roughly translates to ‘snow

lander. It is a Munro (a mountain over 3,000ft)

in hand at last, we began the final pull up the

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Highlands Ptarmigan

Keeping your footing at these heights is tricky

mountainside. Lining out and keeping in some sort of a line is not easy on such inclines, the scree is slippery underfoot and you quickly learn not to take balance for granted. Dropping my companions off one by one, I struggled uphill and finally reached the ridgeline.

Forming an evenly spaced, downhill line, some 200 yards apart, four eager faces waited for the wave that would start proceedings.

“ Finally the grey, speckled mountain grouse had had enough, and lifted into the air in a snow-flurry of white wings ” After a few moments to recover my breath, I gave the signal and we collectively moved

Andy takes the first ptarmigan in textbook manner

forward, eyes searching for the perfectly camouflaged mountain bird that is just too easy to

to keep the dog at heel and work the ground

in a snow-flurry of white wings. Andy instantly

pass by. Ptarmigan do not see too many pas-

carefully to maximise your chances of success.

folded the first ptarmigan of the day with a well-

sers-by and are therefore relatively tame. Of-

Approaching the second cairn, I noticed a sin-

practised snap shot. With bird safely retrieved by

ten they will simply clamp down tight amongst

gle bird at the same moment as Andy Lovel – my

Billy the black Labrador, our token gundog for

the rocks and wait for the danger to pass,

adjacent gun. The bird had clamped down true

the day, we all moved forward once more.

which is their usual defence when threatened

to form as we cautiously moved ahead. If it broke

Dropping into some dead ground, I caught

by their nemesis – the golden eagle. Therefore

left it would be mine, but if it went forward or

the unmistakable sound of nervous ptarmi-

it is very important not to walk around the

to the right, it would be Andy’s bird. The excite-

gan. There was an unseen covey nearby and

difficult scree sections of the terrain, as this

ment of my neighbour was strange to watch. It

I cautiously alerted Andy to pass the mes-

is where the birds are most likely to be. One

was his first bash at hunting ptarmigan and he

sage along. The ptarmigan’s call is similar to

or two biddable dogs are all that is needed,

could barely control his anticipation. He edged

the sound of a rusty hinge and is used by the

mainly for retrieving work. If one is to hunt the

ever nearer to the flush with his legs shaking in a

birds to communicate in mist or when about to

bird at all it must be worked tight, as the birds

manner that would henceforth be known as ‘the

flush. A whirr of wings a few yards out in front

will lift too far out in front and this is a heart-

Lovel shuffle’. Finally the grey, speckled mountain

saw the covey erupt and bank hard left down-

sinking sight after such a difficult hike. Better

grouse had had enough, and lifted into the air

hill. Wrong-footed, I missed with both barrels

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Highlands Ptarmigan

The descent proved as tough as the journey up

Pete gives credit where credit is due to Andy

Reflecting on the day, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardly a finer sporting challenge to be had

and had my eye wiped again by Andy, who

us that it was time to begin the descent from

always an adventure and one that all dedicat-

confidently took a neat right and a left to take

our lofty position. Turning about, we headed

ed bird shooters should sample at least once

his tally to an impressive hat-trick. Behaving

back along the broken ridge and flushed a few

in a lifetime.

impeccably, the covey flew the gauntlet right

smaller coveys, two pairs and another single-

down the line past the third gun Ruth, who like

ton without touching a feather. With a final tally

you can do this too

me also fluffed it, and finally to the last gun,

of two and a half brace, we slipped our guns

James Folkard, who took out the trailing bird

and four contented shooters began the final,

before they disappeared across the glen.

arduous descent before dark.

Pete was shooting in Argyllshire, but ptarmigan can be found in many locations on the higher hills across the Highlands.

With two brace safely ensconced in the

As far as wild sport goes, ptarmigan shoot-

game bag, the line moved forward again and

ing cannot be beaten. Ptarmigan is a hardy,

two more coveys lifted well out of range as we

resilient game bird, living in an unforgiving

climbed the last rise and out onto the flats that

environment, but that is only part of its al-

led to the summit. We were rewarded for our

lure. The sportsman has to work hard for his

earlier climb and the going was much easier

chances and then to make the most of the

now. We picked our way cautiously among the

few he is given. Furthermore, this is the most

big boulders and over the loose scree. A sin-

exquisitely flavoured game bird on Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

gleton rose before me and I executed a fine

quarry list, all the more enjoyable for the pain,

first barrel shot to add another bird to our

sweat and sometimes tears involved in getting

haul, before a rapidly sinking sun reminded

it to the plate. In short, ptarmigan shooting is

Bear in mind that plans may have to be changed, or cancelled altogether, if the weather is unsuitable. If you are travelling some distance it is advisable to arrange your trip earlier in the year when the weather is less likely to cause problems.

Try the following estates for opportunities at ptarmigan: Kildermorie Estate: enquiries@kildermorie.co.uk Ben Damph Estate: info@bendamph.com Croick Estate: croickestate@googlemail.com

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Wildfowling Technique

Height of the matter Experienced Solway fowler Will Wykes has some sage advice about how to pick your shots on the foreshore

T

he swifts and swallows have

were a bit tall.” After all, we’re only human and

How high is too high?

left, leaves are littering the

we all make mistakes… and here seems to lie

It’s all too easy to give a simple figure and say any-

ground, and there’s a chill in the

the problem. Most seem to accept a mistake has

thing over that height is out of range. One fowler’s

air that leaves many an early riser

been made and adjust their attitude, leaving the

out-of-range goose, another fowler can consist-

hunting out the winter jacket. At this time of year,

next skein of birds to pass, re-evaluating their

ently poleaxe at maximum shotgun range with

heading towards the winter, with the cold wind

range-judging abilities. But there seems to be

ease. A lot comes down to experience and confi-

and driving rain comes the great mass migration

a minority of shooters, who I can’t class as wild-

dence, but also equipment. You have to shoot to

of close to 300,000 pinkfooted geese to the UK’s

fowlers, who persistently fire away at high birds.

your own abilities, with the tools you have; some-

shores, the sights and sound of which will send

I have witnessed some unbelievable examples

one down the marsh dropping sporting tall geese

tingles down the spines of many a fowler young

of high shooting throughout the years, over dif-

with a 4-bore doesn’t mean you can fire away with

and old. However, with this tremendous influx of

ferent estuaries – groups of shooters emptying

a magnum 12-bore. Shooting foreshore geese is a

birds come the same old troubles.

their guns at every skein that goes over them

sport unto its own, there is nothing else quite like it.

High shooting is a problem that is apparent on

no matter how high they are – to the extent

Possibly that’s why it has such a following.

almost every goose hotspot in the UK, one that’s

that I have actually left the marsh early in dis-

No other sporting target in the UK deceives the

been apparent for many years and seemingly a

gust! Not only does it ruin everyone else’s flight,

shooter quite like a goose. Its size and relatively slow

practice that unfortunately isn’t going away. The

but it shows a complete lack of respect for the

wing beat makes it look as if it’s flying slowly, but in

Scottish side of the Solway, where, through laws

birds. There is a far higher chance of a bird be-

reality it can be cruising along faster than a motoring

of the land, anyone has the right to shoot below

ing wounded as the shot pattern fall away and

pheasant, and with a stiff wind a goose can easily be

the mean high watermark, is renowned for it.

loses its energy. It also pushes the birds away to

travelling faster than a teal. To add to the confusion

However, it’s not alone in its reputation for at-

other areas or, if the barrage of shots continues

salt marshes are barren places with no trees or tall

tracting ‘cowboys’. It seems that wildfowling for

morning after morning, makes them fly higher

objects to give any reference to height, and so geese

geese really can bring out the worst in some

and higher. Persistent high shooting makes it

are often higher than they look. Basically for the in-

people. No fowler worth their salt can say they’ve

almost impossible for anyone else to get a sport-

experienced fowler, they’re a recipe for mis-judging

never thought after firing at a skein, “Maybe they

ing chance at a goose.

the range and missing the shot.

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73

Wildfowling Technique

Struggling to judge distance? The ‘half a wing’ rule should see you in good stead

The rule of thumb for judging range of geese is, if you’re using a single barrel semi-auto or over-andunder, when you swing through a goose you can see at least half a wing on either side of the barrel it’s in range.

If you’re one of the few still to use a side-by-side, the rule goes, if the wingtips extend to the outer edge of each barrel then the goose is in range.

Range judging When it comes to wildfowling, judging range is possibly one of the most important skills you will need; persistent high shooting not only makes you out to look like the marsh cowboy to other fowlers but you can also end up losing your club membership or shooting permit because of it.

The key is to think before every shot and always exercise judgement

Permitted estuaries across Scotland such as Wigtown Bay LNR, the Eden Estuary LNR, Mon-

“ Everyone should be allowed to enjoy their time spent on the marsh without being put off by the minority ”

trose basin LNR (Local Nature Reserves) and Caerlaverock NNR (National Nature Reserve) have council or voluntary wardens who have the right to revoke shooting permits if codes of conducts are not being followed. Therefore it is in a wildfowler’s interest to learn what is acceptable

Throughout the season I try my best to accompany

your mounted gun. It’s the first step in getting an

Possibly one of the best pieces of kit I have come

friends and shooting parties, young shooters and

accurate estimation of range.

across for the purpose (as a wildfowler and volun-

inexperienced fowlers, and I will often test them

Wildfowling is a sport for everyone, and com-

tary warden) has been my Leica LRF800 rangefind-

when the birds are moving. “How high is that lead

pared to other shooting sports it’s relatively cheap

er. Bought for my interest in long-range rifle shoot-

bird?” I ask, as I ping it with the rangefinder.

and accessible. Everyone should be allowed to

and what’s not.

ing, I had one of those “light bulb” moments one

Some of the answers I get are staggering. In my

enjoy their time spent on the marsh without being

day when I thought I’d try it on flying birds. Instantly

experience, from the majority of times I’ve tested

put off by the minority. The number of high shoot-

I had a device with which I can tell the exact range

inexperienced fowlers, on average the answers I

ers I’ve tackled all give the same responses: “I’ve got

of a goose to within the nearest yard.

get are between 25 and 30 yards closer than what

these new fancy cartridges… It’s all right I’m shoot-

the goose actually is... a staggering inaccuracy.

ing a 10 bore… Oh I got goose fever… Yeah they’re

I would urge anyone to try one – any rangefinder will do as long as it works by transmitting an infra

If a rangefinder is out of the question, either get

high, but it only takes one pellet!” The simple an-

red beam – and simply bounce the beam across

a goose from a fellow fowler, or draw and cut out

swer is that there is no excuse – shoot within your

a goose’s wingspan and its range is displayed al-

a cardboard template of a real-size goose with its

limits, enjoy yourself and if you are struggling with

most instantly on the screen. Obviously this means

wings outstretched and tie it up to a fence line and

range judging ask for help from other fowlers…

missing out on a shot at that moment in time… but

walk back 40 yards and point your gun at it (unload-

simply explain that you would like a bit of guidance.

surely an in-range goose left is better than a high

ed of course). You’re looking for that mental image,

Some may turn you down, but others like myself

one fired at?

and the size of the bird in relation to the muzzle of

are more than willing to help.

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Stalking Feral goat

Plan B… for billy

Frustrated in his attempts to hunt red stags while in Scotland, Paul Childerley turns his attention to feral goats – and bags a Galloway billy

I

’ve always wanted to hunt the

with the heavy varmint barrel in .308 calibre

pleased with its performance on the range

Scottish red stag in the rut but

because of its knock-down power and accu-

and in the field. For this calibre I chose the

the best time always clashes

racy at longer distance in windy conditions. I

super-hammerhead 150-gn soft point. After a

with my game shooting. The

already had a Zeiss Conquest DL 3-12x50 ze-

couple of shots at 100m it was an inch and a

roed so I didn’t really want to swap scopes.

half high centre; it went to 200m but was a

only availability that suited me and my good

couple of inches low and slightly to the left as

friend, Colin Lockerbie, was a late September

I headed to the range to push my skills to

date so we crossed our fingers for a drop in

the test and shoot out to 300 metres. I have

temperature and the red stag rut to be in full

been using Sako ammunition for the past year

This particular model of rifle is great as it

swing. I had planned on taking the Sako 85

in all my other calibres and have been really

has a single set trigger which is perfect for the

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there was a mild wind blowing from the right.

Stalking Feral goat

Despite much effort and patience from Paul and Colin, the hoped-for red stag failed to put in an appearance

â&#x20AC;&#x153; The optimum time to see a stag had passed so it was time for Plan B â&#x20AC;? estry where we were planning to find a stag.

Unfortunately, the wind was blowing with heavy showers passing through but the temperature was very mild for the time of year and for Scotland. Colin explained that a few stags had been seen and heard the day before, but this morning was going to be hard work as it was windy and mild, so my fingers were crossed.

Stalking up between the first forestry block, it was initially extremely hard work as the ground was sodden; there was also a layer of moss and grass over the boglike ground so I never knew if my foot was going to stay on top or sink. This area has commercial forestry plantations which are harvested for timber so different ages and sizes of tree are sprinkled throughout the lower grounds. The red deer live and thrive in this area as they have plenty of cover and can head out to the hills in the evenings to feed.

Colinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan was to stalk to the edge of the

A grey billy some 280 yards away presented a perfect challenge for Paul

forestry block where we could possibly catch the deer coming back from the hill to the

longer shots, as there is minimal movement

the distance shooting, I still returned the fol-

daytime cover. Once we were on the edge of

before the trigger is squeezed and the bul-

lowing day to go over the drill again and prac-

the forestry block we started to see the hinds

let is away. My confidence was increasing so

tice the long distance shooting with the .308.

heading back in. All was going to plan although

I pushed back to 300m, got myself steady on

I set off on my voyage north to arrive in

no stags could be seen or heard. We stalked

the bipod and took three consecutive shots.

time for dinner and a beer at a pub in Dum-

along the edge of the forestry block for a fur-

I then walked down to the target to see that

fries. The plan was to meet at 6am, before

ther half a mile and came across several other

all the shots were low and left, so after a few

dawn, so we could get to the area before first

small groups of hinds and calves but still no

calculations my final shot was deemed to be

light. We met at the estate office where we

stags. The optimum time to see a stag had

good. Although I was happy with the zero and

changed vehicles and headed up to the for-

passed so it was time for plan B.

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Stalking Feral goat

This rock-coloured goat blended in with its Galloway Hills surroundings

Colin and Paul prepare to put Plan B into action

Colin suggested we should head up the hill for

ment would be spotted in an instant and they

Once in position, I set up the bipod and bedded

a feral goat as he had glassed several large

would flee over a ridgeline, making the next ap-

into the moss comfortably. Colin and I had a dis-

groups of them while we were stalking along

proach even more difficult.

cussion about the wind speed and the distance.

the side of the forestry block. We set off along

We decided to set off using the undulating

He ranged the animals out at 280m, which was

a small burn which opened out at the foot

ground which was covered in heather and bil-

well within the capabilities of myself and the ri-

of the hills to a vast expanse of heather, bil-

berry bushes and would afford us good cam-

fle. After a few minutes of watching, the group

berry bushes, moss and rocks. As we trekked

ouflage. Once we were beneath the group we

started to move again with the grey billy dragging

through the knee-high cover, it slowly started

scaled up the face of a bank which was covered

his heels at the back, giving me plenty of time to

to incline and so we headed towards a large

in short, white grass. Crawling over the top of

let him present me with a perfect shot.

boulder where we could glass the hills and

the bank we had to check each rock ledge to

The shot was on – a perfect broadside, 280

make a plan of action.

our left and right to see if there were any goats

metres, wind from right to left. Safety catch off,

tucked up for the day, as just one goat could

set trigger forward, on to the calculated spot and

blow our cover to the rest of the group.

a light squeeze on the trigger – the bullet was

We could see two groups of goats on the face of the hills: one was 30 strong with two billys tagging along; the other was slightly

We were all clear over the next couple of

away and the strike seemed to take forever to

closer with 20 animals including two billys, one

mounds and we pushed to get to the follow-

get there. First the billy dropped, then the im-

black and white, the other a stony grey colour.

ing ridgeline, enabling us to look over the bowl

pact noise drifted back to us. It looked good.

Colin explained about the population and its

where the goats were heading to. I’ve been

What an exciting experience.

history which was fascinating. I hadn’t realised

hunting in the heat of Africa and the freezing

Relieved and exhausted, we sat for a few

that goats had been there since Saxon times

conditions of Romania, and I’m used to stalk-

minutes to discuss the morning’s events and

and were an assortment of colours from black

ing for many hours. But this was an intense,

took some time to take in the beauty of the

and white through to ginger. The Galloway Hills

serious workout because we had to get to a

Galloway Hills, and the view of the forestry and

has a strong holding of 500-600 goats which

position quickly before the goats disappeared

lochs down below us. We had to mark down

have to be managed and culled due to their

out of range.

where the billy had dropped as he was rock

voracious appetite. When the weather be-

On approaching the ridge of the bowl we

coloured and would blend in with the sur-

comes harsh in the hills and the population is

expected to look down upon a group of goats

roundings. This wasn’t a problem as all we

slightly too high, the goats will head down to

100m away, but they had seemingly disap-

had to do was head slightly downwind and we

the forestry where they strip the bark from the

peared. After several minutes of glassing with

could smell him. He was a lot bigger than I ex-

mature trees and devour the young saplings.

the binoculars we could see they had snuck

pected, with long matted hair and two swept-

After a discussion, we decided to go after

out of the lower side of the bowl and were

back horns, with the right one slightly broken.

the grey billy in the smaller group as these

heading up the adjacent hill, travelling more

He wasn’t a red stag in the rut, as I’d hoped for,

goats were positioned slightly better on the

quickly than we expected. Colin explained they

but it was still an exhilarating hunting experi-

east side of the hill, giving us a better option

were heading for a more sheltered location

ence, topped off with a shot to be proud of.

for a shot. The goats were not tame in any way,

and we’d have to crawl out quickly around the

To hunt with Childerley Sporting, contact Paul on

shape or form; they are truly wild and thrive on

edge of the bowl to have a clear shot across to

07715 638934, visit www.childerleysporting.co.uk

a bleak mountainside, so any unusual move-

the adjacent side.

or email paul@childerleysporting.co.uk

78

www.countrysportscotland.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

79

Wildfowling orkney

Orkney onslaught Shaun Carr braves wind, mud and cold for the wildfowling experience of a lifetime on Orkney

O

rkney is the wildfowler’s

weather disruption and stunning views of the

would be running in the opposite direction

heaven. Famed for its

Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head.

faster than a bullet. Magnus informed me

goose shooting, it actually of-

As I’m based in East Yorkshire, the drive to

there had been little showing of migratory grey

fers all aspects of wildfowling:

Scrabster should be a 10-hour journey but

geese but the resident greys had been roost-

decoying on the stubbles, flighting ponds or

this year I managed to make it 12 hours after

ing on the ponds. There had also been a small

on the foreshore. The shooting syndicate I am

having a sense of humour failure with the sat-

showing of pinks. The plan for the morning was

a member of makes an annual pilgrimage to

nav. The crossing was good and the approach

for all six guns to be in the blinds.

the bleak but spellbinding archipelago.

to Stromness was stunning, with that edge-of-

The morning came and we loaded the

There are a number of ways to get to Orkney.

the-world magnetism about it. The short drive

trucks and set off for the stubble fields. Our

The fast catamaran from Gills Bay in Caithness

to the house at Kirkwall passed without inci-

guide for the morning Ray set about deploy-

to St Margaret’s Hope, South Ronaldsay, is

dent as I was now back on good terms with

ing the decoys as we made ourselves comfort-

the fastest option, with travel time under an

the sat-nav (changing its voice from the husky

able in the coffins. Pattern set, we lay back and

hour. But be aware – the time of year you will

lady to the Irishman brings an instant humour

awaited the approaching dawn. The draught of

be shooting is when the worst of the weather

to the situation). Once at the digs, provisions

the breeze blew over the stubbles – the shel-

hits, so disruption to crossings is a strong pos-

were stowed, beds claimed and fridge filled.

ter of the blind was welcome. The sun peeped

sibility. Also, its nickname of ‘vomit comet’ has

Our Orcadian guide Magnus arrived a short

through the cloudless morn and a distant

not been given for no reason. We opted for the

time later to brief us on the coming days’ sport.

chattering of geese could be heard, climbing

Northlink ferry from Scrabster to Stromness.

Magnus could be a Norseman of old, and if a

higher as the sun did. This is the Orkney dawn

It’s a 90-minute crossing and less prone to

longboat of Magnus’s landed on my beach I

chorus, music to the ears of the fowler.

80

www.countrysportscotland.com

Wildfowling orkney

Decoys laid out, it’s time to climb into the ‘coffin’ and await the skeins

Ray called and I knew a skein was in the offing.

of shots rang through the night from the

butt to himself. Behind my butt was a small

It was not the greylag call but the wink, wink of

pond below – the other team had the first

pond with just one goose decoy deployed.

the pinkfoot. I could not see the approaching

show. I heard Magnus whisper on the wind,

The main pond had been set with a dozen

skein through the mesh of the blind but they

“Duck”, but saw nothing and only heard the

decoys, a mix of mallard and wigeon. The butt

were close now, as Ray sounded the chatter-

splash as the duck alighted on the pond.

was comfortable, though I was glad of my

ing feeding call. Then the silhouettes came

Magnus whispered again and I just caught a

Muck boots as a large puddle spanned the in-

into view, the sun behind them. Onwards they

glimpse of shadows. Magnus had better night

side, which would be a hindrance if I needed

came – they seemed to be almost upon us.

sight than all of us put together, and I desper-

to move. I moved the seat plank at an angle,

Then, as their paddles came down, on Ray’s

ately tried to adjust. I could make out the top

which gave me a better swing without having

casual “On you go” the blinds sprang open.

of the incline in front of me but the ducks had

to stand and move.

I had picked my bird from the 20-plus skein.

come in low and fast. I kept scanning the dark

Sport came an hour after dark as a knob

The AYA was on and swung through – I saw

horizon so as not to concentrate on one area.

of wigeon sped in like a banshee. The pond

the goose crumple and drop as I drew a bead

I picked up a shadow of a mallard coming

reflected the muzzle flashes and the bay

on another. But I made the mistake of chang-

straight on to me. Gun up, in the shoulder –

echoed with the reports of guns. Buddy the

ing the target and fluffed the shot. I cursed

down the bird went 20 yards in front of me. I

lab was constantly back and forth in the wa-

the mistake, but lesson learned, I would not

saw two flashes from Darren’s barrels to the

ter. Flushes of mallard followed.

repeat the error. Three more skeins came our

right and two ducks fell. John called across to

I saw the small skein just as Magnus began

way that morning and we managed to bag 12

say he had also scored a left-and-right at a

calling. The geese banked round and in they

pinks and three greys.

brace coming in behind mine.

came. ‘Let them come closer, they look nearer

Magnus was to be our guide in the late

The next hour was slow going. Just when I

in the dark, let them come,’ I said to myself. A

afternoon; we headed to the far side of the

was thinking of slipping the gun, Magnus be-

shot rang out, then the rest opened up. I saw

island and parked at a farmhouse. The trail-

gan calling, making me jump to my senses. I

birds fall but could not count as I was up on

er hooked on the quad bike, we all climbed

scanned the dark sky but could not see the

a bird, pulling through. Bang, the goose went

aboard and headed up the hill. Only once did

geese. I heard them before I could see them,

down with a heavy splash. Buddy picked it

the quad get stuck during the ascent. After

then they were past me. A single shot rang

and swam to the bank. A dozen mallard, eight

disembarking and hooking on the other quad,

from Darren but I did not see a bird fall. With

wigeon and four greys was the tally.

the trailer was pulled clear.

that, the vigil was over.

Day three dawned. The guns split into two

Magnus guided John, Darren and me up

The next day, the wind was stronger so

teams, each to decoy separate ponds. I set off

the final ascent on foot to a small pond in

hopes were high for a good run of geese. The

with my team – a fair walk in the dark guided

a dip at the hilltop. The pond had not been

morning flight proved to be a success. Small

by the faint glow of Magnus’s headlamp in the

shot this season, but reconnaissance had

skeins of greys came regularly to Ray’s calls.

distance. On arrival Magnus had completed

shown geese and duck had been roosting

In between each skein, Ray was off down the

setting the decoys: half a dozen geese and a

here. Magnus and John made themselves

field picking up efficiently as a Labrador. The

spattering of mallard and wigeon with a few

comfortable in a small dip on the right flank

sport trickled off mid-morning and Darren’s

teal set separately.

and Darren behind a rock on the left. I was in

call of “Bacon!” ended the morning flight. The

the middle among the heather.

bag count was 17 greys.

Each gun was directed to a butt and I settled in. Daylight filtered through and I could

I turned my collar up and made myself

The evening flight saw all six guns sur-

make out a wisp of snipe darting around and

comfortable sat on my game bag. The sound

rounding a fair-sized pond, each gun with a

heard the distant laugh of a mallard. Mallard

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

81

Wildfowling orkney

Smiles all round for the six-strong team of guns after another cracking session

was the first action of the morning with a

flanks at the top of the shingle. My stand was

geese. I never lifted the big gun, just enjoyed

small flush steaming in. Darren was up and

in the middle of the flankers directly behind

the moment for all its worth.

drew first blood. I managed to drop one and

the guns at the water’s edge. From my tuft of

Darren took two birds on the left of the

John took a brace as they came straight at

grass, I had the best seat in the house, over-

wedge and the rest flew on into the night. Roy

him, climbing away.

looking the bay.

moved down to the foreshore and the calling

For the next hour, we had fast action with

Skeins of geese could be heard on the

began again. Two more skeins answered the

small flushes of mallard and wigeon. Then

night’s wind. The solitude of the dark fore-

call and six more birds were dropped. I had

from nowhere a spring of teal shot in. John

shore has a unique forlorn beauty that, once

not taken a shot but my chance was now on.

dropped a brace, quick as you like. One bird

experienced, stays with a fowler for the rest

A lone bird answered the call and was coming

shot past me in a flash. I swung on him and let

of his days. I woke from my solitude when

in, but a little high. He was nearly overhead

fly – he dropped stone dead at a fair distance.

Magnus started calling loudly. I held the

when I swung through him. Two big bangs

Magnus’s cry of “Aye, that was a fair shot,”

heavy gun and scanned the sky. I could make

sounded – first the charge of the gun, second

boosted my confidence no end. Today Dar-

out distant skeins and wished them to turn

the bird hitting the rocks not four feet from

ren yelled “Black pudding!” to signal breakfast.

in. My wish was soon granted as a 20-strong

me. That was a bit close for comfort, but at

Magnus informed us that tonight’s flight

skein answered the call. As they battled

least it saved Buddy a retrieve.

plan was all guns on the foreshore. It could not

against the wind, the birds lost altitude the

come quick enough – it was time to break out

closer they came.

A final morning flight closed our trip to Orkney. More than just providing excellent

the big 10. The 12-bore game gun is enough

This was going to be a flight to remember.

sport, the trip was responsible for some of

for geese over decoys, but on the foreshore

In they came and I marvelled at the sight

those very few moments that come in a wild-

with steel up the spout you want a heavy load.

before me. Flames spat skywards and three

fowler’s life that just stay with you forever. If

The night’s canvas was a grey sky and a

shadows fell out of the sky. The birds flew on,

you’re a wildfowler who wants the most ex-

black velvet sea. Magnus and three guns lined

coming directly at me, screaming in the dark-

treme and authentic experience possible, I

the water’s edge. Darren and Roy took the

ness. I stared spellbound at the wild flight of

can’t recommend it enough.

82

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Shoot IN SCOTLAND

83

84

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kit Accessories

Scottish essentials

It’s the little things that count. Make your Scottish experience just that bit more comfortable with these shooting and hunting accessories

Leupold RX650 rangefinder

ProFlex Passive

Range your deer effectively and never miss again – or at least, never have

ProFlex Passive earplugs have been designed to provide cost effective

anything to blame your misses on except operator error. This affordable

noise reduction by combining the ProFlex multi-softness earpiece with

ranging unit from Leupold fits in one hand and can range effectively out to

a filtered passive module. Made to fit your ears, they offer personalised

a stated 650 yards (or even further according to our tests). The battery is

comfort in hundreds of colours, and can be upgraded to the ProFlex

rated to 5,000 plus operations, so great for sporting ranges.

Digital with the electronic module.

Price: £270

Price: £99

Viking Arms 01423 780810 www.vikingshoot.com

CENS Digital 01634 719427 www.censdigital.com

William Powell Leather Cartridge Bag

Macgaiters Fend off the wet weather you’ll inevitably be

JMS Heck-Pack Game Transporter

You don’t want to find yourself running out

contending with when you head north of the

A key piece of kit for any deer stalker, the

of cartridges on the peg – so grab this robust

border at any time of year – get a pair of these

Heck-Pack carrier will vastly improve carcase

cartridge bag with a reinforced stitched brindle

neoprene gaiters on and keep moisture out

transportation. If you don’t want fleas, ticks

strap running underneath to provide strength

of your footwear for good. Fitting neatly over

or blood in the estate vehicle, this piece of

and durability. It has a large opening and fully

all forms of outdoor footwear, the Macgaiters

equipment could be the answer. The strong

hinged flap for easy access to its contents,

fasten with a concealed Velcro strip to ensure

structure can be attached or detached in

a webbing strap and brass fittings, and is

they do their job, and what’s more, they are light

minutes from a vehicle, with light kits available

finished with handcrafted suede throughout.

enough to stay comfortable even on a day-long

for safe night-time travel. The option to insert

Available in sizes 50, 75 or 100 cartridges in

stalk. Highly waterproof and warm, these do the

a box or plastic tray into the carrier will also

either Chestnut or Dark Havana.

job and more.

safeguard against liquid leakage.

Price: From £145

Price: £32.95

Price: £199 (standard size)

William Powell 01295 701701

Garlands 01827 383300

JMS Arms 01444 400126

www.williampowell.com

www.garlands.uk.com

www.gametransporter.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

85

kit Accessories

Harkila binocular strap

Napier Auto Lift

Keep your glass in place and always to hand with this handy binocular

A suspended gralloch is a clean gralloch, and the Auto Lift makes the process

support strap, made from waterproof PU material with a magnetic

easier than ever. Offering a mechanical advantage, it’ll ratchet the carcase to

closure and waist strap for optimum stability. The straps are fully

the required height and stay secure (up to 200kg) – great in the field or larder.

adjustable to accommodate various sizes and weights. Available in

Seen here, it’s in use with another Napier invention: The Tree Hugger, which

plain green, or Mossy Oak Break Up camouflage pattern.

converts any tree into a suspended gralloch platform in seconds.

Price: £54.99

Price: Auto Lift £49.99, Tree Hugger £18.98

Harkila 01844 237944 www.harkila.com

Napier 01235 812993 www.napieruk.com

Bushcraft Boar knives

Prescription shooting glasses

Made from superb quality leather, this set of

offers true versatility, with options lending

If you’ve never had glasses made by a

three rifleman’s accessories is something truly

themselves to a wide range of uses in the

prescription sports eyewear specialist, you don’t

distinctive. The set comprises a bolt holder,

field. Each knife is made from top quality

know what you’re missing. With more than 50

seven-round bullet pouch and double licence

European materials. TBS has selected some of

years’ experience, Optilabs are one of the UK’s

wallet – so both shotgun and rifle owners are

the best steels for the job, the highest quality

best-known sports eyewear manufacturers,

catered for. These are available individually or

handle materials and some great leather work

making each lens in their dedicated UK

with a discount for all three. As a gift item or

to bring these impeccably made knives to

laboratory. Choose from a range of direct-glazed

a truly useful accessory for sorting out your

the market. There are both folding and fixed

frames fitted with high quality lenses, or Optilabs’

hunting kit and admin, this fits the bill. Gone will

blade models available, as well as an everyday

Target frame with four interchangable coloured

be the days of getting to the hunting ground

pocket knife.

shields and a custom-made prescription insert.

then realising you left the bolt at home...

Price: From £42.45

Bifocal or varifocal lenses are also available.

Price: £25.99 each, £65 for the set

The Bushcraft Store 02083 673420

Price: Varies

Ogden’s 0161 621 2190

www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk

Optilabs 020 8686 5708 www.optilabs.com

www.ogdensshootingsupplies.co.uk

The Bushcraft Store’s Boar range of knives

86

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Ogden’s three-piece set

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

87

Feature Women shooters

A sport for everyone Cara Richardson reports on the SCSTG’s various initiatives to get women hooked on shooting, and remarks that there’s never been a better time to get involved

I

t was the end of the 1980s

ing. However, we are slowly catching up, and

signed specifically for the huntress. More and

when I first lifted a gun, long

while it was once considered notable if a woman

more women are seeking to secure deer stalk-

before some of my fellow lady

appeared in a clay arena, game shooting lines or

ing qualifications in the UK and hunting certifi-

shooters were even born. In

the hunting field, it’s now the absolute accepted

cates overseas. Global hunting outfitters report

those early days, I was the only female member

norm. That applies both at home here in the UK

an ever increasing trend in female patronage.

of my local gun club and often the only girl in an

and overseas.

I’m sure Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt,

otherwise all-male game shooting line. In the

In recent years, a number of businesses and

years since, it has pleased me greatly to see the

clubs have formed with the sole purpose of pro-

would approve.

It was at a British Association for Shooting

increasing numbers of women taking up clay and

moting shooting specifically to women. Many

and Conservation (BASC) ladies’ game shooting

game shooting and hunting with a rifle.

equipment manufacturers have caught on to

day in 2013 at which one of the other attend-

From cave-dwelling times and throughout his-

this idea, and most top brands – for firearms,

ees, Lesley Fleming, and I discussed that it was

tory, there have, of course, always been female

clothing, shooting equipment and related acces-

a pity that more girls didn’t shoot. A seed was

shooters and hunters. But their numbers were

sories – now have products specifically aimed at

planted that day, and it grew and blossomed to

firmly in the minority. I’m delighted to see that the

the fairer sex. And I don’t just mean guns decked

become the Scottish Ladies Shooting Club. This

balance is tipping. The UK currently falls notably

out in pink ‘camo’ (what is that for, exactly?) – I

non-profit making club has gone from strength

behind our Scandinavian sisters and continental

mean products that manufacturers have put real

to strength and now has approaching 200 ladies

counterparts in terms of recently published sta-

thought into. It’s great to see.

on its mailing list. The club holds clay shooting

tistics for women who own firearms and who are

Rifle manufacturers have also introduced

actively involved in target/clay shooting or hunt-

models with stocks and other features de-

88

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events at least once a month in various locations throughout Scotland.

Feature Women shooters

...to driven game shooting over a variety of terrains

There are endless opportunities for female shooters in Scotland, from clays...

Participation is growing and growing, with shooting organisations reporting more female sign-ups than ever before

No previous experience is necessary and full

called BASC Ladies Shooting – an umbrella

Each winter BASC Scotland continues to hold

instruction and all equipment is supplied. Many

group promoting all UK female-only shooting.

the aforementioned ladies’ game shooting day,

of the novice ladies and girls who attend enjoy

For more info and to find opportunities near

which is always a fantastic event. It’s a real chance

trying something new in a relaxed and pressure-

you, head to basc.org.uk/ladies.

to make new friends while enjoying the fresh air

free all-female environment. A typical event for-

In Scotland, BASC holds an annual autumn la-

and securing a good story and fine meal in the

mat is to meet for lunch and a chat, then, after

dies’ clay meet. This includes an informative morn-

form of some delicious game to take home at

a briefing, enjoy an afternoon session of clay

ing slideshow briefing session for beginners, which

the end of the day. There is absolutely no reason

shooting. Simulated game shooting and live

explains many aspects of gun function, safety and

why a woman cannot be as proficient as (or dare

game shooting, for those who wish to take part,

equipment, then a post-lunch session of clay tar-

I say better than) than a bloke with any firearm.

also feature in the club calendar.

gets under instruction. Becoming involved in any

The possibilities are endless – there are many

For more info, please look at our Facebook

new sport can be a minefield in terms of equip-

different clay disciplines to enjoy. Shooting ac-

page (Scottish Ladies Shooting) or website

ment selection, and the presentation is designed

tivities don’t have to break the bank (though the

(scottishladiesshooting.co.uk), or email info@

to give a good insight for the beginner.

odd fingernail may suffer) – shooting grounds up

scottishladiesshooting.co.uk.

For the female novice, clay targets for shot-

and down the land offer tuition, gun hire and car-

BASC continues to tirelessly promote field

gun and paper targets for rifle are a great way

sports in the great British countryside and

to begin. I highly recommend joining an organ-

Some shooters have no desire to shoot any-

holds ladies’ days, for both clays and game, in

ised event, at which a safety briefing, fully guid-

thing other than clay targets, but for those who

Scotland and the rest of the UK. Relatively re-

ed instruction and the supply of all equipment

are inclined to aim their shotgun at live targets,

cently, the Association formed a new initiative

will be provided.

there are also numerous options. Depend-

tridges at very reasonable rates.

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

89

Feature Women shooters

There are endless opportunities for female shooters in Scotland, from clays...

ing on the time of year, walked-up or driven

His tail wagged gently in a circle – he had vari-

solo adventure with the gun, and partly be-

grouse, driven partridge or pheasant, wildfowl-

ous signals and this could only mean one thing:

cause my bonny black boy didn’t see another

ing, rough shooting and pigeon shooting can

pheasant. “Get on,”’ I hissed, and as he pounced

shooting season.

all be enjoyed. For those inclined, the quarry

a beautiful cock pheasant jumped in front of him

harvested provides a delicious meal that can be

and climbed skywards. Bang – one girl, one dog,

eaten with pride. Personally, the field-to-plate

one shot, one bird.

Ladies, if you’ve always wanted to have a go, there’s never been a better time to start.

Cara Richardson is a BASC Council and Scot-

concept is something I thoroughly enjoy. Boxed

The bird was roasted in the Rayburn with

tish committee member, founder member of the

chicken or other meats on a supermarket shelf

various accoutrements, and thoroughly en-

Scottish Ladies Shooting Club, huntress, shooter,

hold no clue as to how the animal appeared,

joyed. To my dying day I will never forget that

fisherwoman, sporting agent, mum and proud

lived or died.

walk – partly because, for me, it was a perfect

cooker of game.

A favourite hunting moment in Scotland happened for me many years ago. It was a crisp and sunny winter afternoon. In fact, it was the very last day of January, with the game seasons soon to expire for another year.

I decided to take an armed walk near the house with my shotgun and old black lab Cuan.

He had been a steady yet sometimes ‘thrawn’ companion for almost 10 years, and was slowing up a little. As I rounded the back of the house, and neared the kennel with a gun in the crook of my arm, he started to jump (front paws only leaving the ground as his days of the full spring were gone).

We walked for a while, enjoying the views up the Strath where we lived. A couple of rabbits and a woodcock were flushed, but they were out of range, so no shots fired. Then, halfway through a birch wood, Cuan stopped at an 11 o’clock position just 10 yards in front of me.

90

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There are endless opportunities for female shooters in Scotland, from clays...

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

91

DIRECTORY

where to shoot Arrange your next hunting holiday in Scotland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have a browse through our comprehensive list of estates and sporting agents Aberchalder Estate

The Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AS

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SCSTG Regions

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Achnacarry Sporting &

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Ardchattan

Rosy Thomson, Ardchattan Priory,

Auchmacoy Estate

Sheila McIntosh, Auchmacoy

admin@ardchattan.co.uk

Estate Office, Ellon, Aberdeenshire,

www.ardchattan.co.uk

AB41 8RB office@auchmacoyestate.co.uk,

Linda Poll, Ardechive House, Achnacarry, Spean Bridge,

5

Oban, Argyll, PA37 1RQ

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Ardnamurchan Estates

01358 720291

Highlands, PH34 4EL

West Highland Hunting, Acharacle,

info@achnacarrycountry.co.uk,

Argyll, PH36 4LH

07554 275832

hunting@westhighland-hunting.

Diane Fleming, Badanloch Estate

www.achnacarrycountry.co.uk

co.uk, 01972 500275 / 01972

Ltd c/o Strutt and Parker, The

510208

Courier Building, 9-11 Bank Lane,

www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk

Inverness, IV1 1WA

4

Altyre Estate

1

Shetland

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Orkney

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The Outer Hebrides

2SH

Hugh Nicol MRICS, Argyll Estates

4

Highlands and Skye

office@altyre.com, 01309 672265

office, Cherry Park, Inveraray,

5

Aberdeen and Grampian

www.altyre-estate.co.uk

Argyll & The Isles, PA32 8XE

6

Angus and Dundee

7

Perthshire

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Argyll, the Isles, Loch

David Kinnear / Sarah Harvie,

Lomond, Stirling and

Alvie Estate Office, Kincraig,

4

Alvie and Dalraddy

Badanloch Estate

diane.fleming@struttandparker.

Sir Alistair Gordon Cumming, Altyre Estate, Forres, Moray, IV36

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Argyll Estates

com, 01463 719171 www.badanlochestates.co.uk 9

Balbirnie Home Farms

enquiries@inveraray-castle.com,

Robert Balfour, Pitillock Farm,

01499 302203

Freuchie, Fife, KY15 7JQ

www.inveraray-castle.com

RobertBalfour@balbirnie.com, 01337 857437, www.balbirnie.com

Trossachs

Kingussie, Inverness-shire,

9

PH21 1NE

Lauren Rodman, Aswanley,

info@alvie-estate.co.uk,

Glass, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire,

Hotel & Estate

01540 651255

AB54 4XJ

Lin Mitchell, Ballathie House

www.alvie-estate.co.uk

sophie@aswanley.com, 01466

Hotel & Estate, Kinclaven,

700262, www.aswanley.com

Stanley, Perth, PH1 4QN

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

92

4

5

Aswanley

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Innes Morrison, Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris, Western Isles,

www.countrysportscotland.com

7

Ballathie House

lin@ballathiehousehotel.com, 7

Atholl Estates

Andrew Bruce Wootton,

07595 600799 www.ballathiehousehotel.com

DIRECTORY

5

Ballogie Estate

Jean Menage, Ballogie Estate

ann@cassillisestate.co.uk, 01655 332555

Faaborgvej 240, DK-5700, Svendborg, Denmark

Office, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5DS

Diana

7

CKD Galbraith

info@limpopo.dk,

info@ballogie-estate.co.uk,

Lynedoch House, Barossa Place,

00 45 6220 2540

01339 886497

Perth, PH1 5EP

www.diana-hunting.com

www.ballogie-estate.co.uk

sporting@ckdgalbraith.co.uk,

8

Benmore Estate

12

www.sportinglets.co.uk

Stephen Gibbs, The Estate Office,

(Isle of Mull) Michael Laing, Benmore Estate,

Dougarie Estate

01738 451600

Dougarie, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire 4

Conaglen Estate

KA27 8EB, office@dougarie.com,

c/o Strutt & Parker, 5 St John

David Mosgrove (Factor),

01770 840259

Street, Perth, Argyll, PH1 5SP

Conaglen House, Ardgour,

www.dougarie.com

michael.laing@struttandparker.

Highlands, PH33 7AH

com

dmosgrove@broadlandproperties.

01738 783353 / 07894 623979

co.uk, 01855 841321

Drimnin House, by Lochaline,

www.benmoreestate.co.uk

www.conaglen.co.uk

Morvern, Highlands, PA80 5XZ

4

Drimnin Estate

enquiries@drimninestate.co.uk, 4

Black Mount Estate

7

Craiganour Estate

07714 248425

(Glen Etive)

Romy Jackson, Craiganour Estate

Helen Polley, Bidwells, Carn

c/o Savills, Earn House, Broxden

Dearg House, North Road, Fort

Business Park, Lamberkine Drive,

William, Highlands, PH33 6PP

Perth, PH1 1RA

Michael Aldridge, Drummond

helen.polley@bidwells.co.uk,

RLJackson@savills.com,

Estate Office, Muthill, Perthshire,

01397 702433

01738 477535

PH5 2AA

www.craiganour.co.uk

michael_aldridge@

connected and reliable agency.

drummondestates.org.uk,

Shooting, stalking and fishing

01764 681257,

in Scotland, throughout the UK

4

Borve Lodge Estate

Steve Woodhall (Estate Manager),

7

Culfargie Estates

www.drimninestate.co.uk 7

Estate Office, Borve Lodge,

(Bandirran and Lochan)

Borve, Isle of Harris, Outer

Brian Kaye, Culfargie Estate Office,

Hebrides, HS3 3HT

Tarrylaw, Balbeggie, Perth,

14

steve@borvelodge.com,

PH2 6HL

Mark Wallace, Dryburgh Abbey

01859 550358 / 07810 023255

Brian.Kaye@culfargie-estates.

Hotel, St Boswells, Melrose,

www.borvelodge.com

co.uk, 01821 640294

Scottish Borders, TD6 0RQ

www.bandirran.co.uk

mark@dryburgh.co.uk, 01835

14

Buccleuch Arms

Billy Hamilton, Buccleuch Arms,

PETER SWALES INTERNATIONAL BIG GAME & BIRD HUNTING Ltd

Drummond Estates

A long-established, well

and big game hunting and wing

www.simulatedgameshooting.com

shooting overseas.

Bespoke packages designed

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

for all budgets and group sizes from single hunters to large family groups. The possibilities are endless. Please get in touch to discuss your ideas and

822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk 6

requirements.

Dalhousie Estates

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Personal Attention ~ Quality Accommodation

Dunmhor Sporting

The Green, St Boswells, Melrose,

Richard Cooke, Dalhousie Estates,

The Scottish Borders, TD6 0EW

Invermark, Angus, DD9 6SG

Graham Christie, Ardselma, The

~ Experienced Guides

billy@buccleucharms.com,

dalhousieestates@btinternet.com,

Crescent, Kingussie, Highlands,

See us on Facebook and Instagram.

01835 822243 / 07803 745331

01356 624566

PH21 1JZ

buccleucharms.com

www.dalhousieestates.co.uk

enquiries@dunmhorsporting.com,

4

Web: www.kiltarlity.com Email: girlboots@btinternet.com Call: Cara on 07771 695494

07778 874026 13

Case Sport/Forrest

7

Dalnacardoch Estate

Pete on 07703 594462

www.dunmhorsporting.com

Estate Enterprises

Alastair Gemmell, Dalnacardoch

Andrew Case, Case Sport/Forrest

Estate c/o Savills, Earn House,

Estate Enterprises,

Broxden Business Park,

Sophie McGown, Pitlochry,

enquiries@errichel.co.uk, 01887

St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town of Dalry,

Lamberkine Drive, Perthshire PH1

Perthshire, PH16 5TE

820850, www.errichel.co.uk

Castle Douglas,

1RA

info@easthaugh.co.uk,

Dumfries & Galloway,

Agemmell@savills.com,

01796 473121

DG7 3XS

01738 477520

www.easthaugh.co.uk

7

East Haugh House Hotel

andrew@casesport.com,

PH15 2EL

5

Fasque & Glendye Estates

Murdo MacLeod/Rachel Sedgwick, Bridge of Dye, Strachan, Banchory,

01644 430469 / 07747 691447

Davis and Bowring

www.casesport.com

Nick Mason, Davis and Bowring,

Malcolm Hay, Edinglassie,

factor@fasqueandglendye.com

6-8 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale,

Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4YD

01330 850689

Carnforth, Lancashire,

malcolm.hay@btinternet.com,

07714 409122

Ann Williamson / Chris Savage,

LA6 2AE

01466 700274

www.fasqueandglendye.com

Cassillis & Culzean Estates,

nick.mason@davis-bowring.co.uk,

Jameston, Maidens, Girvan,

01524 271151

Ayrshire, KA26 9NF

www.davisandbowringsporting.co.uk

12

Cassillis & Culzean Estates

5

7

Edinglassie

ERRICHEL HOUSE

Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire

Aberdeenshire, AB31 6LT

9

Game Shooting Fife Ltd

Jamie Horne, 58 Main Street,

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

93

DIRECTORY

info@glentanar.co.uk,

14

jamie.horne@deerscotland.com,

01339 886451,

Doug Virtue, Lammermuir Game

07502 412201

www.glentanar.co.uk

Services, Whiteknowes House, Westruther, Gordon,

www.deerscotland.com 7

Eleanor and Mark Piper offer unique Scottish sporting breaks

George Goldsmith

Highland Lodges

Berwickshire, TD3 6NE

Nicki Barnett, Kinloch Beag,

info@lammermuirshoot.co.uk,

48 North Castle Street, Edinburgh,

The Gardens, Meigle, Perthshire,

01578 740258

EH2 3LU

PH12 8QX

www.lammermuirshoot.co.uk

info@georgegoldsmith.com,

info@HLSCOT.co.uk,

0131 476 6500

01828 640064 / 07900 861270

www.georgegoldsmith.com

www.highlandlodges-scotland.com

10

The Gearach

Lammermuir Shoot

Strathkinness, Fife, KY16 9SA

4

Loch Choire Estate

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

4

Glenaladale Estate

10

Hopetoun Estates

Highlands, IV32 7D

Jane Cheape, Slatach House,

Mike Eagers, Home Farm,

Asevern@savills.com, 01343

Glenfinnan, Fort William,

Hopetoun, South Queensferry,

823000

Highlands, PH37 4LT

Edinburgh & The Lothians

dusk. Islayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s red stags are heavy

j.cheape@btinternet.com,

EH30 9SL

and some fine heads have been

01397 722411

clays@hopetoun.co.uk,

Andrew Gordon, Lude Estate,

0131 331 9940,

Blair Atholl, Perthshire,

www.hopetoun.co.uk

PH18 5TR, adg@lude.co.uk,

on the idyllic Hebridean island of Islay. Red and roe stalking are available, with stalks at dawn or

taken off the ground over the years. As well as roe stalking on foot, there are high seats in the area. Groups of all sizes are catered for, and Eleanor and Mark are happy to tailor activities to your requirements. Driven woodcock shooting, wild goat stalking, and duck and goose flighting are available through

4

Glenavon Estate

7

Innerhadden Estate

www.ludeestatecottages.co.uk

Estates, Beannacharan Lodge,

Richard Barclay, Innerhadden

Braulen Estate, Glen Strathfarrar,

Estate, Kinloch Rannoch, by

Beauly, Inverness, IV4 7JX

Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5QD

Simon Wright, MacIntyre &

admin@glenavonestate.co.uk,

richard@innerhadden.co.uk,

Thomson, 42 Comrie Street,

01463 761204

01882 632423 / 07917 120429

Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4AX

www.innerhadden.co.uk

macintyreandthomson@

The Gearach, and Mark is a CPSA instructor with traps set up in the

Lude Estate

01796 481230,

Debbie Behan, Glenavon Estate Ltd c/o Glenavon and Braulen

7

5

Glenmuick Estate

7

MacIntyre & Thomson

btinternet.com

beautiful Gearach Forest.

Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover,

For more information visit

Glenmuick Estate, Glenmuick,

Angus McNicol, The Estate Office,

www.thegearach.co.uk or call

Ballater, Aberdeenshire

4 The Keiloch, Invercauld,

AB35 5SL

Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35

enquiries@glenmuick.com,

5TW

Anne Conoboy, Mansfield Estate,

01335 350279

angus@invercauld.org,

Scone Palace, Scone, Perthshire

www.glenmuick.com

01339 741224, www.invercauld.org

PH2 6BD

01496 850120.

5

Invercauld Estate

01764 670150 www.macintyreandthomson.co.uk 7

Mansfield Estates

estate@scone-palace.co.uk, 6

South Ayrshire Stalking Nestled below the Carrick Hills, South Ayrshire Stalking provides

Glenprosen Estate

4

Inverpolly Estate

01738 554920

Ruth White, Estate Office,

David & Nicky Davies, Inverpolly

Headkeeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cottage, Glenprosen

Estate, Ullapool, Ross-shire

Estate, Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 4SD

IV26 2YB

Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ

info@glenprosenestate.co.uk,

info@inverpolly.com

marlodgeestate@nts.org.uk,

01575 540319

01854 622452

01339 720163

www.glenprosenestate.co.uk

www.inverpolly.com

5

7 4

Glenshiel Estate

4

Kilchoan Estate

Mar Lodge Estate

Murthly and

Strathbraan Estate

Claire Acheson (Estate Alison

Jacqui Wallace / Iain Biggart,

Ralph Peters, c/o Bidwells,

Stoddard), The Burton Property

Kilchoan Estate Office, Inverie,

5 Atholl Place, Perth, PH1 5NE

Trust c/o CKD Galbraith,

Knoydart, Mallaig,

ralph.peters@bidwells.co.uk,

Chris and Anne Dalton run

17 Old Edinburgh Road,

Inverness-shire, PH41 4PL

01738 630666

a popular introduction to

Inverness, IV2 3HF

kilchoanestate@btinternet.com,

www.murthly-estate.com

stalking course, along with

claire.acheson@ckdgalbraith.co.uk;

01687 462133

accompanied stalking and all

booking@glenshielestate.com,

www.kilchoan-knoydart.com

aspects of training through to

01463 224343 / 07766 770796

a high standard of accommodation and cooking using local, seasonal produce.

DSC2. Specialising in individually tailored stalking packages, they also provide fishing and woodcock and duck shooting.

For details contact Chris on 07710 871190 or visit www.ayrstalk.co.uk

94

(Alison), www.glenshielestate.com 5

Glen Tanar Estate

Newark Castle

4

Kingairloch Estate

Ayr, KA7 4ED

Ardgour, Fort William,

fiona@newarkcastle.plus.com,

Highlands, PH33 7AE,

01292 441587

Rachel Gray, Brooks House,

info@kingairloch.co.uk,

Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne,

01967 411242

Aberdeenshire, AB34 5EU

www.kingairloch.co.uk

www.countrysportscotland.com

12

Mrs A G O Walker, Newark Castle,

7

North Chesthill Estate

Alastair Riddell, Balintyre House,

DIRECTORY

South Uist Estate

North Chesthill Estate,

Street, Back, Isle of Lewis, Outer

Glen Lyon, Perthshire, PH15 2NH

Hebrides, HS2 0LH

Jennifer MacLeod, South Uist

information@chesthill.com,

info@rjhsports.co.uk, 07751

Estate, Storas Uibhist,

01887 877267

839579

Oifis Storas, Daliburgh, South Uist,

www.chesthill.com

www.rjhsports.co.uk

Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SS

3

jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.

6

Pearsie Estate

14

Roxburghe Estates

com,

Mrs Rosemary Rose,

Victoria Roddie, Roxburghe

01878 700101

Pearsie Estate, Glen Prosen

Estates, Kelso, Scottish Borders,

www.grogarrylodge.com

Sporting Limited, East Memus,

TD5 7SF

Forfar, Angus, DD8 3TY

vroddie@floorscastle.com,

rrose@memus.com,

01573 227 663

Estate Office, Strathmore Estates,

01307 860355

www.roxburghe.net

Glamis, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1RJ

www.pearsie-lodge.com

Roxton Bailey Robinson Ltd

admin@strathmore-estates.co.uk,

25 High Street, Hungerford,

01307 840242

Berkshire, RG17 0NF

www.strathmore-estates.co.uk

4

Peter Swales

International Big Game &

info@roxtons.com

Bird Hunting

01488 689788

Cara Richardson, Lower

www.roxtons.com

Altnaharry, Kiltarlity, Inverness,

6

Strathmore Estates

Strathspey Estate

Tracy Wharton, Strathspey

recognised as Scottish Country Sports Hotel of the Year for the past six years. The Hotel is currently Scottish Country Dog Friendly Hotel of the Year for 2017.

This 38-bedroomed hotel is

Estate Office, Old Spey Bridge Rule Valley

14

girlboots@btinternet.com,

Simulated Game

Highlands, PH26 3NQ

07771 695494

David Reddihough, Rule Valley

mail@strathspey-estate.co.uk,

www.kiltarlity.com

Simulated Game,

01479 872529

Spittal on Rule, Denholm,

www.strathspey-estate.co.uk

Pitcarmick Estate

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has been

House Hotel as well as Scottish 4

IV4 7HR

7

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Road, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray,

Hawick, Roxburghshire, Strone Estate

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 and varied, with some of

Mark Wood, Lower Dalvey,

The Scottish Borders, TD9 8TA

Pitcarmick Estate, Ballintuim,

info@rulevalley.com,

Tom Turnbull, Strone House,

Blairgowrie, Perthshire,

01450 870202

Cairndow, Argyll, PA26 8BQ

and partridges from drives

PH10 7PZ

www.rulevalley.com

strone@btconnect.com,

whose names are well known

01499 600284

throughout all of the shooting

07743 879830

world, as well as an extensive

pitcarmicksporting@btinternet. com, 07769 206003

5

Scotsport

8

Alf Sorensen, Learney House, 7

Rannoch Estate

Torphins, Banchory,

9

Teasses Estate

Anna Young, Rannoch Barracks, by

Aberdeenshire, AB31 4NB

Kenneth Horne, Teasses

Rannoch Station, Perthshire

scotsportuk@btconnect.com,

Estate Office, Ceres, by Leven,

PH17 2QE

01339 889290 / 07712 892456

Fife, KY8 5PG

rannochdeermanagement@gmail.

www.scotsportuk.com

kennethhorne@teasses.com,

com, Sorn Castle Shoot

01882 633241

12

www.rannoch-estate.com

Nick Wright, The Estate Office, Ulzieside, Sanquhar, Ayrshire,

Remony Estate

Tulchan Estate

Estate, Aberfeldy, Perthshire,

01659 58697

Moray, PH26 3PW estateoffice@tulchan.com,

South Ayrshire Stalking

12

www.lochtaylodges.co.uk

Old Dailly, Girvan, Ayrshire,

8

Resipole Farm

Peter Sinclair, Resipole Farm,

are available: • Pigeons over decoys • Roebuck stalking

• Mixed walk-up days, woodcock a specialty Contact: enquiries@dryburgh. co.uk, 01835 822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk

01807 510200 www.tulchan.com

Unit 3, Friarton Road, Perth, PH2 8DF

Tweed Valley Sporting

KA26 9T, chris@ayrstalk.co.uk,

14

01465 871393 / 07710 871190

Dougie McKenna, Tweed Valley

01738 479714 / 07940 297921

www.ayrstalk.co.uk

Sporting, Unit 6, South Park

www.venatorpro.com

kenneth.larsen@venatorpro.com,

Industrial Estate, Peebles, The

Resipole, Acharacle, Argyll, PH36 4HX

All types of shooting and stalking

• Driven pheasant and partridge 4

Estate, Advie, Grantown-on-Spey,

Chris Dalton, Garryloop, Penkill,

‘mixed’ and ‘knock-about’ days.

pointers and driven

nick@stanleywright.co.uk,

01887 830209,

great variety and excitement to

• Grouse – walked up, over

James Duncan Millar, Remony

remony@btinternet.com,

range of species, which adds

www.teasses.com

Christopher Excell, Tulchan

PH15 2HR

providing high, testing pheasants

07966 529327 / 01334 840580

DG4 6LA

7

the renowned local shoots

4

Southesk Estate

Scottish Borders, EH45 9ED

9

Woodmill Shootings

peterresipole@googlemail.com,

Charles Gow, Southesk Estate

info@tweedvalleysporting.co.uk,

Steven Wade, Woodmill Shootings,

01967 431422

Office, Haughs of Kinnaird,

01721 726462 / 07836 606316

Woodmill, Lindores, Newburgh,

www.resipole.co.uk

Brechin, Angus, DD9 6UA factor@southesk.co.uk,

4

RJH Sports

Russell Hird, RJH Sports, 9 New

Fife, KY14 6JA 7

Venator Pro

stalking@woodmillshootings.com,

01674 810240

Kenneth Larsen, Venator Pro Ltd,

01337 810428

www.southesk.co.uk

Riverview Business Centre,

www.woodmillshootings.com

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

95

FIREARMS ADVICE

Need-to-Know While country sports lovers 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

out holding a relevant certificate as long as a

or acquiring each firearm or shotgun.

This is the permit that allows the possession,

number of conditions are met.

For those not resident of an EU Member

purchase and acquisition of shotguns and

Briefly, these are: The lender is 18 or over

State, applications should be accompanied by

ammunition. In the UK, this permit would au-

and holds the appropriate firearm/shotgun

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

thorise most shotguns, including side-by-side

certificate for the gun in question; the lender

arms licences held in his or her own country

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

has the right to allow others to enter the

as well as evidence of an invitation to shoot

automatic shotguns with a magazine capacity

private premises or has authorisation from

in Scotland.

of two or less. (Semi-automatic shotguns with

those who do; the borrower complies with all

Entry into Scotland, or any other part of the

a larger magazine capacity are rarely used for

conditions on the licence; and the borrower

UK, will not be allowed unless the hunter has a

hunting in Scotland and would only be author-

remains in the presence of the lender or

valid UK Permit. A European Firearms Pass on

ised by a UK Firearms permit.) No territorial

someone else over 18 with a relevant firearm

its own will not suffice.

restrictions are placed on a Shotgun Permit,

or shotgun certificate.

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 means that as of the start of 2017, airgun

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 hunt with

weapon certificate (AWC) similar to one you

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

a borrowed shotgun or a borrowed rifle. This

would need to possess a firearm.

Permit and the quantities of ammunition to be

avoids the need to apply for a UK Visitors Permit.

Visitors wishing to bring airguns into Scotland

purchased, acquired and held must also be

With the passing of the Policing and Crime

or purchase them while there (without holding

listed. The conditions of use of the rifle will also

BIll, the law relating to borrowing shotguns

an air weapon certificate) will need to apply to

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

and rifles has been clarified. Now, a person

the police for a visitor permit. Group applica-

tor needs to use expanding ammunition (a le-

can borrow a rifle (if the borrower is aged 17

tions for up to 20 people are also possible.

gal requirement for all deer stalking) this must

or over) or a shotgun from another person on

be included on the permit.

private premises for sporting purposes with-

This is the permit for the possession (but not

96

www.countrysportscotland.com

ownership in Scotland now requires an air

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

Shoot IN SCOTLAND

97

The last word Highland keeper

KEEPing SPORT ALIVE Davy Thomas reflects on the ways of the Samurai – and finds an inherent lesson in the importance of passing on sporting knowledge

H

is left hand sinks into the

petition Spey-casting, and also within the whisky

cold wet peat, the other

industry. However, these people are descend-

supports the rifle. Raising his

ants of a mighty race themselves.

face slowly from under his bon-

When Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated the Toyoto-

net, eyes focused on his preferred firing point,

mi clan following the siege of Osaka in 1615, he

he pauses; to get there he must cover another

believed he did so in the interests of the rest of

50 yards in full view of the hinds. He sinks back

Japan. With the flash of silver and the boom of

onto his haunches, drawing upon generations of

cannon, the Samurai and a thousand years of

old knowledge that were passed down by those

knowledge was lost in a single generation. While

that preceded him. A rogue wind suddenly cools

victorious, Ieyasu came to realise that during his

the back of his head; instinctively he knows

quest for power, he had unwittingly destroyed

there’s not much time. He turns his head slowly

not only the last of the Samurai, but also his

and looks at the fresh-faced trainee and, aware

own culture. For here upon the bloody ground

that now it is his turn to pass on the knowledge,

lay slain a race that had lived in harmony with its

makes sure the boy is watching and learning.

surroundings, unlike Ieyasu’s advisers. By then,

The northwest wind blows the tops clear mo-

of course, it was much too late...

mentarily, revealing a large patch of blue sky; his

Suddenly, as a patch of blue sky hits, all the

eyes glance up and squint a little in thought. He

land around is bathed in morning splendour

knows that the clear spell can be used to his ad-

from the bright sun. Grabbing the trainee’s arm,

vantage, but the timing must be perfect.

the stalker stands up in full view and moves

Stalking knowledge is hard-earned, and to properly pass it on takes time and effort

Far below in the glen, a tour bus pulls into a

swiftly towards the mossy bump. One hind

ders the rifle, he settles the crosshair behind

lay-by and, like jam from a bitten doughnut, Jap-

throws her head up, for something has moved…

the shoulder, and holding in a half-breath, he

anese tourists spill out, armed with telephoto

but she does not bark, for she cannot tell what

squeezes off the shot. “We were in full view! I

lenses that could put the Hubble telescope to

it is. The stalker falls onto the bump and lays

thought you had lost your mind when you stood

shame. They marvel at the awesomeness of the

down the rifle, before rolling sideways. The

up, how did you pull that one off?” the young

towering heights above them. The Japanese are

land dulls again as the sun disappears behind

lad questions. The stalker taps upon his temple,

well known for their thirst for other cultures. In-

a cloud once more. “Take the old girl on the

and points behind him. “Like the Samurai, we

deed, they are among the frontrunners of com-

left, lad.” The trainee slides forward and shoul-

attacked with the sun on our backs.”

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