Second edition
Digital Edition
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
2018/19
The game shooting, stalking and wildfowling guide for visitors to Scotland
In association with the
Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group
introduction
Welcome to Shoot in Scotland
The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group invites you to experience a warm Scottish welcome on your next sporting trip
T
his magazine introduces Scotland as a world class sporting shooting and deer
stalking destination to potential visitors. It provides comprehensive information about the various sports available and lists a wide variety of sporting providers that can be contacted directly with enquiries. It also contains helpful travel tips for those coming from overseas. We hope you find the magazine of great help and look forward to welcoming you to Scotland on your next sporting trip. Visit the
website
www.countrysportscotland.
com for more information and sporting opportunities. SCSTG
4
www.countrysportscotland.com
introduction
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
5
contents
contents
24 9 EDITOR’S FOREWORD
24 WANT MORE?
the hill. We give it a closer look and take it out
Peter Carr on what Scotland means to him
Subscribe to the best shooting magazines on
on the hill during its press launch
and why he makes a field sports pilgrimage
the market
48 SHOOT ON A BUDGET
there every year
26 READY… SET…
You don’t need to break the bank for a gun or
10 GO ONLINE
Don’t forget something essential – follow Will
rifle fit for Scotland
Planning your trip to Scotland? Start with the
O’Meara’s guide to preparing for the big trip
52 SPOTLIGHT ON GROUSE
SCSTG website
30 SPOTLIGHT ON RED DEER
We delve into the origins, recognition and
12 SUPPORTING SCOTTISH SPORT
The UK’s largest land mammal is also one
shooting methods of these fast-flying birds
Andrew Grainger, manager of the Scottish
Scotland for a sporting sojourn
of the main reasons visiting guests head to
the organisation is doing this year
34 TAKE YOUR PICK Dominic Griffith gives an insight into how hill
15 WHERE TO STAY
stalkers select cull stags
Shoot in style or go wild? Whatever your approach, find the perfect place for you
36 BREATHTAKING BEAUTY A stag stalk with a Swedish guest undertaken
18 GETTING THERE
amid Dalness’s picturesque surroundings
The best ways to get to Scotland’s most popular shooting destinations
41 A STALK ON THE WILD SIDE Byron Pace has created the first wilderness
20 LEGAL ADVICE
hunt in Scotland – he tells us how he did it
Stuart Farr tells you everything you need to know to stay on the right side of the law when
44 THE HIGHLAND STALKER
taking guns northwards
Rigby’s Highland Stalker was a rifle made for
6
57 DRIVEN OR WALKED UP? Simon Everett pits the two main ways of
Country Sports Tourism Group, on everything
www.countrysportscotland.com
shooting grouse against each other
44
contents
Future PLC Units 1 & 2, Sugarbrook Court, Aston Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 3EX
Editorial Editor-in-chief Peter Carr
peter.carr@futurenet.com
Deputy editor Colin Fallon
01225 687426 colin.fallon@futurenet.com
Art editor Steve Mumby Senior Art Editor Stephen Williams Contributors Richard Atkins, Don Brunt, Shaun Carr, Chris Dalton, Jason Doyle, Simon Everett, Stuart Farr, Dominic Griffith, Will O'Meara, Byron Pace, Darryl Pace, Stuart Wilson Cover image Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Stock photography Alamy, Getty Images, Shutterstock All copyrights and trademarks are recognised and respected Advertising Media packs are available on request Commercial Director Clare Dove Group Advertising Director Mark Wright mark.wright@futurenet.com Advertising Sales Manager Toni Cole toni.cole@futurenet.com 01225 687368 International Shoot In Scotland is available for licensing. Contact the international department to discuss partnership opportunities. International Licensing Director Matt Ellis matt.ellis@futurenet.com Subscriptions Email enquiries contact@myfavouritemagazines.co.uk UK orderline & enquiries 0344 848 2852 Overseas order line and enquiries +44 (0)344 848 2852 Online orders & enquiries www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Head of subscriptions Sharon Todd
74
Circulation Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers
60 THE WILDEST SHOOT ON EARTH?
82 HUNTING HARDSHIP
A day after ptarmigan is not your average
and watches everything go wrong
Chris Dalton takes a client out after a buck,
game day. Stuart Wilson follows a team of guns to the tops
85 CALIBRE CHOICE What’s the best calibre to take to the hill?
64 FLIGHT OF THE F16
Production Head of Production Mark Constance Production Project Manager Clare Scott Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson Production Controller Nola Cokely Management Managing Director Aaron Asadi Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham Editorial Director Paul Newman Head of Art & Design Greg Whitaker Printed by William Gibbons Distributed by Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU www.marketforce.co.uk Tel: 0203 787 9060
Blaser’s new shotgun offers class at an
92 The LOW ROAD
Produced in partnership with the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group
affordable price
Scotland’s lowlands can offer game shooting
We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill holds full FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and accreditation
just as impressive as the Highlands
69 WHAT TO WEAR From tweed to technical, we collect all the
92 GLASS FOR THE GLEN
clothing you’ll need to survive in Scotland
Scopes and binos well suited for the hill
72 TOP FORM
94 WHERE TO SHOOT
We all know about game shooting etiquette,
Book your trip today with our list of outfitters
but what about wildfowling etiquette?
and shooting providers
74 FOWL PLAY
98 A CAUTIONARY TALE
If you’ve never been wildfowling in Scotland
Safety is paramount, as Darryl Pace warns
before, now’s the time to try it – and here’s how to do it…
78 THE WORLD’S BEST
80
All contents © 2018 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/ or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.
Members of the global shooting press descended on Scotland for a press shoot to remember
80 ANGLE GRINDING Getting technical, Darryl Pace shows you how to compensate for angles when shooting on
Future plc is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR) www.futureplc.com
Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Peter Allen Chief financial officer Penny Ladkin-Brand Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244
the hill
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
7
introduction
editor’s foreword
Welcoming readers to another edition of Shoot in Scotland, editor Pete Carr pays tribute to the country’s long-lasting appeal
“S
cotland.” The very word
axes, was then consigned to history, as were the
ria, which has little changed in 120 years, and
conjures up visions of wild
feudal clan system and Highland autonomy.
remains exclusive to the Scottish Highlands.
glacier carved landscapes, ma-
An aftermath soon followed that would make
Roebuck abound too, on both Highland moors
jestic mountains, ancient forests,
the hardest of hearts weep. Highland dress,
and lowland woodland. Wild goats are on of-
remote fairy-like glens, and coastlines forged by
clan gatherings, wearing of arms, Jacobite songs
fer, sika stags along the Great Glen, and fallow
Atlantic rollers, yet constantly evolving through
and tunes were all outlawed. Crumbling clans
bucks will all interest the rifleman. And Scotland
wave, wind and rain, which collectively equates
were betrayed by selfish lairds, and the infa-
sports some of the finest driven game shooting
to a unique wilderness, and one of only two re-
mous Highland clearances saw the glens de-
available in Britain.
maining in Europe.
populated to such an extent that the Highlands
Non-shooting partners have myriad choice of
even in present times are one of the least popu-
interesting things to do while their roving Nim-
lated areas in Europe.
rods engage in sport. Scotland has nearly as
It’s not only the expansive vistas that come to mind. Clan gatherings in times long gone, tartan-clad chieftains and disgruntled lairds
Yet despite the hardships, betrayals and sad-
many distilleries as it does castles, plus some of
rousing crofters of the common Catholic faith,
ness endured by the populace, the Highland wel-
the best golf links in the world. Highland games,
all loosely allied to the French against the auld
come to today’s visitors is second to no other.
game fairs, military tattoos, historical sites of in-
enemy south of the border or Sassenach invad-
Sportsmen have a common bond with Scotland’s
terest from William Wallace’s monument – the
ers in the colloquial tongue.
Highland custodians, and what sport there is to
inspiration for Braveheart – to Captain Scott’s
Scotland is a land steeped in history, much of
be had. Iconic quarry and hard-won hunting
ship the Discovery, now moored in Dundee far
which was turbulent and a large part moulded
experiences can be enjoyed by all who would
away from the Antarctic ice.
in the very blood of the populace. The Highland
choose Scotland as a sporting destination.
Scotland is a land of contrasts, contradic-
life and Jacobite risings were romanticised by
In order of precedence, the Highland red
tions, beauty and harshness. It is addictive to
wordsmiths such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert
stag must come first, immortalised in Sir Edwin
all who love to follow their sport in a traditional
Louis Stevenson et al, but the reality was far
Landseer’s painting The Monarch of the Glen, fol-
way, among awe-inspiring landscapes, shared
from romantic. The high tide of the Jacobite ris-
lowed by the moorcock on the heather-carpet-
with welcoming locals who want you to leave
ing and indeed the Highlanders’ way of life came
ed hills – not forgetting the snow grouse high up
satisfied and ready to return. As an all-round
soon after the ‘Bonnie Prince’ Charles Edward
on the granite cathedrals, snipe, woodcock and
sporting destination, Scotland has no equal. Go
Stuart roused the loyal faithful to his banner in
plover. Wild game abounds for game shooting
on, give it a go – you will not be disappointed.
the infamous ‘45’ rising on the banks of Loch
aficionados. Wildfowlers are spoiled for oppor-
Yours aye,
Shiel. The loyal Highlanders were defeated in a
tunity, with geese and duck aplenty on the fore-
Pete
decisive battle that lasted less than an hour on
shores, lochs, and mosses. Stalkers can experi-
Culloden Moor during atrocious weather one
ence a unique tradition pursuing red stags out
April day in 1746. The last Highland charge, a
on the open hill through a sport popularised by
mass of swirling pikes, claymores and Lochaber
Prince Albert in the reign of our Empress Victo-
Pete Carr, Editor Shoot IN SCOTLAND
9
introduction
Planning your trip? Start here
Find everything you need to plan your Scottish sporting holiday at www.countrysportscotland.com
search Search by sport or region through more than 200 Scottish sporting estates and providers, and book directly with them
AccoMmodation Find sport-friendly accommodation
SPORTING AGENTS Guidance on which agents offer which sports and where
Sporting Offers Browse through the shooting, fishing and stalking opportunities from our sporting providers for last-minute deals and new sporting opportunities
Country Sports Discover the wonderful range of sporting opportunities on offer in Scotland
OTHER INFORMATION Regularly updated section with all sorts of useful information about country sports in Scotland, including etiquette and guidance Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countrysportscotland
10
www.countrysportscotland.com
on travelling with firearms
introduction
SOCIAL SHOOTING
SCSTG manager Andrew Grainger reports on a successful scheme to increase engagement with Scottish country sports through social media
T
he
integrated
marketing
campaign we were able to
produce a further increase in traffic from
and spend to end third quarter of 2017, over
these countries.
2016 we collected some anecdotal evidence to
run with VisitScotland Growth
With a large library of sporting images on file
Funding in 2017 was very suc-
and five sporting films being edited, we intend to
suggest a similar increase in the numbers of in-
cessful, and SCSTG were able to target specific
make more use of Instagram, which we have iden-
SCSTG continues to work closely with our
countries with a paid-for social media advertis-
tified as having a slightly different demographic to
public sector colleagues from Scottish Enter-
ing campaign. These posts were translated into
Facebook and Twitter.
prise, Scottish Natural Heritage and VisitScot-
ternational country sports tourism visitors.
French, German and Swedish. As a result, web-
During 2018 the experience gained through
land who, combined with the private sector
site visitors originating in these countries has
our social media campaign, particularly on Face-
input from others such as BASC, Association of
seen a marked increase.
book ,will be used to expand social activity into
Deer Management Groups and Scottish Land
Facebook was by far the most productive
North America, which was identified as a target
and Estates, bring a range of knowledge and ex-
platform, with a reach of 455,140 and a total of
market for Year Two in the SCSTG’s strategy docu-
perience to deliver clear insights on the country
972,207 impressions. Impressions is the number
ment ‘Game for Growth’.
sports tourism sector in Scotland.
of times a post is displayed. Reach is the number
Brexit is unlikely to have any effect on the
Finally, we will be attending the major coun-
of unique people who saw the content. This tar-
legislation surrounding shooting, but may have a
try sports fairs this year, including the GWCT
geted advertising was aimed at people who shot,
positive effect on the number of country sports
Scottish Fair at Scone Palace on 29 June – 1
hunted and fished.
tourists visiting Scotland. Domestic sports people
July, celebrating its 30th year; The Game Fair,
30 per cent of SCSTG website traffic now
may find a foreign trip less affordable with a
Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, celebrating its 60th
originates from the target countries – around
weaker pound, but the opposite will be the case
year on 27-29 July; and the Highland Field
10 per cent each from France, Germany and
for international visitors.
Sports Fair on 3-4 August. If you are attend-
Sweden. Articles related to a familiarisation
In addition to the VisitScotland statistics
trip for sporting journalists are expected to
showing an increase in both international trips
12
www.countrysportscotland.com
ing any of these events, do please come and say hello.
plan your stay
WHERE TO STAY Pick the right accommodation for your trip with the SCSTG’s list of shootingfriendly hotels and lodges
T
he Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) was
started in 2004 to promote Scotland as a country sports tourism holiday destination and help sustain its rural communities. There are more than four million people who enjoy country sports in the UK alone. To recognise this, VisitScotland and the Country Sports Tourism Group
have
developed
the
Fieldsports Welcome Scheme for accommodation
that
makes
a
special effort to cater for the needs of field sports enthusiasts. On the whole, Scotland is an exceedingly friendly country and shooting tourists are not just tolerated but heartily welcomed. You’re
guaranteed
a
warm
reception at this list of shootingfriendly
accommodation,
newly
curated from scratch this year. Whether it’s five-star luxury or basic B&B you’re after, read on and find a place for you. Glenapp Castle
ABERDEENSHIRE
www.aswanley.com
Aswanley Holiday
antonia@lowerdessestate.com,
DD8 2UF
01763 264249,
info@houseofturin.com,
www.lowerdessestate.com
01307 830463,
Cottages
Mill of Dess Lodge &
Glass, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire,
Mill Cottage ****
AB54 4XJ
Lower Dess Sporting Estates,
ANGUS
sophie@aswanley.com,
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34
House of Turin *****
AYRSHIRE
01466 700262,
5BE
Turin House, Forfar, Angus,
Blair Estate *****
www.houseofturin.com
Dalry, Ayrshire, KA24 4ER enquiries@blairestate.com, 01294 833100, www.blairestate.com Glenapp Castle ***** Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, KA26 0NZ info@glenappcastle.com, 01465 831212, www.glenappcastle.com
BERWICKSHIRE The Lodge Carfraemill Lauder, Berwickshire, TD2 6RA enquiries@carfraemill.co.uk, Blair House Lodge Dalrachney
01578 750750, www.carfraemill.co.uk
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
15
plan your stay
The Wheatsheaf at Swinton **** Main Street, Swinton, Berwickshire, TD11 3JJ reception@ eatdrinkstaywheatsheaf.com, 01890 860257, www.wheatsheaf-swinton.co.uk
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Friars Carse Country House Hotel *** Auldgirth, Dumfries, DG2 0SA
Ballathie House Hotel
fcsalesandevents@pofr.co.uk, 01387 740388 ,
MORAYSHIRE
07721 082156,
www.friarscarse.co.uk
Culdearn House ****
www.cauldhameestate.co.uk
www.kenmorehotel.com Royal Dunkeld Hotel ***
Woodlands Terrace, Grantown-
INVERNESS-SHIRE
on-Spey, Morayshire, PH26 3JU
East Haugh House Hotel
Atholl Street, Dunkeld, Perthshire,
Alvie Holiday Cottages ***
enquiries@culdearn.com,
****
PH8 0AR
Alvie Estate, Kincraig, Kingussie,
01479 872106, www.culdearn.
Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5TE
reservations@royaldunkeld.co.uk,
Inverness-shire, PH21 1NE
com
info@easthaugh.co.uk,
01350 727322,
01796 473121,
www.royaldunkeld.co.uk
info@alvie-estate.co.uk, 01540 651255,
PERTHSHIRE
www.alvie-estate.co.uk
Ballathie House Hotel ****
www.easthaugh.co.uk
SCOTTISH BORDERS Crabtree & Crabtree
Kinclaven, Stanley, Perth, PH1
Errichel House ****/*****
Dalrachney Lodge ***
4QN
Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire,
1 Bridge Street, Kelso, Scottish
Grantown Road, Carrbridge,
liz@ballathiehousehotel.com,
PH15 2EL
Borders, TD5 7HT
Inverness-shire, PH23 3AT
01250 883268,
enquiries@errichel.co.uk, 01887
info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com,
dalrachney@aol.com,
www.ballathiehousehotel.com
820850 / 07974 171699,
01573 226711,
www.errichel.co.uk
www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com
01479 841252, www.dalrachney.com
Barley Bree Restaurant & Rooms ****
Gamefield *****
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel ****
Kingsmills Hotel ****
6 Willoughby Street, Muthill, Nr
Ochtertyre Estate, Crieff,
St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish
Culcabock Road, Inverness,
Crieff, Perthshire, PH5 2AB
Perthshire, PH7 4JR
Borders, TD6 0RQ
Inverness-shire, IV2 3LP
info@barleybree.com,
info@gamefield.co.uk, 01764
mark@dryburgh.co.uk, 01835
reservations@kingsmillshotel.
01764 681451,
650303 / 07467 147265,
822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk
com, 01463 257141,
www.barleybree.com
www.gamefield.co.uk
Cauldhame Country House
The Kenmore Hotel ***
High Street, Peebles, Scottish
LINKS HOUSE DORNOCH *****
& Cottages
The Square, Kenmore, Aberfeldy,
Borders, EH45 8AJ
Links House, Golf Road, Dornoch
Kippenrait, Sheriffmuir, Dunblane,
Perthshire, PH15 2NU
kate.innes@tontinehotel.com,
IV25 3LN
Perthshire, FK15 0LN
ross.mcewen@kenmorehotel.
01721 720892,
01862 810279
bev@cauldhameestate.co.uk,
com, 01887 830205,
www.tontinehotel.com
The Tontine Hotel ***
www.kingsmillshotel.com
info@linkshousedornoch.com Muckrach Country House Hotel *** Dulnain Bridge, Grantown-onSpey, Inverness-shire, PH26 3LY info@muckrach.com, 01479 851227, www.muckrach.com
LANARKSHIRE Hearthstanes Estate *** Tweedsmuir, Biggar, Lanarkshire, ML12 6QN holidayrentals@hearthstanes. com, 01899 225119, www.hearthstanes.com
16
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
www.countrysportscotland.com
Travel Info
take the high road If you’ve decided to make the journey to Scotland, the next step is determining how you get there – here’s all the key information
S
cotland is well connected by major roads, train
Rail travel
links, airports and ferry ports.
Approximate travel times: London-Edinburgh: 4hr 30min
Many domestic and international airlines allow
passengers to store firearms and ammunition in
London-Glasgow: 5hr
the hold – though international visitors travelling via
Regular services throughout the day from main
connecting flights should ensure your firearms are
English cities. Overnight sleepers also available.
permitted by each airline. LNER
If you want to arrive on your first day refreshed and bright-eyed, you can travel overnight on
Eurowings
www.lner.co.uk; 03457 225225
ScotRail’s Caledonian Sleeper train, which runs be-
www.eurowings.com; 0330 365 1918
National Rail
tween London Euston and Scotland. There are also
Norwegian
www.nationalrail.co.uk; 08457 484950
regular services to Scotland from many major sta-
www.norwegian.com; 0330 828 0854
Caledonian Sleeper
tions in England and Wales.
Thomas Cook
www.sleeper.scot; 0330 0600500
(ex. flights departing from Canada)
Virgin Trains
www.thomascook.com; 08718 950045
www.virgintrains.co.uk; 08450 008000
For more information about travelling to Scotland with a firearm or shotgun, turn to page 96.
United Airlines www.united.com; 08458 444777
By Car The two main driving routes to Scotland from
- When booking your flight, inform the agent
the south are via the east of England on the A1,
that you are going to be carrying ‘sporting fire-
or via the west using the M6, A74(M) and M74.
arms and ammunition.’ - You may accrue additional charges for the
Coach travel
carriage of sporting firearms and ammunition.
Scottish Citylink
- Try to obtain written confirmation by email,
www.citylink.co.uk; 08712 663333
letter or fax that you have pre-booked the
Postbus
Air travel
firearm in question.
(Northern and Scottish mail delivery service that
Major airlines serving Scotland
- Contact the airline at least 72 hours before
accepts fee-paying passengers)
flying to confirm carriage of your firearms and
www.postbus.royalmail.com; 08457 740740
UK
check restrictions, charges and requirements.
National Express (servicing the UK)
BMI
- Passengers are restricted to 5kg ammunition
www.nationalexpress.com; 08717 818178
www.flybmi.com; 0330 333 7998
per person.
Eurolines (servicing the rest of Europe)
British Airways
- Airlines will often require proof that your
www.eurolines.co.uk; 08717 818178
www.britishairways.com; 08444 930787
firearms are licensed, either when booking
Eastern Airways
or checking in. Make sure you have all of the
Ferry travel
www.easternairways.com; 01652 680600
necessary documentation.
Many cruise lines offer travel to Scotland. Stran-
easyJet
- Ensure your firearms are in a purpose-built
raer is the most common port of entry but Stena
www.easyjet.com; 08431 045000
and securely locked gun case, separated from
Line also provides services into Faslane. Caledo-
Flybe
your ammunition and main luggage.
nian Macbrayne provides servives to the islands.
www.flybe.com; 08717 002000 Logan Airways www.loganair.co.uk; 01418 487594 Ryanair
Local firearms licensing departments
www.ryanair.com; 0871 246 0000
Aberdeen 01224 306270 | firearmslicensingaberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk
International Air France
Stirling 01259 727668 | firearmslicensingstirling@scotland.pnn.police.uk Dundee 01382 596858 | firearmslicensingdundee@scotland.pnn.police.uk
www.airfrance.co.uk; 08716 633777
Edinburgh 01313 113297 | firearmslicensingedinburgh@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Brussels Airlines
Glasgow 101 | firearmslicensingglasgow@scotland.pnn.police.uk
www.brusselsairlines.com; 09056 095609
Inverness 01463 720484 | firearmslicensinginverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Emirates www.emirates.com; 08448 002777
18
www.countrysportscotland.com
Glenrothes 01592 418424 | firearmslicensingglenrothes@scotland.pnn.police.uk Dumfries 08456 005701| firearmslicensingdumfries@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Expert advice travel
TRAVEL TIPS
Are you planning on travelling to Scotland with your firearms? Legal expert Stuart Farr gives some guidance
T
he early part of the year,
not to forget when heading to Scotland by
when Shoot In Scotland is
road, rail, plane or boat, and storage tips when
published, is a time when many
staying overnight.
people start to think about and
Firstly, the toughest means of getting
plan their holidays for the forthcoming year.
there: flying. This will mostly be undertaken
Let’s face it, while the gloom of winter still
by those visiting from overseas. If that de-
hangs over us, it is an occupation that helps
scribes you, there’s no sugar-coating it: it
provide some respite from the cold, and it’s
is not easy to transport a gun across the
something we can look forward to when the
borders of nations without your own trans-
better weather arrives.
port. The reality is that transport providers
And what better place to go than Scotland?
don’t particularly like to move guns because
It offers breathtaking landscapes and a stun-
of the perceived increased risks it involves.
ning variety of sport. Plus, there is the practial
In fact, many simply won’t do it. The main ad-
stuff. For most, it is close by and accessible,
vice is to check with the airline whether they
you don’t have to fly or change currency (if
take guns before booking; ensure you have in-
you live in Great Britain), and the approach of
formed the airline more than 72 hours before
Brexit won’t affect access to it as a tourist.
the flight of your intention to check in a fire-
But don’t be fooled – travelling with a fire-
arm; and obtain agreement to this in writing.
arm in tow is fraught with legal difficulties and
Oh, and allow four hours at the airport instead
logistical concerns, and that applies as much
of two – unannounced checks are common.
to going to Scotland as it does anywhere else.
Incidentally, if you’re travelling from Europe,
This article is intended to be a primer on what
don’t forget to obtain a European Firearms Pass.
20
www.countrysportscotland.com
Expert advice travel
EFPs are issued in the same format across the EU and so are easily identifiable. You can apply for one at any time and they are usually only valid for as
Ferries are often the preferred method of travel when journeying with firearms
long as your normal certificate, the maximum being five years. The EFP will specify which category the relevant firearm falls under and will provide details of any EU state that requires the holder to obtain authorisation before taking a gun to that particular destination. It will also indicate which EU state(s) prohibit that particular firearm altogether. You will also need to have applied for and been granted either a Visitor Firearms Permit or a Visitors Shotgun Permit – you cannot enter the UK from the EU with a firearm or shotgun without one. See page 22 for full details. If you have a bit more time or are travelling to an island in Scotland, a ferry can be a better option than flying. There is plenty of advice available around the internet on how to transport guns via ferry and the shooting organisa-
“ As a guide, you need to consider whether a particular permission is required and notification may need to be given in advance to a police authority in the area where you are travelling to ”
tions are a good place to start. Here are a few considerations to get you on your way. You will need to ensure that you have your shotgun and/or firearms certificate with you at all times while you are travelling. Generally speaking, if you are taking a shotgun, you are permitted to carry a maximum
so at that point relevant checks can be made.
room such as a radiator. If you leave the room,
It is best to ensure that the local port authority
again, consider taking an essential component
security has been informed of what you are car-
with you and carry your certificate (and any secu-
rying. This will help to ensure a smooth passage
rity keys) on your person at all times.
through the port areas under their jurisdiction.
If your hunting trips are infrequent then it
of 1,000 cartridges in a vehicle, provided they
The easiest and safest way to transport your
is unlikely you will need a security device fitted
are in their manufacturer’s original packaging.
guns, and surely what most visitors do, is to
inside your vehicle. Therefore, if your vehicle
Quantities larger than this need to be declared.
drive in your own vehicle. Now it becomes a
is going to be left unattended at any time, it
You are strongly recommended to pre-book
case of general gun security and common
is normally recommended that you take with
your trip and inform the travel operator of your
sense. If you want specifics, the Firearms Secu-
you an essential component of the firearm
intention to travel with a gun and ammunition
rity Handbook produced by the Home Office is
or shotgun (such as the bolt from the rifle or
and the relevant destination. The ammunition,
as good a place to start as any. It contains guid-
the fore-end of the shotgun) and keep that in
in particular, may be subject to restrictions and
ance, for example, on the transport of guns by
your personal possession while you are away.
road and tells us that the vehicle needs to be
In the case of more frequent trips, it is gener-
fitted with an alarm or immobiliser and should
ally recommended that you arrange for higher
be parked in such a position as to frustrate an
security such as a secured metal container or
unlawful entry. It also advises on keeping fire-
steel security cable which is attached to the
arms in locked boots or in storage areas where
chassis. In any event, firearms and ammuni-
the contents are covered or concealed.
tion should be placed where they cannot be
Certificate holders are strongly advised to
seen (in the boot or load carrying area of a
comply with the stipulations for the secure stor-
locked vehicle). In all cases, a suitable car
age of firearms and ammunition in their vehicle.
alarm and/or immobiliser would be prudent.
In particular, no shooting equipment should be visible when being transported in a vehicle.
Flying is one of the most difficult means by which to transport a firearm – but it is possible
Be aware, the onus is on you to decide what appropriate form of security to take based on
The guidance also offers suggestions on
your circumstances. Remember, in the UK we
what to do with the gun itself – it might be
have some of the strictest gun laws around, and
stripped down with the forend being removed
though attitudes may differ in Scotland, the law is
and/or kept separately from the barrels and
the law. Failure to follow it won’t just ruin your trip
action. It could also be secured with portable
– it can lead to the police believing that you are
devices such as cables.
not “a fit and proper person” to possess firearms.
Hotels can be more problematic. Securing
If you intend to embark on your first
guns in a hotel safe or strong room is one option
planned trip, I appreciate much of this may
but is often a facility which is not available. A dis-
seem daunting. However, as I have said, there
creet word with the hotel manager may help. Oth-
is plenty of good advice around and an amount
erwise, consider using a steel security cable which
of care and research in good time beforehand
you can then attach to an immovable object in the
will do much to see you along your way.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
21
FIREARMS ADVICE
Need-to-Know While country sports lovers from overseas are enthusiastically welcomed in Scotland, there are some basic legal undertakings you will need to make in advance of your stay in Scotland. Included below is a digest of the essentials and where you can find out more…
V
isitors to Scotland may only bring their firearm (rifle) or shotgun with them if
they have a Visitor Firearm or Visitor Shotgun Permit. Such permits can be valid for up to 12 months, but it is more common that these permits are limited to the length of the visit. The general rules and conditions that apply to the grant of a Firearm or Shotgun Permit are: - An application for a UK Visitor Permit must be made to the police by a sponsor – a person resident in that police area, normally your host, sporting agent or a friend in Scotland – on your behalf. - Group applications (up to 20 visitors) are cheaper provided they are all hunting on the same premises during the same period. -
Applications
28
days
must
before
be the
made
at
planned
least visit.
- Residents of EU Member States must be in possession of a European Firearms Pass. A photocopy or electronic scan of the EFP has to be forwarded with the application for a UK permit. An applicant for any visitor’s permit must show good reason for possessing, purchasing
UK Shotgun Permit
their own. However, some sporting agents and
or acquiring each firearm or shotgun.
This is the permit that allows the possession,
estates may be able to arrange for visitors to
For those not resident of an EU Member
purchase and acquisition of shotguns and
borrow a shotgun.
State, applications should be accompanied by
ammunition. In the UK, this permit would au-
For deer stalking with a rifle, most estates will
the original, or a copy of, any hunting or fire-
thorise most shotguns, including side-by-side
be able to arrange for visiting hunters to bor-
arms licences held in his or her own country
and over-and-under shotguns as well as semi-
row what is known as the “estate rifle” and to
as well as evidence of an invitation to shoot
automatic shotguns with a magazine capacity
use that rifle while in the presence of the owner
in Scotland.
of two or less. (Semi-automatic shotguns with
or in the presence of their employee, such as
Entry into Scotland, or any other part of the
a larger magazine capacity are rarely used for
the gamekeeper or professional stalker. This
UK, will not be allowed unless the hunter has a
hunting in Scotland and would only be author-
is a common occurrence but it is important to
valid UK Permit. A European Firearms Pass on
ised by a UK Firearms permit.) No territorial
check that a suitable rifle is available. Please
its own will not suffice.
restrictions are placed on a Shotgun Permit,
note: this is not available to under 17s.
Each Permit costs £12, though a group permit will cost no more than £60.
so the shotgun can be used on any hunting ground in Scotland as long as the visitor has permission to hunt there.
UK Firearms Permit
Changes to the law – airguns The new Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 means that from 31 December 2016
purchase) of a firearm such as a hunting rifle,
Borrowing a shotgun or a firearm
as well as the acquisition or purchase of am-
A hunter can come to Scotland and to hunt
similar licencing requirements as those cur-
munition. The firearm(s) must be listed on the
with a borrowed shotgun or a borrowed rifle.
rently in place for other firearms.
Permit and the quantities of ammunition to be
This avoids the need to apply for a UK Visitors
Visitors wishing to bring airguns into Scotland
purchased, acquired and held must also be
Permit. It is only permitted to borrow a shot-
or purchase them while there (without holding
listed. The conditions of use of the rifle will also
gun from the owner or occupier of private land
an air weapon certificate) will need to apply to
be listed and must be complied with. If the visi-
and to use that shotgun “in the presence of”
the police for a visitor permit. Group applica-
tor needs to use expanding ammunition (a le-
the owner or occupier. This is rather restric-
tions for up to 20 people are also possible.
gal requirement for all deer stalking) this must
tive and most hunters wishing to hunt with a
be included on the permit.
shotgun should apply for a permit and bring
This is the permit for the possession (but not
22
www.countrysportscotland.com
airgun ownership in Scotland will fall under
For more information, visit: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/10/section/13/enacted
3 ISSUES
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Expert advice preparation
The big trip So you’ve booked the Highland hunt of a lifetime – what now? Will O’Meara gives you all the advice you need for preparing for the trip, from admin to training to mental preparation
M
aybe it only happens once.
your mind. Are you bringing your own firearm
including
It might be a long-planned
or using an estate gun or rifle? How will you
document, and make sure you are aware of
the
airline’s
guidance/policy
hunting trip or the seizing of a
get there? If travelling from overseas, do you
the weight of your equipment and potential
fleeting opportunity. Either way,
have the required paperwork?
costs for excess baggage.
you have a fire of enthusiasm in your soul to go
The transport of firearms and ammunition
I will also assume, for the purposes of this
to Scotland and hunt amid some of the greatest
doesn’t have to be a chore, but if you are
article, that you have done your research
landscapes to be found anywhere. That’s great –
flying, remember to inform your airline well
and are booking your hunt with a reputable
now don’t let poor planning ruin the whole thing.
in advance that you intend to take a firearm.
outfitter. There is certainly no shortage of
The planning phase not only goes a long way
In doing so, I’ve never encountered any
those in Scotland.
to ensure you have an enjoyable trip, but it can
problems, but I have heard of a few horror
With your administration complete, you
actually be greatly satisfying in itself. Having
stories. To avoid such stress I recommend you
can now breathe a sigh of relief and crack on
prepared for adventures all over the world, some
use a high quality case with non-TSA padlocks
with the more enjoyable preparations, which
of months in duration and some of only a few
for transporting gun or rifle, and ensure you
include fitness, marksmanship, location and
days, I have developed a system of preparation
have the keys in your possession at all times.
species knowledge and equipment.
that I find useful. Lots of my advice is specific to
I also recommend that any ammunition
rifle-hunting, but in general it can apply to any
you wish to transport is in factory packaging,
Get fit to hunt
form of sporting trip.
regardless of whether it is reloaded or factory
Your physical fitness may directly correlate
ammo. I position my rifle in its case so that
with the success of your hunt. The fitter you
the serial number can be easily read without
are, the better your chances of success.
your
removing it from the box, ensuring any
Increased fitness will not only allow you to walk
administration. This is the tedious part but if
inspection of your firearm is as discreet as
further but will also allow you to be in a higher
you get it sorted early it will be a weight off
possible. Print off any relevant documents,
state of readiness and be more composed
Get your admin sorted The
26
first
thing
to
organise
is
www.countrysportscotland.com
Expert advice preparation
and focused when it comes to the culmination of your hunt. A good level of stamina and strength will help prevent injury. Remember, a minor injury might well bring your hunt of a lifetime to a grinding halt. Conditioning to your kit and equipment, particularly your boots and pack, is also important. Having such items ‘broken in’ and fitting well will prevent injuries. Train as you mean to hunt. This can take
The most important thing about your hunting set-up is that you are confident in it
the form of extended hill walking adventures in your preparation phase. They will greatly add to your fitness, it gets you outdoors, teaches you how to fuel your body, how your
“ Your physical fitness may correlate directly with the success of your hunt ”
kit performs and can be used to hone skills such as navigation. prevent
is fitting and torqued appropriately. I will be
hiking sessions with some gym training.
cramping, headaches and nausea. I found
addressing rifle set-up in more depth in the
Exercises
core
bladder-type hydration system and water
future – but for now you should get your local
strength development, mobility development
bottles both useful, but I now favour water-
firearms dealer to check everything over.
and metabolic conditioning sessions using
bottles as they are easier to refill and monitor
Step two is to zero the rifle and know your
Olympic weights, kettlebells, rowing machine,
fluid intake as well as being easier to clean and
elevation adjustments for each range. I like
running and body weight exercises will all
more robust.
to do this, at a minimum, out to the usable
I recommend supplementing your weekly such
as
lunges,
squats,
through
of
us
and
will
in
react
turn
to
terminal ballistic limit of that rifle which I
can be applied to everyday life, or in our case
supplements such as energy gels or bars.
usually rate as the point at which the projectile
to the hunt.
Having tried a wide variety of these, I find ‘real
reaches 1350ft/lb of energy (for example,
food’ to be the a better base than anything
with my .270 it is 450 yards). This is likely to
Hydration and nutrition
else, but I am happy to supplement it with
be a range beyond what you will use on your
Despite having spent many months of my life
protein bars and energy bars. I don’t take
hunt, but it is reassuring to know you can hit a
in the hills with a pack on my back, one of the
it too far, though. I found that sugar and
target at longer ranges.
best lessons in stamina training came to me
caffeine-based gels are taxing on the digestive
Once zeroed I like to practise as often
via adventure races and road cycling events.
system and leave you feeling burnt out at the
as my schedule will allow. I normally keep
They taught me how to fuel your body while
end of the day.
sessions short (10-15 shots) but like to
improve your functional fitness – fitness that
Each
sweating
differently
on the move and over extended periods of
simulate hunting scenarios, such as shooting
exertion. Hydration and fuel intake is critical
Dialled in and confident
from sticks or a pack, shooting when out of
here to maintain optimum performance (or
Having confidence in your kit is paramount to
breath, shooting in varying wind conditions
sometimes to just keep going). Hydration
success on your hunt. The best way to build
and so on. It’s also important to use targets
tablets or electrolytes dissolved in water
this is through practice. Step one is to ensure
that simulate what you will be hunting and
will help to replace lost minerals and fluids
the rifle is functioning properly, everything
to have an understanding of the physiology
Will’s kit bag, showing just some of his hunting essentials. Be prepared!
Highland terrain is unforgiving. Better get fit before you go
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
27
Expert advice preparation
Time spent getting to know your rifle on the range is never wasted
of that animal. This will ensure that when the pressure is on, you know where to place that shot and you can rely on your hours of practice to aid you.
“ Most of the pressure we feel when hunting is selfinduced, because the focus is on the result. Forget about that and focus on the process ”
The mental game So you have put in huge time and effort to make this hunt happen. It is your dream, your
There are two particularly useful pointers that
sole focus for many months. You’ve bought
can be of benefit. Firstly a reminder of the
the kit, done the training, but have you done
answer to the question: why are you doing
- Know the range to the animal
any mental preparation?
- Select the best possible firing position and the best possible rest
this? That‘s right – for fun. Remembering that
- Check your elevation and windage
The suggestion of mental preparation may
can take you a long way. Most of the pressure
- Quietly load your rifle; check your safety;
elicit raised eyebrows from some, but for
we feel when hunting is self-induced, because
those who know its usefulness and power, it
the focus is on the result. Forget about that
is a central factor to success in all challenging
and focus on the process. This is where the
tasks. After all, you don’t want to come all that
fun is – walking, glassing, enjoying the scenery,
- Pick a definite point of aim
way and get a stag in your sights only to panic
immersing yourself in the wild, away from the
- Focus on your aiming point
at the last moment and spurn the opportunity.
stresses and pressures of everyday life and
- Squeeze the trigger
Does that familiar? How many times have you
routine. Remember the words of Theodore
- See the strike
beaten yourself up over a poor shot, a miss
Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Do
- Reload and continue to observe the animal
or even just an unfortunate blank? What
your own thing and enjoy it.
check muzzle clearance - Wait until the animal offers the best opportunity (usually fully broadside)
through your scope.
follows is usually a list of excuses and an air of
Secondly: Have faith in your practice. To
disappointment – often this can snowball into
maximise all chances of striking your intended
A procedure gives you something to focus on.
a series of misses. Mental preparation can
target, you need to practise, know your
If well drilled it will become almost instinctive
help you avoid these situations by teaching
equipment and have a procedure. Once you
and gives you the best chance, physically and
you how to deal with pressure or stress,
have identified your target and that it is safe to
mentally, of success. So remember: hard work
turning difficult situations around to put you
fire, a good procedure might look something
pays off, stay positive, focus on the process
back on the path to success.
like this:
and allow yourself to enjoy and succeed.
28
www.countrysportscotland.com
Species Spotlight
Spotlight on red deer Editor Pete Carr looks into the historical distribution of red deer across the British Isles and reveals some interesting facts about the iconic monarch of the glen
T
he red deer (Cervus elaphus)
deer well, and they have thrived on the hill as
wild herds in an attempt to increase trophy
is
land
a consequence to the present day. Hill stag
quality. The Marquis of Breadalbane, for
mammal and one of the world’s
stalking came into vogue in Victorian times
example, introduced some stags to his Black
largest deer species. In Great
as the Queen’s consort Prince Albert was an
Mount estate from Taymouth and Windsor
Britain there are indigenous populations in
avid stalker though a reputed bad shot. The
Great Park. These introductions all failed,
Scotland, the Lake District, and in the south-
fashion has waned little since its inception
of course, as regardless of genetics it is the
west of England, principally on Exmoor. Not
and hill stalking has changed little through
environment that governs the body weight
all of these are of entirely pure bloodlines
the following regencies and remains unique to
and trophy quality of these hill deer.
as some of these populations have been
Scotland to this day.
Britain’s
largest
Other landowners imported red deer from
supplemented with deliberate releases from
Unfortunately there has been extensive
various parks. Some of these, such as Woburn,
deer parks in an attempt to increase antler
hybridisation with the introduced and closely
may have had mixed wapiti blood in them, so
size and body weight.
related sika deer in many areas. It is now
the true bloodlines of Scottish mainland red
Scotland’s red deer adapted to a life on
thought the only truly pure forms of red deer
deer may have been open to question before
the open hill as the ancient Caledonian
are to be found on the Outer Hebrides and the
any sika deer influence could be claimed.
pine forests dwindled away to the remnant
islands of Arran, Islay, Jura and Rum. Thankfully
Scotland’s red deer carve out a harsh
woodland that is left today. This was thanks to
recent restrictions on the importation of
existence for themselves on the hills and
demand for timber from an expanding human
Cervus species to these islands have been put
islands, foraging on stunted heather and grass
population that finally did for the stately
in place to safeguard the genetic integrity of
in a windswept and inclement landscape. It
Scots Pine forest of Caledonia. The infamous
these last remaining British bloodlines.
is little wonder, then, that they sport lesser
Highland clearances of the late 18th century
However, it must also be said that many
headgear and lighter body weights than
cleared the Highlands of its crofters along
Scottish deer forests on the mainland had an
their English woodland counterparts and
with their sheep and cattle. This suited the red
influx of English park deer blood added to the
continental cousins.
30
www.countrysportscotland.com
Species Spotlight
Hill stags won’t have the antler weight of their lowground brethren, but they offer so much more than just a big head
Most of the red deer of England (the Lake
Other than Exmoor, the Lake District probably
District population possibly the exception)
held the only other true herd of original English
and Ireland are classified as the Western
red deer. However, the red deer of Cumbria
European subspecies (Cervus elaphus), with
have had new bloodlines introduced from deer
RED DEER
the smaller open hill ground living Scottish
parks and other sources. Historically, an upland
Largest land mammal in UK but
red deer subspecies classed as Cervus elaphus
herd of red deer has occupied the Martindale
considerable variations in size: lowland/
scoticus, literally meaning Scottish red deer.
Estate between Ullswater and Haweswater for
woodland deer very much larger and
In England Exmoor is the home to the
more than 300 years. Dalemain Estate, at the
heavier than those on open hills. Summer
largest concentration of red deer in the
head of the ancient Martindale deer forest,
coat reddish-brown, turning darker brown-
country. Historically, Exmoor red deer are
once hosted many foreign dignitaries for deer
grey in winter. Lighter rump patch extends
unique, living in the only place where they
hunting. In 1910 the then Earl of Lonsdale (from
on to back above short tail. Mature stag
have roamed truly wild since pre-historic
Lowther Castle) received as his guest Kaiser
antlers typically long and multi-tined with
times. They have survived through the ages
Wilhelm II to hunt on the Martindale deer
prominent mane by late autumn.
under Crown protection as ‘Royal Beasts of
shoot. Four years later the Earl formed a Border
the Chase’ on Exmoor Forest.
IDENTIFICATION:
Battalion to fight his former guest’s German
Open Season
Even in modern times, hunting in one form
army in the trenches during World War One.
Male
or another has been the main reason red
Managed by subsequent landowners, the red
Eng/Wales/NI 1 Aug – 30 Apr
deer have survived, and indeed flourished
deer herd at Martindale has grown and over-
Scotland 1 Jul – 20 Oct
across Exmoor’s moorland majesty. This single
spilled into neighbouring Mardale, Kentmere,
Female
fact was conveniently overlooked by those
Thirlmere and Armboth Fell.
Eng/Wales/NI 1 Nov – 31 Mar
politicians that were instrumental in banning
Separate woodland herds are also based
the hunting of hare, fox and deer with hounds.
in Grizedale Forest, the Rusland Valley and at
Scotland 21 Oct – 15 Feb
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
31
Species Spotlight
THE GARRON The Highland pony or garron is the native horse breed of Scotland’s mountainous regions. It is not known whether these wild horses first spread into Scotland when the last glaciers receded some 10,000 years ago, or whether they were introduced by early prehistoric settlers. What is known is that by the 8th century, horses were in Scotland, and by the end of that century their images were appearing on carved Pictish stones. In one of Scottish history’s most noted incidents, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was most likely mounted on a sturdy Scottish Highland pony when he fought and killed Sir Henry de Bohun with his battle axe at Bannockburn in 1314. Highland ponies Taking a beast off the hill is an experience to be cherished
became the workhorse of the Highland croft and estate. During the heyday of stalking in the late 19th century they served as the most efficient way to transport deer and
the head of Morecambe Bay. These woodland
populations scattered throughout the woods
other moor game from the hill to the larder,
red stags are better nourished and generally
of England and, to a much lesser extent,
with special saddles and panniers being
stand taller and weigh heavier than their
Wales. Most of these are increasing in
used. Today the Highland pony continues
closely related, fell-living counterparts.
numbers and range.
Elsewhere in England there are several
More recent escapes from deer farms
suited to work on the hill because of their
other red deer populations, most of which
and other deliberate releases have aided
strength and agility even over the roughest
have originated at the hands of humankind.
their expansion. A recent census of deer
and steepest ground, or for forestry work
Historically, carted deer kept for stag hunts
populations coordinated by the British Deer
where mechanised access is difficult. Many
were often left out at the end of the chase.
Society records red deer as having expanded
other modern-day estates have reverted
In Victorian times many stags were imported
their range in England and Wales since the
back to the ponies, since they are both more
from various deer parks (often containing
start of the new millennium. The most notable
environmentally friendly and cost-effective
wapiti blood) to a number of stalking estates
increase has been in the Midlands and across
than 4x4 vehicles.
in an attempt to ‘improve the resident stock.’
East Anglia.
to be used in this role. They are ideally
In the First World War the Lovat Scouts
Carted deer were normally kept by those
In Ireland the only true native wild red deer
used Highlands as army mounts, and they
stag hunts that had no wild red deer in their
that exist today can be found on the Torc, Cores
were also used by the military in the Boer
locality, and were normally recaptured after
and Mangerton Mountains with other herds in
War. With the advent of pony trekking in
the hunt to be used again. The red deer of
the lowlands of the national park in Killarney,
Scotland in 1955, the Highland pony came
Thetford Forest in Norfolk were probably
Co. Kerry. The species nearly became extinct
into its own and the breed became more
accidentally established in this manner when
after the great famine, numbering as few as 60
widely known. As pursuit of wild game in
the Norwich Staghounds (which actually only
animals. Today there are now more than 1,000
a true wilderness goes hill stalking for red
hunted hinds) failed to recapture their quarry
and this population is expanding. However, as
deer cannot be bettered, especially when
(some of which may have been in calf) on a
in Scotland, sika deer are a potential threat
serviced by a proficient ghillie leading a
number of occasions over many years.
to the genetic integrity of Irish red deer. This
The New Forest has a rich royal hunting
has already happened in Co. Wicklow, but so
heritage. It hasn’t always gone the hunter’s
far no cases of crossbreeding have yet been
way, however, as Richard, Duke of Bernay,
recorded in Killarney. Introductions from
found out to his peril. His grace was the elder
Scotland, England and France in the early 19th
brother of King William II, and met his fate on
century formed the nucleus of the red deer
the tines of a New Forest stag that gored him
herds now found in the Glendalough Valley
to death after being brought to bay.
and Turlough Hills of Co. Wicklow, Glenveagh,
Highland garron.
Introductions from Warnham and other deer parks to the New Forest probably re-
32
Co. Donegal, Connemara, Co. Galway and areas of Co. Mayo.
established the present New Forest red
Northern Ireland’s wild red herds are all
deer. Other red deer populations, probably
descended from reintroduced stock. Free
originating
deliberate
roaming red deer are found in Co. Tyrone, Co.
releases in England and Wales, include the
Fermanagh and Co. Down. Several enclosed
Peak District, Suffolk, Brecon Beacons and
herds live on private and Forest Service
West Yorkshire herds as well as smaller
estates such as Gosford Forest Park.
www.countrysportscotland.com
from
escapes
or
Expert advice Beginners
Stag selection Age, time of year, head size – what are the most important factors to consider when culling a stag? Deer management expert Dominic Griffith has the answers
A
ntler quality in all deer is
moved from the hill and placed into good pas-
land that I have helped to manage the red
pretty much the product of
ture showed that such stags immediately grew
deer for some 15 years we have established a
age, food and genetics in varying
multi-point heads in the subsequent year.
clear norm to expect from our young stags. In
proportions, while overall deer
This, for me, has always cast some doubt on
the main they are made up of first-year spik-
density limits or optimises that potential. Hill
the perceived practice in selecting hill stags. If
ers of varying lengths, which become regular
stags are extremely vulnerable to local climate
switch heads represent in the main no more
six-or eight-pointers in the subsequent middle
and conditions and when, in Victorian times,
than stags which have not fed as well as the
aged years. An occasional Royal graces the hill,
they were maintained at artificially high densities
older and stronger stags or even of their di-
but the mature stags are generally 10 or 11
it is probably the case that average antler quality
rect competitors, then how might the cull be
pointers of varying mass.
was limited except in the presence of significant
approached? The principles of deer manage-
In practice therefore the cull is made up
winter feeding by the ghillies. Even when I first
ment remain the same for all species, the aim
from a proportion of young stags, a few
worked as a pony boy, young stags were never
being to remove a representative slice of the
middle-aged stags and the old stags, all at a
included as part of the cull and the accepted
population while attempting to take the very
predetermined number. As stags mainly live
practice was to give them all a few years to show
old and very weak as a priority. Surplus young
in stag groups in October it is easy to com-
their potential. This meant that stag numbers
males form an equally important and tradi-
pare one against another when stalking into
were generally rather high and most young stags
tionally ignored part of the cull.
a particular group. This means that on any in-
showed little more than switch heads. It also had
It is almost certain that antler ‘form’ is ge-
dividual day’s stalking you are likely to come
a knock on effect on the stag population as a
netic, and therefore replicated year on year
across one or more groups from which you
whole, which limited quality in even the middle
during the lifespan of a stag. To this end it may
can select according to the number needed
aged stags. I am therefore not convinced that
be a useful starting point in approaching se-
from each age class. The easiest decision is
‘leaving them a few years to show their potential’
lection, for example by targeting very narrow
always the ones you want to leave, in our case
actually achieved that objective.
or very crooked heads. Knowledge of what is
the middle-aged even eight-pointers, particu-
The paradox of such a situation is that ex-
normal for your ground is, as ever, the most
larly those with double brows – come across a
periments where ‘poor’ young stags were re-
important aspect to consider, and on the is-
group of those and simply stalk out and away.
34
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stalking Red deer
Culling big stags is not immediately out of the question – as long as the stag is old
Come across a group of spikers, however, and
you always need to take the most care with
retaining moisture becomes a torture. Lack of
a runt, probably visible in body size as much
regard to this age class.
altitude also means problems with flies and we
as in antler growth, will always stand out from
A state of mind is one’s biggest ally. If your
have found it almost impossible to start the
the crowd as an obvious choice for culling.
objective is the long-term sustainability of a
cull until October due to the fact that a carcase
Among a mixed group of middle-aged stags
fine head of stags, you will automatically steer
in September may be completely covered in fly
there will always be one or two crooked or
away from the best ones. That said there is
eggs by the time it reaches the larder which
narrow heads which also stand out as candi-
nothing to be embarrassed about if you re-
makes it unacceptable to enter the food chain.
dates for the larder.
turn with a multi-pointer as long as it is old.
Although this does not directly affect stag
It is in the older category that things get a
Old stags tend to carry multi-point heads, al-
selection, it does have the effect of reducing
little more difficult. On our ground it would
beit frequently uneven or ‘switch-topped’. But
the time available to complete the cull to little
be rare, but not impossible, for an old stag
an old stag can also go right back and throw
more than the 20 days of October – enough if
to carry 12 points, and so royals should not
a shorter head, often without lower tines but
the weather is kind, but a struggle if it reverts
automatically be excluded from the cull. That
identifiable as old through the mass and dark
to type. Fortunately hill fog is not associated
said, most of the royals will be fine middle-
colour of the antlers. Such a stag completes a
with the breeze of the west coast, and it is rare
aged stags with bright white tines holding
very satisfying day on the hill.
to lose a day to lack of visibility. Rain, however,
The biggest problem we endure is in the ter-
is something at which the west coast special-
rain of the western isles. The hills are not high,
ises, and one should not forget the additional
In great age a stag can appear shorter
but neither are they glacial, so we have to con-
pressure that misted binoculars and scopes
and stockier with a distinct hanging belly and
tend with broken ground, granite and bracken.
puts on your ability to make good selections.
square bovine face. Antler formation becomes
What starts as a gentle depression near the
You have to love the deer and you have to love
more triangular than rectangular. It may well
top of the hill ends in a deep and steep ditch
the conditions if you are to make a success of
be found sitting alone away from the main rut,
of a burn at the bottom. Dragging becomes a
red deer management. If you just want some-
maintaining a low profile and conserving en-
real burden, and dragging a multi point stag
thing to hang a hat on, you may find it easier
ergy – such a stag is worth a second look but
through bracken which is still half green and
searching ‘antlers’ on the internet.
hinds and commanding territory. It is safer to simply walk by.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
35
Red StAG DALNESS
Clash of cultures
A Scotsman, an Irishman, an Englishman and a Swede – it’s no joke, but the party assembled for a late-season red stag stalk at Dalness Estate. Jason Doyle tells the tale…
I
crack the window slightly and drink in the fresh Scottish air as
we cross the Clyde. The long drive from Ireland via Holyhead and
Yorkshire is in its final stages, and the excitement of what lies ahead wakens my motorway-weary legs. My Yorkshire-born passenger Pete Carr, another highland addict, wakens from his uncomfortable slumber against a rolled-up Harkila jacket. The signposts bear familiar names as the roads narrow and the highlands appear before us. This is a drive I’ve made countless times since my first excursion to the west coast back in 2004 and my love for the stalking here has only grown since then – indeed, this is my fourth trip this season. Progress fades to a crawl along the winding western side of Loch Lomond but the highlands rising in front have distracted me from such minor inconveniences as weekend traffic. The
36
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Red StAG DALNESS
first time I came here to stalk with Rob Cameron
rare gentlemen whose company one cannot but
The views are simply awesome. Engines have
near Oban, these Munros took my breath away,
enjoy and adds a tremendous amount of craic
barely shuddered to a halt before binoculars
and the effect hasn’t gotten any less profound.
to any situation. The mickey-taking begins in
are already scanning the steep slopes for deer,
Yes, we have mountains at home, but not
earnest over a pie and chips – mostly Irishman
trying desperately to spot a stag. We don’t have
like these. Every time I revisit the highlands
vs Scotsman, with Yorkshireman swapping sides
red deer where I hunt in Ireland and the change
it feels like the first time. I still get the agitated
to suit the humour. I can’t help feeling slightly
of species always adds to the excitement. Rob
excitement of a lovestruck teenager going to
sorry for Fredrik as he was obviously struggling
signals that he’s spotted some deer high behind
meet his sweetheart. I love it here.
to understand the variety of accents and the
the house, and sure enough we can see a stag
childish put-downs. I’m sure he was wondering
some 800 yards away in a small forestry clearing.
what he had let himself in for.
He is full of rut and has a few hinds gathered
Refuelling man and motor at The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum, has become a custom, and today is no different. We roll in with another purpose
The last leg of our journey takes us on the
this time, though. We are meeting another two
short drive north through Bridge of Orchy and
members of our party: Rob McCuaig and Fredrik
on towards Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most
After a quick cuppa and a tour of the house,
Johansson. Fredrik is the global marketing
famous and beautiful glens. We then turn left
we are back outside in the company of Dalness
manager for 3M, who make the Peltor range
down the single track road into Glen Etive and
stalker Colin Fraser. We have a long chat about
of hearing protection. He is a Swede and a
minutes later we have reached our destination,
the plans for that evening and the following day,
competent hunter but this is to be his first
Dalness House. Dalness is exactly the type
and the clarity of his intentions are a welcome
Scottish experience. Rob, an old friend of mine,
of Victorian lodge you would hope to find in a
change to the average deer stalker’s vague way of
has organised the trip and invited us to come and
glen like this: huge, imposing and luxurious its
telling you nothing at all about what they hope to
film the hunt for our channel. He is one of those
riverside position nestled between five Munros.
do. After an uneventful session on the target, we
close. That’ll do for now – at least we’ve seen one, so we head inside to meet the Dalness crew.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
37
Red StAG DALNESS
yards in front. We can’t tell yet what they are but we plan a route to investigate. Using a burn for cover, Pete and Fredrik quietly make their way forward with me following. Rob stays back to observe. The terrain lends itself perfectly to our stalk, and 10 minutes later we are on the deck, crawling up a gently rising bank and hoping that the deer haven’t changed location. Ideally one has one’s quarry in sight regularly during a stalk to avoid losing them as they move but that isn’t possible here. We are stalking in from below the animals, a situation best avoided. Luck, however, is on our side this morning and as Fredrik reaches a shooting position, two young stags are in sight and no more than 70 yards away. The round finding the chamber is enough to give the stags our position, but
Pete turns guide as Fredrik takes up the rifle, hopeful of his first ever Scottish stag
it’s too late and the first stag crumples to a perfect neck shot. The second runs another 70
“ Dalness is exactly the type of Victorian lodge you would hope to find in a glen like this ”
yards before turning broadside to look back. Unfortunately, just as Fredrik’s trigger breaks, the stag moves off again, causing the 7mm Rem Mag bullet to hit slightly too far back. But the advantages this calibre offers to a situation are
head off in convoy towards our accommodation,
glass hard into the gloom but everything is just
immediately evident as the animal stops again,
a charming cottage further down the glen.
shapes and shadows – we needed another 20
almost immediately allowing Fredrik to expertly
Our overnight dwelling is found down a long
minutes of light. Colin had assured us the deer
and rapidly place a finishing shot.
and rutted 4x4 track where Glenceitlein meets
would be moving back uphill before light, so
The rest of the morning is spent sharing in
Glen Etive. I can scarcely remember a more
we start to gather some ground, heading for a
the joy and excitement that a successful hunt
idyllic setting for a deer stalker to rest. With
vantage point from which the stalk will hopefully
brings. As hunters, we always strive to deliver
River Etive to the front and a Munro guarded
take on a more definite purpose. The roaring
a quick and humane death to our quarry, but
valley behind, this is a paradise for hunters
has dropped off significantly now, but just as
sometimes things don’t always go to plan.
like us. The cottage itself has been recently
we climb the knoll a roar echoes from high to
It’s how we rectify these situations that we
refurbished to a very comfortable standard
our right. A nice stag, picked out more by his
should be judged on, and this stalk ended
and we are quickly before a roaring open fire,
movement than the rising light, is trotting along
as quickly and humanely as was possible in
beer in hand and resuming the three-nations
the mountain side. He is following a hind and in
the circumstances. Pete and I had to leave
banter competition. Scotland, with the addition
an inaccessible area, so we quietly move on and
again that afternoon, but the guys stalked for
of Colin’s dry wit, now have a serious advantage,
leave him to his courtship.
another day and Fredrik’s highland experience
From the top of the knoll we glass up into
was everything he hoped it would be. For me
Before Colin leaves us for the evening, a map
the glen. Heavy drizzle and strong wind impede
it was just another unforgettable time spent in
is produced and he discusses the morning
visibility for both stalker and cameraman but
my favourite place, doing what I love and with
stalk with Pete in detail. Pete is very familiar
Pete manages to spot a small group of deer 600
great company.
and the home side soon takes the win.
with these parts, having stalked Glen Etive for more years than he would like me to mention, and with Colin’s approval we will be heading out under Pete’s guidance the following morning. The cull plan is set – our target for the stalk will be to take out a young stag or two from a group that are hanging around the bottom of the glen. Fredrik will shoot, I will film, and Rob will act as ghillie. That night the Glen comes alive with roaring stags as Britain’s largest mammals follow their hinds to the glen floor to feed. The anticipation is palpable. I’ve often closed the car door quietly to avoid alerting deer of my presence, but this is the first time I’ve gently closed a front door with the same motive. There were deer all around the cottage during the night and we have to be careful not to spoil our stalk before it gets started. We
38
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It’s a happy ending to a tense and challenging stalk
red hinds
Hinds in the wilderness Byron Pace recounts a unique experience on the hill together with four foreign hunters in search of something more
T
he back end of the stag
January also marks the start of our wilderness
enough for the Land Rover to pass, so we
season in Scotland in 2017
hunts. These offer the kind of experience in
decided for convenience to bundle everyone
was one of the wettest and
the highlands we ourselves enjoy. I believe
into the Landy and make the hour-long
warmest I can remember. From
it’s one-of-a-kind hunt in the UK – we were
journey into the hills.
Blair Atholl to Loch Ness, stalkers I know spoke
certainly the first to offer a pack-out, back-
It was dark by the time my brother had
of the broken nature of the rut, with the classic
country, tented camp-style hunt in Scotland.
delivered everyone to the estate from the
cold mornings that trigger the full swing of
I love to do this with my brother, and it brings
airport, and once we parted company with
activity not coming in until the season had well
me great pleasure to share this with other
the tarmac, no lights were to be seen through
passed. But as one season finished, another
hunters. We carried out the first of these hunts
the pitch black of night. Negotiating ice, snow
opened, and as we push on into the winter
at the end of 2016 and then restarted them
and mud, we eventually got everyone to the
months, my focus sits firmly in two places: roe
when the 2017 hind season came around.
prepared camp, which my brother and I had
does and red hinds.
Our first ever wilderness hunt was an
set up earlier in the day. Time was short to get
As much as I enjoy the pursuit of roe across
international affair, with all four hunters who
everything ready but we had an extra pair of
the permissions I have in my area, I have to
joined us flying over from Scandinavia, split
helping hands, with our friend Lise joining us
confess I view the doe season as a little bit of
between Norway and Sweden. In the week
from Norway for the hunt, arriving a few days
a chore. It is more of a job that needs to be
leading up to everyone’s arrival, the weather
ahead of the rest of the party.
done, taking the population back down, than a
had gone from mild beginnings to a series of
Camp was simple, consisting of a 15-man
recreational activity. Not that this is a complaint,
low fronts bringing snow to much of Scotland.
tepee-type tent, with an internal wood-burning
but it is the reality. I have put a lot of roe in the
It settled heavily in the lower highlands,
stove for added warmth on the long evenings,
freezer over the years, but far less in the way
and our usual hill road to the primary camp
and of course the provision of cooking and
of red deer, so the hind season for me brings
location was impassable by anything other
the essential morning coffee. The camp is
much more anticipation and excitement.
than a snow bike. This novel transport for
situated beside a small burn, which actually
More than just the chance to head out on
Scotland was actually available on the estate,
feeds into the same water supply used to
the hill for the day, November through to
but a much longer road was luckily still clear
make Glenfiddich whisky. Direct from the hill,
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
41
red hinds
Lise takes on the task of getting her first red deer back to camp
it’s good to drink straight up, and provides a
It’s a liberating feeling having no connection
convenient pot washing facility.
to the outside world – it is something more though
people should embrace from time to time. We
having spent plenty of time squatting in the
are far too connected, and the constant ability
mountains, I took the time to build a grass
to be online has really stifled the forming of
turf, rock-surrounded, raised toilet with a
basic bonds of companionship. In camp, it’s
deep hole for a little added comfort. Other
story telling and fire for entertainment rather
than that, it is a bog with a view of the hills
than a smartphone app, and the rehabilitation
and the open skies – pretty liberating. No one
of these old-school skills leaves everyone
complains, even if it makes the morning post-
feeling better by the end of the hunt.
The
It’s a social affair, with no phones or WiFi in sight
toilet
set-up
is
simple,
coffee ablutions a little draughtier than usual.
The hunters bring their own personal kit,
Once we’re in camp,we have everything taken
plus a sleeping bag and mat. It is essential to
care of. Food consists of basic staples and mixed
have a good mat for a decent night’s sleep – I
game on the first night, with the intention that we
used a cheap foam option for years, but they
will eat venison from the second day onwards.
really don’t cut it, and my brother and I have
Mess tins and big stewing pots take care of
moved over to blow-up micro-mats similar to
food preparation, and there’s a Kelly kettle for
a thermarest for the last couple of years. It is
hot water. Life is simple. There is no phone
worth every penny of the investment.
reception, no wifi, just the company of hunters and the great outdoors for entertainment.
Base camp is a 15-man tepee-style tent with wood-burning stove
42
Given the origin of our guests last year and the concern over chronic wasting disease
“ The effort for recovery needs to be borne by those who take the responsibility of taking the life ”
www.countrysportscotland.com
red hinds
A quick break for lunch with the best view around
in Scandinavia, I took the precaution to ask
take charge of your hunt, learn from others
effort for recovery needs to be borne by those
everyone to come with washed gear and clean
and your own mistakes. For us it’s not so
who take the responsibility of taking the life.
boots (boots were still disinfected on arrival),
much about guiding people, more about
This in itself limits the numbers of animals that
and provided knives for everyone in camp so
simply hunting with them as equals. I know
can be processed in a day, with no mechanical
they could be left at home. We always need to
from my own experience that it’s easy to
help provided, and all carcases being returned
consider such things with foreign clients.
become lazy when you have someone guiding
to the primary camp. It adds a dimension
By the first morning the group had already
who knows the ground. On wilderness hunts,
often lost when relying on other people or
started to bond and get to know one another.
that isn’t the case, and you get out as much
indeed the luxury of modern machinery.
Wide open skies greeted us as the light lifted,
as you put in.
The first hunt last season couldn’t have
with everyone fed, watered and packed for
Beyond that, the hunters have to take careful
gone better, with everyone taking at least
the day. The hunting gods must have been
consideration of what they shoot. With plenty
one animal, and some more than that. It
watching over us over the following three
of hinds requiring to be culled in a season, we
was everything we hoped it would be for the
days, with the best weather in weeks making
have no limit placed on the numbers hunted
hunters, with happy faces and contented
for pleasant hunting conditions, far removed
and shot. However, the onus for retrieval lies
souls at the end of it. I look forward now to
from the weather we have been having so far
on those pulling the trigger. This is where we
showcasing the experience to our next lot
this hind season.
differ from a usual highland stalk, where the
of guests from London in a few days’ time.
These hunts are very much about the whole
stalker carries out the brunt of the work. Of
Sometimes it’s good to return to basics and
experience. It is about having the chance to
course we are there to help, but the lead and
shut the modern world out.
Everyone grafts to get the work done. The communal spirit is refreshing
Two Scandinavian brothers process their first deer of the trip. They would soon be back to Scotland for another taste
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
43
Review rigby
The Highland Stalker Byron Pace heads to Blair Atholl to stalk red stags using a rifle with a Scottish heritage like no other: Rigby’s Highland Stalker
T
here are some rifles that
what it is to hold and use a rifle such as the
Two years later Rigby began a collaboration
seem like more than just
Highland Stalker from Rigby.
with German gun maker Mauser to develop
cold steel and oiled wood. They
First I should offer a little back ground on
embody the spirit of hunting
Rigby the company. It was originally founded
having
in a way that is hard to define. They inspire
in Dublin, building a reputation for the
standard Mauser actions since 1897. This
emotion and a deep connection that shouldn’t
manufacture of duelling pistols and target
built on the partnership they already had as
be possible for an inanimate object. There are
rifles as a family-owned enterprise. By the late
exclusive distributors on British soil. In 1907
some rifles that have a soul, long before they
1800s Rigby had opened a premises in London,
the Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Hewitt KCSI,
have journeyed the hills and valleys, crossed
moving their entire operation there some
presented Jim Corbett with a Rigby Mauser
continents and climbed mountains. These are
years later. At this time Rigby had shifted their
bolt-action rifle for killing the man-eating
few and far between, but they do exist.
focus towards high-velocity rifle production.
tigress of Champawat. Many years later this
a magnum action for use in their own rifles, been
manufacturing
rifles
with
I don’t normally start a rifle review in this
In 1898, under the management of John
manner, but I believe it warrants it in this case.
Rigby III, the firm developed the now globally
I suppose this makes me a hunter rather than
respected .450 NE, hailing the beginning of
By this time the Rigby Mauser bolt action
a nuts-and-bolts, millimetres-and-inches rifle
the Nitro Express cartridges. This took already
had gained a worldwide following. Both John
reviewer. I look at an old Land Rover and I’m
proven black powder cases and loaded them
Rigby himself and his son John Rigby II had
transported in a flash back to early overland
with the more modern smokeless propellants.
long since died, though the business remained
expeditions and the famous camel trophy.
In the blink of an eye Rigby had revolutionised
within the family name.
It kindles not just memory, but a spirit of
big game hunting rifles, and the .450 NE became
By 1911, Rigby had also become well known
adventure, and longing to be part of it. Only
the standard with which all others were judged.
for producing mid-bore rifles, with their .275
someone who loves Land Rovers will know
In the same year, Winston Churchill bought his
Rigby
what I mean, as only a hunter will understand
first of three Rigby-Mauser pistols.
Around this time, the first of Rigby’s own
44
www.countrysportscotland.com
rifle would find a permanent home in the Rigby Museum in London.
proving
tremendously
successful.
Review rigby
The Highland Stalker wasn’t the only new release: Rigby’s new riflescope got a debut too
A controlled feed action is built for ultimate reliability when you need it the most
The slim lines of the rifle are instantly recognisable and a call back to old times
“ What Rigby has achieved in such a short time, under the stewardship of Marc Newton, has been staggering ” cartridges came into production, with the
the .450 Rigby, which also happens to be the
London gun maker to build rifles in the back
.416 Rigby bolt-action rifle arriving just a year
first true dangerous game cartridge I ever
and sell them in the front of their shop.
before the tremendously successful .375 H&H
fired. I have longed to have a rifle chambered
in Holland and Holland’s own rifles. Two years
in this great modern development ever since.
What Rigby has achieved in such a short time, under the stewardship of managing
later, ‘Karamojo’ Bell added his name to the
Then Rigby went through a long period
director Marc Newton, has been staggering.
Rigby ledger with two .416 Rigby rifles on
of uncertainty, first bought by the American
Though the heritage and history couldn’t be
order. Today, those who order the new Rigby
Neil Gibson in 1997 before being sold just
taken away from Rigby, the disjointed years
rifle will have their names added to the same
three years later to a Dallas-based investment
away from England had watered down their
bounded record as the great hunters who
company. Another three years followed before
presence globally. Today the London gun
came before.
it was once again sold, with the new German
maker on everyone’s lips is Rigby.
Fast-forward to the 1950s and the first
owners of L&O group (which includes Blaser,
This review is as much a view from the field
big change for Rigby saw the founding
Sauer and Mauser) purchasing the company.
as it is a look at the technical aspects of the
family relinquish control. After a number of
Shortly after this, the last of Rigby’s interests
rifle. The first chance I had to see the Highland
years under the management of the family
was moved back to England, returning the
Stalker was at IWA 2017, where it was revealed
accountant, David Marx bought the company
company to its roots by re-establishing its long
to great fanfare. It was hard to find a quiet
in 1968 before merging with J Roberts & Son 14
relationship with Mauser and opening up its
moment to dip in and handle the rifle for
years later. During this period they launched
workshop in London. Today they are the only
myself, so busy was the stand.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
45
Review rigby
Just over six months later, I found myself in London tasked with documenting a pilgrimage from the Rigby showroom to the Highlands of Scotland. There we would hunt with the Highland Stalker in that very environment, among the traditions of tweed and garrons it was born from. With journalists from around the world, as far away as Australia and North America, we made the journey north on the overnight Caledonian Sleeper to Blair Atholl. With the tangible anticipation of the week ahead, a greeting of bagpipes and tweed-clad handshakes initiated the full Scottish experience. A challenging week hunting stags in the Highlands had begun. Rigby undoubtedly built its legend around dangerous game rifles, but
they did build
smaller-calibre rifles for stalking and hunting around the world, from Africa to India and of course the Highlands of Scotland. Indeed, the new Highland Stalker revives what many would regard as the classic highland stalking rifle. The first indication that Rigby, in its modern
incarnation,
was
looking
once
again at smaller-bore stalking rifles came with the production of the commemorative Corbett rifle, reproduced and based on the original rifle itself. It was auctioned at the SCI convention in 2016, fetching a recordbreaking $250,000. A year later, with three years of R&D behind them, Rigby presented to the world the Highland Stalker. Although this was not designed to be a reproduction of the Corbett rifle, the Highland The rifle was tested in its true home, with tweeds and garrons galore
Stalker has clearly taken its inspiration from the classic Rigby. At its core, the rifle is built on the original Mauser 98 design, machined and barrelled in Germany, just as was the case
wing type located on top of the bolt shroud –
If you turn your attention to the bottom metal,
with the rifles built in the 1900s. Stocked and
much more suited to the modern use of scopes.
apart from exquisite inletting, you will note
finished in London, the action is resin and pillar
The action itself is drilled and tapped for
that the rifle is fitted with a floor plate, not a
bedded into a Grade Five walnut stock. The
scope mounts, but unlike many modern
magazine. This is no oversight, and owes this
classic lines are drawn from the rounded pistol
production rifles, the Highland Stalker is still
to the dangerous game lineage. As well as
grip and slender forend associated with Rigby
fitted as standard with open sights. So many
helping maintain the sleek lines, a floor plate
rifles of that era. In the context of modern
modern rifles that have open sights fitted seem
is a practical option. A magazine is one more
rifles, this may seem unusual, but it does
to be produced as a half-hearted afterthought.
thing to leave at home.
provide sublime balance and manoeuvrability.
But the open sights in the Highland Stalker
In the middle of the week at Blair Atholl, after
As with all Rigby rifles, the variations possible
really work. Looking to the front sight, Rigby
two days of hunters putting the rifle through its
are only limited by how big you can dream and
has fitted a slightly oversized bead to aid
paces in truly horrendous weather, there was
how big your wallet is. From engraving to stock
picture acquisition. Intended to compensate
a chance for everyone to come together on
grades, the rifles can be customised to every
for the ageing hunter’s declining eye sight, I
the range. Here we would not only shoot the
detail if requested.
have always thought front beads were often
Highland Stalker, but a number of other Rigby
It seems almost insulting to break down the
too small, and my eyesight is still what it was as
rifles, covering all of the proprietary cartridges
technicalities of the action. It’s a classic M98
a teenager (I think). Rigby has also regulated its
Rigby chambers.
fixed-claw controlled-feed, but in a modern
open sights sensibly, coming as standard as 65
machined action, offering smooth and positive
yards, 150 yards, and an extended 250 yards.
During this, Marc Newton gave us a short presentation on the Highland Stalker. Among
is
its many aspects, some of which I have
Rigby even kept the rear locking lug, which many
outstanding, and all but impossible to criticise.
already covered, he pointed out the rifle sling
manufacturers reproducing the action do away
Every aspect has been designed and finished
‘system’ used on the rifle.
with. The original flag safety has been replaced
to be sympathetic to the traditions and origins
simple, consisting of a barrel band loop and
by a much more user-friendly three-position
of the rifle, while being entirely functional.
corresponding fixing on the butt, a leather
operation, with that distinct cycling sound.
46
The
www.countrysportscotland.com
finish
and
attention
to
detail
It is beautifully
Review rigby
Darryl Pace gets a first shot with the Highland Stalker on the range… …and later grasses a stag once he’s familiar with the rifle and calibre
thong and sling ties through the loops for
I think this is a smart move for Rigby, and
of Rigby’s own riflescope, which was fitted to
a silent finish. Although referring to it as a
although many hunters will opt not to hunt
every rifle used during the week’s stalking. The
‘system’ may have been chuckled at when
with a moderator on this rifle, it is nice to have
full specs for this will be available shortly.
discussing with Rigby’s German counterparts
the option, especially if doing a lot of shooting.
The Highland Stalker, available in men’s and
at Blaser, the minimalist approach has to be
Rigby has teamed up with Barton Gunworks to
woman’s versions with varying dimensions, has
admired. It works.
produce a purpose-made moderator for the
already had a tremendous uptake. I have no
rifle, designed to hug the front ramp profile
doubt this will continue, as too will the rise of
and minimise required additional length.
Rigby as a company. They are one to beat.
It would be a considerable oversight if the trigger didn’t match the quality of the rest of the rifle – and of course it does. It’s clean
As a final tip of the hat, Rigby has resurrected
and crisp, with minimal over-travel, and is
the .275 Rigby, a personal favourite of mine.
adjustable for pull weight by a single grub
On the last day of the trip, my brother had
screw on the housing.
the privilege of hunting with a rifle chambered
The rifle is not light, but it’s not overly heavy
in the calibre, using Hornady ammo head-
either considering its traditional form. Coming
stamped .275 Rigby. The last time I saw that
in around 7.8lb, it tames the unmoderated
was on an old Kynoch loaded cartridge gifted to
recoil with ease when combined with the
me many years ago, supposedly used on one of
straight comb stock design. Although the rifles
Bell’s famous expeditions. The rifle is available
I shot hadn’t been screw-cut, Rigby has allowed
in five cartridges as standard – the other four
for this by seating the ramp on the front sight
are .308 Win, .30-06, 8x57 and 9.3x62.
back enough to permit threading. This comes
As much as I would love to recount many of
with an invisible thread cap, so the rifle can
the marvellous hunts that took place, space
be used in its traditional form, unmoderated,
does not allow. It would, however, be remise
without losing any of its elegance.
not to mention that we also saw the release
WANT TO KNOW MORE? The Highland Stalker is priced in line with what the original old sporting rifles were sold for, coming in at today’s money at £5,413 plus VAT. A massive thanks goes to Marc Newton, the team at Rigby and Simon Barr for the review rifle and organising such an incredible event. You will be able to enjoy this yourself in the coming months with the release of an associated film.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
47
kit Guns
BUDGET BARRELS
Get tooled up for a Scottish shooting foray without breaking the bank. These affordable shotguns and rifles will do the job
Yildiz
HUGLU 103 CE
With aluminium alloy actions and Turkish walnut stocks, Yildiz guns
The 103 CE has a broad range of uses, for anything from rough
available in 12, 20, 28-bore and .410, with the 12 and 28-bores proofed
shooting to game days. It’s a single-trigger ejector with a Turkish walnut
for steel shot. They have a single selective trigger, an automatic safety, and
stock and a chrome receiver with gold, hand-engraved birds on a
come with five chokes. There’s also a choice of 26, 28 or 30-inch barrels,
choice of silver or black finish. Available in 12 or 20-bore with 28 or 30
which combine with the gun’s light weight to make it suitable for any size
inch, multi-choked barrels, it has 3 inch chambers and a ventilated rib.
or age. Options include a choice of hand-engraved action plates and
Its proofed for steel and has a manual safety. The gun comes with a
improved grades of walnut. The guns come with a two-year warranty.
hard ABS carry case and a set of five flush chokes.
Price: Non-ejector from £625, ejector from £825
Price: £725
Entwistle Guns 01772 718048 yildizshotgunsuk.co.uk
Range Right 01423 881919 range-right.co.uk
ATA SP Elegant
Marocchi First
Benefiting from ATA’s 50 years of gunmaking
This lightweight game over-and-under provides
Webley and Scott 1000 Series
experience, the ATA Elegant is an affordable gun
Italian quality and style at a price that puts it within
The Italian-made 1000-series is a restyled and
with extra features to add a level of refinement.
reach of beginners and those who want a gun as
upgraded entry-level gun, boasting a boxlock
Based on the company’s SP model, it has an
a working tool as well as travelling sportsmen. The
action with a silver coin finish and game scene engraving. It has a single selective trigger with an
upgraded oil finished walnut stock and forend as
receiver and tail are aluminium to keep the weight
well as scroll engraved sideplates. Other features
down and make sure the gun is pointable. Overall
automatic safety. The steel-proofed barrels are
includes a vented top rib, five chokes, 3 inch
the design prioritises durability and reliability. The
multi-choke, available in 28” or 30”, with a three-
chambers, ejectors and single selective trigger.
First is available as a 12-bore, 20, 28 or .410.
inch chamber. The stock and forend are walnut.
Price: £799.99
Price: £1,045
Price: £999
Sportsman Gun Centre 01392 354 854
Viking Arms 01423 780810
Highland Outdoors 0845 0990252
sportsmanguncentre.com
vikingarms.com
highlandoutdoors.co.uk
48
www.countrysportscotland.com
kit Guns
Tikka T3X
Bergara B14
The Tikka T3 is ‘the rifle everybody has’, a workhorse rifle that’s
Still gaining in popularity since its initial launch, this turn-bolt offering
nonetheless incredibly feature-packed for its price point. Now, the new
from Spanish barrel-making experts Bergara is available in three stock
generation of T3 is here – and its specs are even more impressive,
configurations – pictured here is the Sporter. Drawing comparisons to the
including a modular stock, recoil pad and metallic bolt shroud. Best of all,
Remington 700 series, it’s got a free-floating barrel with 1-in-10 twist, a
the price is the same.
sturdy three-shot mag, and lightweight 22” barrel.
Price: From £1,015
Price: £710
GMK 01489 579999 gmk.co.uk
RUAG 01579 362319 ruag.co.uk
Savage Axis
Browning A-Bolt 3
Ruger American
The Axis is a light rifle at 6.5lb – perfect for the
Rifles don’t come much cheaper than this – but
Ruger might be a ubiquitous brand of rimfire
hill. A 22” carbon steel barrel marries pointability
the third-generation of the A-Bolt doesn’t feel
but its centrefires are more than worth a look
and durability, while the matt black stock makes
like a super-cheap rifle, with a reliable composite
too. It entry-level American will surprise you with its array of features – including adjustable and
it a workhorse. This model pictured doesn’t
stock with textured panelling and three-lug bolt
have Savage’s legendary AccuTrigger unit, but
with a short throw. The mag has been reworked
ultra-safe Marksman trigger, integral bedding
the revamped model, the Axis II, incorporates it.
from previous A-Bolts, and the button-rifled barrel
blocks for reliable accuracy, and flush-fit, four-
The Axis is available in a wide range of calibres,
makes for reliable accuracy, the sort you’d find in
round rotary magazine. For half a grand, you get
from .243 up.
rifles twice the price.
a lot of rifle here.
Price: £653
Price: £500
Price: Around £500
Edgar Brothers 01625 613177
Browning 01235 514550
Viking Arms 01423 780810
edgarbrothers.com
browning.eu
vikingshoot.com
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
49
Expert advice Grouse
Spotlight on grouse
Editor-in-chief Pete Carr looks at the sporting opportunities surrounding the red grouse, Britain’s premier game bird, and its close cousin, the remarkable black grouse
T
he red grouse is Britain’s
crows, stoats and weasels by the nation’s hill
cock are still shot, though the grey hens
only unique bird. A close
keepers provides in most seasons an annual
are always left alone. The UK population
relative of the willow grouse, it
shootable surplus of this, the premier game
is estimated at 5,078 calling males. Black
evolved to a complete heather
bird species.
grouse are largely dependent on a mosaic
moorland lifestyle unlike its Scandinavian
Grouse were subject to population peaks
cousin, which likes to live on the forest edge
and
crashes
owing
to
grouse
disease,
and open heathery glades.
specifically a parasite known as the strongyle
of moorland edge birch woodland and scrub with an understory of heather and bilberry.
In remote areas this species is responsible
worm. The norm was, in good grouse years,
Driven shooting
for generating most of the rural economy,
to shoot hard and reduce over-wintering stock
Driving grouse is the most prestigious of
such is its value and importance to the wider
to avoid disease. Modern science has proved
all wing shooting. Sportsmen travel from all
landscape. The red grouse population is
that provision of medicated grit (subject to
corners of the globe to engage this uniquely
almost entirely dependent on ling heather,
withdrawal conditions) can check this parasite
British species and sport. The season starts on
and the population is estimated at 240,000
– this has been the biggest breakthrough in
the Glorious Twelfth unless 12 August falls on
breeding pairs.
grouse moor management since rotational
a Sunday. It was always seen as a high-society
Hill keepers are a dedicated branch of the
heather burning became the norm. Population
pastime and today one can easily spend a
keepering profession and are responsible
peaks and crashes are now mostly consigned
five-figure sum for a day’s driven grouse on a
for not only the welfare of red grouse but for
to history. Of course the grouse is still a wild
premier moor. Thankfully there are a number
much of our upland wildlife too. Indisputable
bird and subject to weather conditions at
of smaller moors that provide 50 to 60-brace
scientific facts show that upland waders do
nesting and hatching time, which still affects
driven days for mere mortals like me.
far better on keepered moorland than on un-
population size, but shooting most years can
keepered ground – a fact oft overlooked by
be relied upon.
Inexperienced
guns
must
always
take
some qualified tuition on simulated grouse
The black grouse is rarely shot owing to
at a clay ground and let his host know he is
Methodical burning of heather to produce
its limited range but thanks to GWCT and
new to driven grouse shooting – he will be
a patchwork of different heather sizes for
others dedicated to preserving this species,
respected for it. A loader, or a stuffer if single
feeding, cover and nesting; distribution of
blackgame are showing signs of a comeback.
gunning, will normally be provided and will be
medicated grit; and the dedicated pursuit of
In some areas limited numbers of black
a welcome advisor.
protectionist societies.
52
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Expert advice Grouse
Thankfully, shooting estates show restraint when it comes to black grouse
Safety is paramount as grouse fly through
The moor is methodically worked over to
the butts low and fast. It is all too easy to
cover the ground. Of course the wind isn’t
lock on to the birds and swing through the
always in the perfect quarter but the keeper
line, hence the use of sticks in the butt to
will work the moor as best he can. Fitness
remind the gun to lift his barrels and shoot
and suitable attire is required for the long
Lagopus lagopus scoticus
behind. Even Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of
trek across uneven ground, occasional high
Size: M ale 36-39 cm (14-15½in)
Northumberland, and one of the greatest
patches of heather and bog. Sound, worn-in
living grouse shots, uses shooting sticks in the
boots and gaiters are a must. It can be hot
butt. So there is no reason why you shouldn’t.
work but be ready for the weather to change
Medium-sized grouse characterised by
quickly on the hills.
rotund appearance, short wings; body
Double gunning is the norm on bigger days
RED GROUSE
Female 33-36 cm (13-14in)
plumage uniform dark rufous-brown with
and a sporting classic is to take two birds cleanly in front, exchange guns and take a
Over pointers/setters
darker wings and black rounded tail. Sexes
second brace behind.
Shooting grouse over pointers or setters is
similar, but female more barred and a duller
An experienced loader adds a lot to the
the classic method of their pursuit – mostly
rufous colour. Adults appear greyer in
experience of driven grouse shooting. My
performed early in the season when the birds
winter, with white underwing feathers and
most vivid memories on the moor include
hold to the point better. This is a civilised
occasionally show white on flanks and belly.
their company and often dry humour.
form of shooting where much of the sport
Juvenile generally like female.
is watching the dogs quarter the moor.
May be confused with female black
Walked up
Excitement heightens when the dog comes
grouse (greyhen); ptarmigan distinguished
This is a much more affordable method to
on point or sets the game. Two guns move
by smaller size and white wings and other
engage grouse and can provide just as much
forward with the handler to cover either
parts.
enjoyment as a driven day. Generally two to
side of the dog. Once in position the dog is
Shooting season:
six guns are the norm. A line is formed and
encouraged to flush the birds. Occasionally
12 August – 10 December
will move forward into the wind, while spaniels
it’s a single bird or a snipe, but when a covey
Northern Ireland open season is
work the heather close to the guns to prevent
rises and both guns secure a left and right it is
12 August – 30 November.
grouse lifting too far in front.
a very enjoyable experience. Shooting grouse
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
53
Expert advice Grouse
over pointers has to be one of my most favourite pastimes.
Blackcock trophy shooting The black grouse is occasionally shot on a grouse drive, but is more often shot as a trophy bird in the British Isles. Best practice is to follow GWCT guidelines when it comes to shooting this species. The GWCT recommendation is to only shoot black cock if there are more than two males per 100 hectares. Thankfully the few estates that host this remarkable bird at the required densities only shoot the species sparingly, and the female or greyhen is never shot. Generally speaking blackcock are walked up over tight ranging spaniels or pointers/ setters – a mature, well-feathered cock bird
Double with a loader or single with a stuffer, it matters not – experience on hand makes for a safe day
is the object of the exercise. Restraint on flushing is therefore the key to success. They are sometimes stalked – which is no easy feat as they are a sharp-eyed bird. Much crawling is involved and shooting from the knees isn’t easy as the bird seldom gives the gunner a chance to get to his feet before flushing.
Cartridge and gun choice for grouse By Richard Atkins
A medium-sized game bird, grouse needs to
Choke-wise, a light choke such as Imp Cyl
tree-barkers. This is a small spitz-type dog
be reliably struck with three pellets each with
is naturally paired with a smaller shot to
that flushes the birds and follows them in
a striking energy of over 0.5ft/lb to ensure a
ensure the pattern is filled right to the edges
flight until they are treed. The dog continues
clean kill. Of course that is easier said than
– but if you’re shooting with 6.5 or 6 shot, it
to mark the bird by barking at the bottom of
done with the speeds these birds reach on
only makes sense to shoot with a bit more
the tree until the sportsman arrives. Another
their characteristic low flight – though it is
choke. And when it comes to wads, you of
Scandinavian method when the snow is on
perfectly possible to overestimate it and give
course want to go for fibre only – for most
the ground is to decoy the birds into roosting
the grouse too much lead. One of the most
these days, it is out of the question to use
trees. This involves setting up a hide under
important things for any grouse shooter
anything else.
known resting trees (usually birches) and
is to sort their technique out – this means
placing decoys in the trees in the branches
dedicated training to wipe their mind of the
grouse are taken with best English-style game
above. I have tried both methods in Sweden
high-pheasant techniques they were putting
guns more than any other species – this can
with great success.
into practice until January.
mean a gun with 2½” chambers. Selecting
In Scandinavia black cock are hunted with
As the most ‘traditional’ of game birds,
That aside, you can’t go wrong with the
one of these guns means you sacrifice the
shoot selected cock birds on the spring lek
classic loads when it comes to grouse. No 6
choice available to you in a more modern
from hides with a rifle. This of course is illegal
shot is ideal for the bird in its driven form –
o/u, but most cartridge manufacturers
in the British Isles.
and many moors won’t allow larger. The same
have recognised the appeal in the shorter
goes with shot weights, with 30 shot typically
chambers and produce a range of loads
the maximum allowed. This is as much a
suited to this type of gun.
Finally, a number of European countries
safety concern as a ballistic one – but with
correct load is being confident in how to load
to the partridge, No 6 really is the prominent
and use it, with grouse shooting requiring
choice. If you’re taking on walked-up birds at
different techniques to lowland game, such
close quarters, you can probably step down
as double-gunning or walked-up on rough
to a 28-gram load of No 7 shot without any
terrain. Before the season starts I would
adverse effects.
always recommend a morning or two at
Can’t decide? As I’ve said before, No 6.5 shot
54
www.countrysportscotland.com
a shooting ground with grouse butts, or
offers a pleasant halfway-house between the
anywhere that offers low, going-away targets
two options. Its pellet count of around 310 per
for walked-up.
ounce provides a very useful compromise with
From guns to beaters to dogs, a successful grouse shoot is a large-scale, wellmarshalled operation
Of as much importance as choosing the
the grouse requiring a similar pattern density
If not with a loader I would simply load from
more retained pellet energy than a UK No 7 and
my pockets, but a cartridge belt works equally
more pattern density than No 6 shot. You’ll be
well for others, with reserve supplies being
able to achieve reliable patterns out to 45 yards,
held back in the vehicles. It’s all about finding a
which should be sufficient on most moors.
style that you’re most comfortable with.
grouse walked up
GROUSE SHOOTING: WALK THE WALK Simon Everett explores two methods of going after grouse on foot, and urges visiting shooters to walk the path less travelled – literally – when it comes to shooting on the moor
I
love shooting grouse on foot;
clothing to remain in high spirits. If it is really
way of covering the ground and finding birds
the experience is something
bad, the day will have to be curtailed. Funnily
on a moor to provide an opportunity to a
should
enough, a bit of wind is a good thing – it helps
small party of guns without causing too much
experience. The day is one that
to mask the sound of the party and it gives the
disturbance to the main population of the
overwhelms the senses, the magical views as
dogs greater scenting range; you will always
moor and it requires minimal manpower, one
one breaks the crest of a rise and remainder
work into the wind.
keeper and the dog handlers, that is all. It is a
every
game
shot
of the moor stretches out in front of you. The
There are two distinct types of shooting
more intimate way of going about things and
scent from the heather wafting on the light,
non-driven grouse, and the most common
the bag is usually modest, but the pleasure is
late summer breeze providing a slightly sweet
method is over pointers or setters. It is a good
still great.
air, while the magical purple of the myriad blooms stretch as far as the eye can see in a patchwork of differing age growth. From above, the skylark looks down and sings, and occasionally the plaintiff cry of a curlew punctuates the constant chitter from the larks and buntings. How could anyone not be captivated by sport in such surroundings? Many times it is just like this, but the weather plays a big part in proceedings. It is less enchanting if, on the morning of your day, dark clouds cover the sky and it is sheeting with rain, accompanied by a strong, gusty breeze, then it takes endurance and good
When walking up with pointers, the guns stay back and watch the dog work until a point is reached and they’re called into action
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
57
grouse walked up
The rolling vistas and patchwork landscape create a view almost as enjoyable as the sport
The party of guns should hang back and watch the dogs work, quartering the ground ahead until quarry is winded. It is marvellous to see the flowing feathers of a setter as she canters over the moor, or the lithe fluidity of
“ It is marvellous to see the flowing feathers of a setter as she canters over the moor, or the lithe fluidity of a fast pointer ”
a fast pointer rapidly traversing the moor in great bounds until suddenly, she spins and comes to an abrupt halt, nose pointing in the direction of the birds, front foot raised, tail sticking out like an iron bar, in the classical pointing stance. This is when the first pair of guns is signalled forwards to take up a safe position for the shot. Once the guns are stationed on either flank of the dog the handler will send the dog in to flush the birds. At the flush of the birds the guns should ready themselves, but don’t shoot too soon, give the birds a few seconds to get up to speed and put some distance between them and your muzzles. It is very bad form to shoot the birds too early and it leaves them hit too heavily, regardless of the bore used. The guns, while following the dogs on their hunting phase, should keep absolutely quiet, so the birds do not hear the approach, and furthermore they should be alert and ready to move forward quickly, so the grouse do not
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You need to be aware of what’s around you before you can take the shot, including dogs and fellow guns
grouse walked up
The weather can play a big part in how comfortable and successful proceedings are, but it can change fast on the moors so you’ll need to be prepared
have time to run through the heather ahead
peg, one has to be acutely aware of safe arcs
If you are on a walked up day, it helps to
of the dog. Apart from that there are the usual
of fire in addition to the usual swinging onto
keep your eyes peeled on the terrain ahead
safety considerations to keep at the forefront
the target thought process.
of you. Often you will see a head pop up and
of your thoughts. With dogs ranging the moor,
Imagine walking across the side of a hill, one
that can give you the edge for when the covey
birds low on the skyline of a rising knoll, even if
end of the line is higher than the other and
flushes. Contrary to popular belief, shooting
safe in front of the line, have to be passed up.
what looks like a bird well up for the bottom
grouse on foot is still a great challenge and
Personally I don’t like shooting if a dog is even
gun could in fact be close overhead of the
requires a certain level of physical fitness,
in my sight picture.
highest gun. Low birds going away, or crossing
tramping through heather on uneven terrain
On walked up days, the approach is slightly
on the wind, are perfectly safe on the open
on a hot day will soon work up a sweat so
different. The guns, a full team of eight or 10,
moor, provided you can see the ground ahead
appropriate footwear and clothing is a must. A
spread out in a line about 30 yards apart and
is free of dogs and there should be nobody
good pair of lightweight hill boots which offer
set off at an easy pace so everyone can maintain
ahead of the line.
good ankle support and a sole that will grip
the line. Each gun has a responsibility to keep
The line of guns maintains steady progress
on slippery rocks and provide a waterproof
those either side in line even when the terrain
until a shot is taken, at which point the
barrier to at least half calf height are better
might not permit visual contact. Grouse moors
line should halt while the bird or birds are
than wellingtons. A packable rain jacket is a
on foot are a far more dangerous proposition
retrieved. Then a signal is sent down the line
good idea; in the hills the weather can change
than the relative safety of shooting on a static
to start forward again.
very quickly, even if there isn’t a cloud in the sky when you set off. A bottle of water to maintain your hydration will also help to keep you sharp. When it comes to choice of hardware, there is no ‘all-round best’ gun – it is purely down to personal preference. Grouse are soft-feathered and don’t take a lot of shot to kill. Getting the shot on target is the trick and so a gun that will swing quickly is a big advantage. A lightweight game gun will also be more comfortable to carry for the day, and as heavy loads are unnecessary a smaller bore is no handicap – indeed, the smaller, lighter cartridges are a distinct advantage, and you can carry more in your pockets or cartridge bag. A day on the heather moors is one to be cherished, if the weather is kind it will undoubtedly be a day that provides many memories, not only of shots taken and birds harvested, but also sightings of wildlife and
Walked up days for grouse are a great challenge requiring fitness, quick thinking and fast shooting, but are opportunities to be savoured
landscapes in glorious light. Treasure the opportunity and don’t let a chance go begging should one come your way.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
59
PTARMIGAN high tops
Ptarmigan TREK
Stuart Wilson swaps gun for camera as he ascends 2,500 feet, following a team of guns in search of one of the world’s rarest gamebirds
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PTARMIGAN high tops
The final ascent takes the guns on to the ridge of the Highlander
A
s my alarm rang out at
We pushed on. The streams roared as we passed
walking, fasten your top to your backpack and
5.30am, I looked, bleary-
some of the bigger falls; a refreshing breeze was
it will dry in no time. It goes without saying
eyed, to a group of peaks in the
as welcome as the spectacular scenery. This is
that you will need to replace these fluids, and
gloom. They were still shrouded
a harsh environment surprisingly rich in flora
possibly the lost salts to avoid cramps later. I
in darkness but there was just enough light
and fauna – I lost count of the amount of frogs
use standard rehydration sachets – add them
to allow a pleasingly clear outline to be seen,
that turned up on our path. Red deer were also
to your water as needed.
indicating good visibility and dry conditions
putting in an appearance on the skyline, both
that would hopefully hold for the coming day.
stags and hinds.
Our group made it to the saddle, dried and lunched. We sat and listened for any telltale
A day ascending the Highlander, starting at
As the steeper sections require more effort,
ptarmigan chatter, with stunning scenery all
sea level and culminating at a height of 2500ft,
especially as they drag on, it is good practice
around – peaks left and right and a green,
with four guns plus myself as cameraman. This
to have a change of layers, remove any top
stream-veined valley over the saddle hidden
was going to require a solid effort – but we
layers before you sweat too much, and more
from view until the last moment. Even without
would not see a ptarmigan, let alone shoot
importantly have a second base layer that you
any ptarmigan, the effort had been worth it so
one, sat around the lodge.
can change. If you are resting, hang anything
far. That said, we were six hours into our day
wet to dry on your trekking poles. If you are
already. On this kind of shoot, an early start
With Peter leading the mission, we loaded our rucksacks and made our way over the bridge to get to our starting point. The lowland ground looked straightforward but proved very boggy. After 40 minutes of picking the
“ On this kind of shoot, an early start isn’t a gamble that pays off – it’s essential ”
best path, we found ourselves on the walkers’ path that traced the lower slope. As we took our first breather, the morning light revealed the lodge over the river and also the saddle between the two peaks – our lunchtime target. I was now fully awake, and the realisation of the job at hand sank in. After a couple of hours we were still on the lower slopes, having crossed the river via a bridge, and then an extremely slippery stream on foot, nearly drenching one of the team after a slip on some precarious slime-covered
boulder.
Working
together,
we were only penalised with a couple of wet socks. It goes without saying that a little extra care will help make sure that the day isn’t cut short by any injuries.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
61
PTARMIGAN high tops
Whether or not you shoot a ptarmigan, being out in this landscape is a privilege
isn’t a gamble that pays off – it’s essential. Now
heard a shot and saw a bird wheel down to the
As the afternoon drew in it was time to make
the real work was to begin.
ground. The lucky gun made his way down to pick
our descent. Recharging my water bottle from the
After a quick briefing from Peter, the four guns
his bird, and I also descended a little in an effort
highest stream I could find, I negotiated several
(plus cameraman) made their way up the last
to capture the events, as he headed back up with
hours of gruelling, rocky paths, and we finally
slope to the top edge of the Highlander, scanning
his very first ptarmigan, grinning from ear to ear.
reached our starting point of 13 hours earlier,
the screes in front and listening all the time for any
A patch of white 20 yards on caught my eye. To
gratefully finding a cool bottle of fizzy pop in the
sign. Spotting ptarmigan on the scree with their
shoot a wild ptarmigan from a healthy population
truck that may as well have been champagne after
superb camouflage is tricky; slow progress from
is a fantastic achievement; to take two birds with
the day we had enjoyed.
a line of four guns is the best chance of moving a
one shot is phenomenal.
The day was etched in my memory, the good
bird or two. Peter set the line of guns, advancing
After admiring the birds and posing for a
bits and the bad. I needed to be more fit less
slowly and methodically over each scree broken
couple of pictures, we stowed them away and it
fat, which leads my into my closing words. Be
by green stripes of mixed plant life. The trick is to
was time to move on, carefully working each scree
prepared. Take sturdy boots, spare socks, spare
spot the ptarmigan and gently advance until they
in turn. Two birds just ran on without breaking,
base layers, weatherproof top layer, plenty of
ptarmigan are sat on the last of the scree rocks.
but a third bird fell to the shot, with the same
water and hydration salts, trekking poles, packed
This is when they will flush, hugging the terrain. It
gentleman being the lucky gun again.
lunch, and some treats to be used for a physical
is all too easy to pass over birds that will happily sit
Over the next three hours the team worked as
and mental boost. Make sure someone knows
tight and watch the guns walk by. Good eyes and
many screes as time would allow, taking a total
where you are heading, and roughly when you will
concentration are needed, followed by fast and
of five birds out of at least 30 birds seen. With
be returning. Do not deviate from the plan – what
accurate shooting.
breathtaking scenery and fantastic weather, this is
looks like a lovely sunny day atop the mountain can
Just as the task seemed all but impossible, two
a serious privilege for all involved. At times we just
all too quickly turn into a cold, foggy, unfamiliar,
of the guns spotted our first bird, making all the
stopped to take each vista in, the peaks extending
unforgiving landscape. Don’t rely on your mobile
guns aware that we had a ptarmigan up front. We
out for many miles – including Ben Nevis, whose
phone – take a compass (old school) and map,
waited, ready, as the bird scurried along, stopping
summit remained in the clouds.
and even better, use a GPS with a series of suitable
every few feet to stand and look back, eventually
A well-planned day will see all who turn out
routes in and out plotted. All being well, these
reaching the edge of the scree. It was now or
enjoy some breathtaking scenery, and with luck,
items can remain as back-up. It is better to ‘have
never. I looked along the line and saw three of
you will at least see Britain’s wildest game bird. The
and not need’ than to ‘need and not have’. Enjoy
the four guns shouldered or partially shouldered,
blessed will even get a shot and bag a ptarmigan.
your shooting, however wild or tame it may be.
and as the ptarmigan made its break for freedom, etiquette saw the guns fire in order of proximity. Three of the four guns were empty and the ptarmigan slipped away, leaving us with only a cackle of derision and one feather as a souvenir. Reloaded and back into a line, the guns traversed the top of the slopes, again scanning intently, searching for one of the wildest and most difficult game birds found anywhere. I could feel the tension and excitement as we moved steadily on, and as a small group appeared in front of the guns, I found myself in prime position. Framing the birds as best I could as I maintained the line with the guns, I waited for the break. The lead bird took a vantage point on a high rock to the edge of the scree. One more step caused three birds to break, keeping low and heading down. I
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The lucky gun relives the day alongside the editor of Shoot In Scotland
REVIEW BLASER
the F16 TAKES OFF
A more affordable successor to a classic game gun, Blaser’s F16 is suitable for an extensive range of uses, including fast-flying driven game. Richard Atkins gives us the low-down…
B
laser’s first O/U shotgun – the
gave a 14¾-inch length of pull with the 20mm
model F3 – has established
thick rubber butt pad fitted. This also gave a
a fine reputation. The new and
nice grip position on the moderately close
competitively priced F16 was
radius pistol grip of the stock, such that
heralded with great fanfare that drew gasps
even with a nice, well positioned right hand
and admiration from visitors witnessing its
palm swell that suited me, my index finger
official UK launch at the British Shooting Show
fell comfortably onto the slim, curved and
2016. How does it look with the benefit of two
smoothly finished trigger.
year’s perspective? It is unmistakably the F3’s
The barrels are of monobloc construction
close relative and exhibits a receiver profile
and surprisingly light. The bores 18.6mm
claimed to be the lowest of any O/U on the
diameter; a sensibly modest degree of over-
market. The trademark Blaser gunmetal grey
bore. The internal profile is to Blaser’s ‘Triplex’
nitride finish to the hardened steel receiver,
design; this entails the forcing cone being
and seemingly similar but darker finish to
enlarged and lengthened such that there is
the barrels, ensure the F16 is unmistakably a
barely a ‘step’ visible at the end of the 76mm
Blaser shotgun.
(3-inch) chamber, which makes the bores appear almost chamberless!
Format
The Sporter barrels are joined by truncated
While the F16 retains similar lines to the F3 it
side ribs that end just within the forend. Fitted
differs in several areas; in particular both the
between the open tubes is a mounting block
trigger mechanism and lockwork are totally
with threaded holes to facilitate the fitting of
different. Two tumblers (hammers) pivot on hinge
optional barrel weights. These, in conjunction
pins in the trigger plate. The tumblers are powered
with stock weights already fitted, permit the
by strong, upward-acting coil springs and held
weight to be increased and balance to be fine-
captive by cleverly positioned sears at the rear.
tuned to suit the individual user.
This gives a powerful, short tumbler throw for
Barrel
muzzles
are
slightly
flared
to
Technical specifications Blaser F16 Type: Sporter Action: .222 Rem, .223 Rem Gauge/chamber: O/U boxlock SST Barrel length: 30 inches (32-inch option) [Game model = 28 and 30-inch barrel length options] Overall length: 47¼ inches Weight: 3.56kg (7lbs 13oz) Special features: Low profile receiver and optional balance weight system MSRP: £2,780 UK distributor: Blaser Sporting 02076 222116 www.blaser-sporting.com
fast lock times and the sear/bent engagement is
accommodate
easily reached so it can be meticulously adjusted.
(three of which are supplied): Briley extended
This has produced excellent trigger pulls that
type are an optional extra. A low profile raised
are light, crisp and reliable. A very well thought-
ventilated top rib is fitted. This tapers from
out safety and mechanical Blaser Inertial Block
9mm at the breech to 7.5mm at the muzzle
System (IBS) ensures that, even with light trigger
with a ‘file pattern’ top surface to prevent
pulls, unintentional triggering of the second shot
glare. There is no centre bead, but this being
The receiver is of very low profile, measuring
is prevented.
the Sporter model the muzzle sports a small
just 60.5mm tall, and the barrels hinge
The barrel selector mechanism echoes the
red cylindrical LPA optic fibre sight (the specific
upon large diameter trunnions set into the
F3, being a small lever that sits just ahead of
Game model has a 3mm diameter silver-nickel
forward inner receiver walls. This combination
the trigger inside the trigger guard. It is easy
front bead sight).
produces a slightly smaller gape (opening
Blaser
flush
fitting
chokes
to use and just needs some familiarity to
As with the F3 model, the strong ejectors
angle) than some designs and requires the
remember that moving it to the left selects the
are cocked as the barrels are lowered and
barrels to be fully lowered to gain easy access
bottom barrel to fire first (there is an ‘O’ one
not on closing after reloading, as is usual.
to the bottom barrel, but it’s easy enough with
side and ‘U’ on the other side but this cannot
This requires a little more positive effort
a little familiarity.
be seen without turning the gun over).
when opening the gun to full gape for
The F16 also employs a different barrel
The manual safety catch, which operates
reloading but, the weight of the barrels
locking arrangement to the F3, with a bifurcated
very smoothly and positively, is mounted
working with that movement, it is not onerous.
locking piece, operated by the smooth finish
conventionally in the top strap. The trigger is
Being new, the review F16 was a shade stiff to
top lever, with two substantial square pegs
adjustable for position and, in its rear position,
open but should ease with use.
emerging from the lower breech face. These
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REVIEW BLASER
“ The excellent feel and ergonomics of the stock and forend make the F16 easily managed with positive handling and smooth swing control ”
engage with recesses machined in each lower corner of the breech monobloc to provide
A manual safety coupled with Blaser’s inertial block system gives peace of mind
a very strong locking arrangement. These locking pegs have a larger cross sectional area than most tapered round locking pins often found in low profile designs. A full width under lump beneath the bottom barrel engages with a machined recess in the receiver floor to complete the strong barrels-to-receiver locking arrangement. Initial operation of the top lever to open the gun could be slightly stiff, with the review F16 offering some resistance that could be felt upon opening but should smooth up with use.
Simple but smart The Blaser F16, in both Sporter and Game versions, retains the now familiar businesslike ‘Teutonic’ theme set by the F3 and carries no engraving beyond the F16 logo, which is in-filled in red on the Sporter model, and in silver on the Game model, on each side of the
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
65
REVIEW BLASER
On the Sporter model, the trigger blade position is adjustable, so you can get the reach just right
receiver. The standard wood for forend and
is well proportioned to be effortlessly but
a blustery first outing. The Sporter’s stock
stock is likewise nice enough, displaying some
securely gripped, and has a nice competition-
balancing system allows the gun’s balance to
figure without being exceptional, being grade
style radius for a comfortable, relaxed, wrist
be easily adjusted and, by removing weights
two walnut, though an uplift to grade three or
position. The pistol grip has not been cropped,
(68 grams/2.4oz each), the overall weight can
four walnut is offered at extra cost. The grain
as some are, and easily accommodates the
be reduced and the balance altered.
is reasonable and, with the oil finish, is very
little finger even for those with large hands.
The Game version comes in 28 and 30-
easy to maintain: this can be an important
Unlike the Game model the Sporter has a
inch barrel lengths with the 28-inch barrel
consideration for a gun used out in the field
trigger blade adjustable for position, so the
option weighing 3.1Kg (6lb 13oz.) If your game
where the odd knock is virtually inevitable.
reach from grip to trigger can be adjusted to
shooting involves a lot of walking then the
suit the shooter’s hand size; another useful
lighter Game model may prove best. If you
feature to have.
shoot mainly driven birds while on pegs then
Chequering is neat and crisply cut and follows traditional patterns on the grip and forend. The sensibly long forend permits a wide
the Sporter should be well suited, especially
choice of gripping points that should suit any
Summary
length of arm and the different preferences to
The F16 certainly brings Blaser’s quality build,
The excellent feel and ergonomics of the
suit the type of game or target being engaged.
feel and handling to a very moderately priced
stock and forend make the F16 easily managed
It is of the ‘London’ style, being quite slim but
gun that is sure to prove attractive. The
with positive handling and smooth swing
deep enough that the rounded lower profile fits
Sporter model is reviewed here but there’s a
control. Recoil is well tamed, and the more so
the hand very well, with the finger tips feeling
Game version too, and the primary difference
with the additional weights.
secure as though in a semi-beavertail form;
between them is the Sporter has the facility
Good trigger pulls are essential to consistent,
very nice and suited to clay and game use. It
to fit (optional extra) barrel weights which the
accurate shooting and the F16’s pulls are
also blends nicely with the semi-rounded lower
Game does not, and the Game model has a
utterly superb. Both broke at an ounce under
receiver profile. Personally, I prefer this to the
fixed trigger so be sure the reach is good for
three pounds and ensured shots could be
once-dominant Schnabel style.
you if choosing the Game model. Both have the
taken fast and without disturbance. Pulls like
low profile tapered top rib but the foresights
these make for a delightfully responsive gun,
differ (optic fibre or metal bead).
whether the measured approach on fast, tall
The Sporter-style stock is non-adjustable with standard drops of 38mm/50mm at comb
for high ones, and more versatile.
and heel; the Game stock can be chosen if
As supplied (without barrel weights but with
birds or ‘snap shooting’ – sometimes essential
preferred (38/56mm drops) but I found the
three stock weights fitted), the Sporter is light
when your peg is on a woodland ride or small
F16 Sporter shot flat for me, no more than
enough for the field at under 7lb 13.4oz, with
clearing. Often the downfall of modestly priced
55/45 per cent at 20 yards, so I would choose
a balance point fractionally behind the hinge
guns, the F16’s trigger pulls are the match of
the Sporter stock for game or clay use. The
point. This lead to a very fast handling feel
any gun you could pay many times more for.
stock carries around 3mm and 8mm of cast at
with good instinctive pointing properties. This
Blaser introduced the F16 O/U into the lower
heel and toe, which made for easy mounting
allowed a mid 80 per cent score to be achieved
middle price bracket but be assured; it feels
and good eye alignment for me. The grip
on a mixed sporting clays layout, even on
and performs without hint of any compromise.
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kit CLOTHING
SUIT UP!
Whether it’s winged or hoofed game you’re after, you need clothing to suit the job. Our selection of outer layers will keep you protected from the elements...
Orton Packable Suit
Swazi Kagoule
New from Harkila, the Orton is a waterproof, breathable and quick-drying
A new release for 2018, the Kagoule follows the smock design, with
suit that packs down into its own pocket and can be hung on a belt. It is quick
an oversized pocket across the front complemented by chest pocket
to unpack and put on – so as soon as you feel the first drops falling you can
and extra-large hand warmer pockets. Soft, quiet and breathable, it’s
get protected. The suit features a newly designed Härkila Weather System
a protective jacket that can still be worn in the summer thanks to its
membrane, designed especially for hunting. This technology is waterproof
super-low 880g overall weight. You’ll also get riveted flaps to prevent
and windproof and has superb breathability. In the ultra-changeable weather
water ingress, and Swazi’s iconic hood to keep your head dry wile
of Scotland you need a garment that can cope with everything – and this is it.
maximising peripheral vision.
Price: Jacket £199.99, over trousers £119.99
Price: £399
01844 237944 harkila.com
Swazi swazi.co.nz
Westone Featherweight
Grampian Hooded Smock
RAM Light Sportif jacket
This technical men’s jacket is a new release for
Seen here in the Grampian Tweed pattern,
Waterproof, windproof and breathable thanks
2018 and sports a traditional appearance that
Nomad’s time-proven smock is functionally
to Blaser’s proprietary Rambrane technology,
conceals a lot of technological advancements.
designed for stalking, made from a silent,
this jacket is a relatively new arrival in the
With a Cordura outer, the jacket is waterproof
stretchable, waterproof and breathable fabric. It’s
UK but could soon become a common sight.
and breathable, while there’s also a waterproof
long-lasting, too – Nomad say they have re-taped
Features include a stand-up collar with
membrane on the inside. Made with game
some 15-year-old smocks that are still in perfect
detachable hood, two-way YKK zip, two pockets
shooters in mind, it’s got durable fabric panels on
condition. You get all the practical accoutrements
with zips, two bellows pockets with concealed
the sleeves and cuffs. The large cartridge pockets
you need, too, including folding hood, extended
pockets behind, chest pocket, two inner
have eyelet drainage holes, while there are also
front zip, and an array of pockets.
document pockets, mobile phone pocket and pen pocket, and poacher pocket.
hand warmer pockets, map pocket, secure
Price: £430 (Grampian/Argyll tweed),
internal pocket and large back poacher’s pocket.
£340 (olive/khaki)
Price: £435
Price: £479.95
Nomad UK 07736 255100
Blaser Sporting 01483 917412
Alan Paine 01623 415760 alanpaine.co.uk
www.nomaduk.biz
blaser-sporting.com
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
69
kit CLOTHING
John Field collection
Browning XPO Pro Parka
John Field has launched its latest collection, with a number of entirely new
Get geared up for the toughest weather with Browning’s reinforced,
product lines that grows its technical range. Given that much of what’s new
waterproof and hooded parka. Boasting Thinsulate multi-zone
is water-resistant rainwear, it’s going to prove particularly enticing to Scottish
insulation, it’ll keep the wearer warm while being breathable at the
stalkers, for whom rain is never far away, even in the summer. Pictured
same time. The pockets have magnetic closure and can also be
here are two of the highlights: the new waterproof overtrouser and the
expanded, while there’s a game pocket running across the back. The
2-in-1 jacket, both developed in response to customer feedback. The entire
hood is adjustable and removable. Check out the high-waisted trousers
collection is made in Europe using eco-friendly materials.
and gloves in the same range, too.
Price: Various
Price: £317
John Field johnfield.eu
Browning 01235 514550 browning.eu
Available in standard or long cuts, the Highland
Highland jacket
Islander four-season jacket
Hillman Hybrid Jacket
is Deerhunter’s latest offering to the game
A lightweight suit, Black Islander’s latest garment
quickly converts into a fully functional vest
shooting crowd – though with the technical
offers the ability to stalk using a layered system,
thanks to its one-zip sleeve detachment. This
The jacket is truly an all-season garment – it
innovations it’s packed in, it’s more than
with the jacket and accompanying trousers
two-in-one solution means you can cover more
applicable to any kind of shooting. Breathable
assuming the role of the top layer. The jacket
stalking situations with the same basic clothing
and water-resistant, it’s padded on the shoulder
weighs only 600 grams, with integral hood,
set-up – not to mention that it’s comfortable
to help counteract recoil, while a high collar and
waterproof zips, four front pockets, internal cuffs,
and quiet, too. Made of a cotton-touch fabric
detachable hood help prevent water getting in
Velcro-adjustable outer cuffs and a warm inside
with polyester outer surface, it’s not going to
to unwanted places. As well as the obligatory
high collar. The trousers weigh 200 grams, with
irritate the wearer on long stalks or high-seat
two cartridge pockets, there are two hand
adjustable waist Velcro, and adjustable bottoms
vigils, and it’s waterproof to boot. Available in
warmer pockets and a zipped game pocket.
with zip for easy boot removal.
sizes from medium to 3XL.
Price: £272.99
Black Islander 01394 877770
Price: £159.99
Deerhunter 07766 323683 deerhunter.eu
blackislander.co.uk
Venator 01738 479414 venatorpro.com
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marsh etiquette
marsh MANNERS
Shoot-day etiquette is well-known, but why not wildfowling etiquette? In an attempt to address the imbalance, Will Wykes sets out his proposed wildfowling rules…
W
hen we think of etiquette
There is an old word that seems to be forgot-
or boots, or sitting in the van with the engine
in shooting, our minds
ten in most walks of life now: “common sense”.
running at a marsh access close to houses
automatically drift to thinking
Something that should be adhered to a lot
possibly isn’t the greatest idea.
about shooting game. Whether
more, especially when it come to how wild-
it be a walked up day or driven, those unwrit-
fowlers should behave.
If you’re going on marsh for the first time, do some homework on the area beforehand.
ten rules such as not taking your neighbouring
Once we arrive to our fowling location, pull-
Google maps with the satellite imaging on
gun’s birds, not letting your dog roam off dur-
ing up the verge on a single track road is never
your smart phone is extremely good for point-
ing a drive, and tipping the keeper, even down
going to go down well. Thinking, “Another car
ing out creeks and gutters in relation to your
to the silly superficial things like wearing breeks
will get by fine,” doesn’t sounds so easy-going
position in real time (if you can get a signal),
or trousers will come to mind. Most know of
when you get back to it and either find a wing
but having a walk out in the daylight is the
the “shoot day etiquette” – even if you’re new
mirror hanging off, or the very angry driver of
only way to properly get to know the lay of the
to the sport you’ll still be aware of it. So why
an articulated tanker doing the early morning
land. Get out in good time, and be courteous
should wildfowling be any different, I wonder?
milk run stuck behind your abandoned car.
towards other fowlers. If someone is already
Is it because it’s open to everyone (in Scotland
Parking in or across gateways is another big
in the place you planned on being it’s not the
anyway)? The behaviour of some so-called wild-
no-no; our hard-working British farmers have
end of the world, however, don’t just walk 40
fowlers would have them thrown off a pheasant
enough to do in the short daylight hours of
yards from him and set up your hide, as I’m
shoot before the first drive had started.
winter, don’t make their day any harder by
sure the guy you just bumped into will have
What am I getting at? No, you haven’t turned
denying them access to their own land. This
something to say about it. Give other fowlers
up on the marsh with the wrong coloured
is a fine way for fowlers to lose access to the
at least a 100 yard gap. If you meet or bump
waders! The conduct of some, towards other
shore. Finally, we need to remember that not
into another fowler in the dark, be civil – after
fowlers, the marsh, and even sometimes the
everyone has the same enthusiasm as we do
all, we’re all here to enjoy ourselves. Ask them
local community, leaves a lot to improve upon.
about being up at 5am, so slamming car doors
if they know of anyone else out to give you a
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wildfowling etiquette
better idea of where to go. Or tell them where
Be courteous and careful about where you set up; give other fowlers a decent gap and then minimise movement as much as you can
you’re planning on going. I personally can’t stand head torches, and have had a number of flights ruined thanks to guys waddling out with head torches flashing all over the place. They wander right to the edge of the marsh, only to hear an eruption of geese as they have flashed over the roost, causing every one to fly a mile up the mud to the next roost, basically evaporating any chance of getting a shot. There is a place for a torch on the marsh (mostly in your pocket), though it should be used with your hand cupped over the lens to navigate a deep creek or an obstacle such as a fence, or to give a quick flash to an approaching fowler to make him known of your presence, and then put away again. But it’s definitely not for illuminating your entire walk onto the marsh from your van to marsh edge. Once the flight begins stay in your hide or
goose can vanish in a matter of minutes – they
Once the main flight is over, and you’ve picked
gutter. There should be no need to be out un-
are surprisingly quick runners, and if they get
up all your gear and litter, cartridge cases
less it’s a quick alteration to the decoy spread.
to a creek with water in your rates of retrieval
and so on, I usually make a timely exit off the
If the birds then start to come your way and
diminish significantly.
marsh. I try to pick up any cases or used wads I
you’ve identified them I can’t stress enough
The other acceptable reason to be up and
can find on the walk back. Fortunately I live lo-
about making sure they are in range. I have
moving about during the flight is for a wound-
cally to the marsh, but this also means I need
mentioned this in a previous article, so don’t
ed bird that has planed out, geese especially
to get off before others to go to work. If there
expect to win any popularity awards if you’re
have a tendency to turn and plane out onto
are still odd geese moving around then I tend
the marsh skybuster that morning. Also, don’t
the mudflats if they’ve taken pellets to the
to get tucked in until they pass in the hope
be surprised if the marsh warden is waiting for
body or outer wing. At this moment in time
that someone else may get a crack at them
you when you walk off, either. If they do come
your flight is over, it is your responsibility to try
instead of just scaring them off. If you’re head-
off well and you get shooting, mark your birds
your utmost to retrieve and dispatch that bird,
ing back to a public car park or place where
down if you’re sure they are dead; there is no
even if it means walking out onto the flats with
you may encounter members of the public try
need to get up and send the dog when birds
your dog to do so. Other genuine wildfowlers
and cover your birds up, keep dogs on leads
are still flighting. The only exception to this
will have far more respect for you trying to re-
and guns in slips and, possibly most impor-
is when birds are in the water or wounded,
trieve a bird and not getting a shot because of
tantly, remember to take your balaclava or
don’t carry on shooting in the hope to retrieve
a retrieval effort than seeing a goose plane out
facemask off! We need to appreciate not eve-
wounded birds later. A wounded duck or
on the mud and get neglected.
ryone agrees with what we do, so you should try your best to keep confrontation or distress down. Camo-clad men in balaclavas on public footpaths, although doing nothing wrong, can cause alarm to some. The way we conduct ourselves while on the shore is now more important than ever. High powered binoculars, telescopes and cameras are readily available, and those who intend to use them against our sport are a real threat. So why do some feel the need to persistently allow themselves to behave in a manner that threatens all our sport? If we cannot be respectful towards other fowlers what hope do we ever have in swaying the general public to sympathise with our activities? As I mentioned, common sense has a lot to do with etiquette on the marsh. You should always act and treat people in the way you would like to be treated. BASC has a “Wildfowling code of practice” booklet available online
Marking and retrieving birds is an important part of marsh etiquette and one all fowlers should be diligent about
which outlines wildfowling conduct in detail if you’re interested in reading further.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
73
Wildfowling introduction
A SHOOT ON THE WILD SIDE
Never been wildfowling in Scotland before? You’re in for a treat – it’s all the excitement of a driven day at a fraction of the price
W
Join the club
Hazards
it bluntly, at the less
The sport is run through numerous wildfowling
Being out on the foreshore is undoubtedly an
glamorous end of the spectrum
associations that have sprung up over the
enlightening experience but one that has its
of
shooting.
years to cover geographical areas, offering
risks. Making a simple mistake when reading
However, those who discount it out of hand
plentiful opportunities to those who join. Much
a tide table might lead to being cut off by the
are turning their back on something very
work is carried out by these bodies behind the
advancing tide, which in the depths of winter
special, where the rewards can be counted in
scenes as they try to ensure that the sport is
in the dark might have tragic circumstances, so
more ways than just the day’s bag.
protected and able to continue alongside the
a thorough understanding of the environment
Unlike most forms of game shooting,
interests of other wildlife and conservation
in which you are shooting is key.
wildfowling is a solitary pastime, and one
groups. Wildfowling often comes under attack,
Whenever you go out, it’s worth letting
that requires plenty of physical stamina and
however, and sometimes the only answer is
someone know where you are headed and
patience. It is not something to be entered
to purchase the ground directly to prevent it
what time you expect to return. Simply getting
into lightly – it is the most dangerous of all the
falling into the hands of those whose ambition
out to the spot where you intend to set up
shooting sports.
would be to see the sport disappear forever.
might take an hour or two – slithering your
ildfowling
live
is,
quarry
to
put
It takes place in an environment that is far
Joining one of these associations is a good
way through the channels of a salt marsh is
from benign – mostly estuaries and coastal
idea, but be aware that some are massively
tricky enough when walking, but far tougher
marshes – in wet, muddy cold conditions that
oversubscribed and there is often a waiting
when loaded down with a gun, the gear to
can make getting into position to take a shot
list for membership.
build your hide and the obligatory hot flask to
a challenge that lesser men would not rise to.
Before diving in with both feet, it is important
keep you fortified against the cold. Learning
Ducks and geese are the staple quarry of the
to understand more of the sport, ideally by
the routes in and out is crucial, as is knowing
wildfowler and many of these are migratory
going out with an experienced ‘fowler’ and
where the hidden hazards are, such as areas
birds whose homes are up in the Arctic circle.
seeing how it is done first hand.
of sand or soft mud.
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Wildfowling introduction
It can be very easy to become disoriented,
from a hide, the trick is to look through the
sheer weight of these leviathans made them
especially if fog moves in, and having been out
netting to see your quarry; popping your head
more of a hindrance than a help.
on the foreshore with one of the UK’s leading
up and down to see what’s going on is a sure
Out on the foreshore it’s always been
fowlers who got lost as we headed back in
way to go home empty-handed. Always stay
important to be able to fire heavy loads of large
the dark with a rising tide I can attest to the
still and out of sight until the last moment,
shot to deal with long range shots, and ensure
fact that losing your bearings is a serious
then move and take your shot quickly before
that the bigger quarry such as geese were killed
issue indeed.
the birds flare away.
cleanly. The same rings true today, perhaps even more so, as with lead now banned on
Those tides help, along with the moon and the wind, to govern the habits of the ducks
Right tool for the job
the foreshore, the steel loads tend to be even
and geese that the fowler seeks. The former
Historically speaking, wildfowling guns have
heavier than before to compensate for the
usually come in at dusk to feed and spend
often been a little different from the norm.
reduced kinetic energy that steel shot delivers.
the night on the pools before returning
Excluding the huge boat-mounted punt guns
Over-and-under guns chambered for 3in or even
to the mudflats at dawn while geese fly in
that fired vast loads of shot into flocks of
3½in cartridges took over from side-by-sides and
with the rising sun to their feeding grounds
birds on the water that were favoured by the
today those guns are also being superseded by
and at dusk head back out to sea and their
‘market gunners’ in the late 19th and early
gas-operated 3½in chambered semi-autos that
mudflat roosting areas. With much of the
20th centuries, the weapon of choice up
are lighter to carry and softer on the shoulder
action happening at each end of the day, it’s
until recently was the double gun. Originally
when firing the biggest loads. Today, the 12-
important to be able to identify quarry species
it came in the form of long barrelled, tightly
bore is the dominant calibre, though there are
in low light conditions and, if in any doubt as
choked side-by-sides, which were de rigueur
a few manufacturers still making 10-bore guns.
to whether it’s a legal species, then it’s best to
in various bores including 12-gauge, 10-gauge
Ammunition is the issue, with only a handful of
not take the shot lest you end up shooting a
and even 8-gauge. A tiny number of four-
loaders producing cartridges at a cost that is
protected bird that could drop the individual
bores were made as side-by-sides, but the
positively eye-watering.
and the sport as a whole into hot water.
Techniques There are many different techniques used to get into position for the shot. Some prefer to shoot from a boat, moored amongst a reed bed perhaps, awaiting the sound of wing beats that signal the arrival of the quarry. Alternatively you could shoot from a pit hide. This entails simply digging a hole in which you can stand with only your head and shoulders above the surface of the ground. Although they are very time-consuming to dig out in the first place, these pits are very easy to shoot from as you are stood up and they offer great concealment. Note that they have been banned in some areas due to them being a trip hazard for both humans and livestock. They can also have a habit of filling in as the tidal waters rise, so may need bailing out on a regular basis. Another popular option is to use a netting hide, similar in construction to one you might use for pigeon decoying. Remember that you may have to walk in excess of a mile to reach your chosen spot so always opt for as light a net as you can and make sure that you use lightweight hide poles, or even better, try some bamboo canes, as if they break they will be easy to replace. Try to pick a camo pattern that’s neither too light nor too dark. You want to blend in with your surroundings; a very dark green hide will stick out like a sore thumb on the foreshore. When you have picked the site of your hide, make sure that it’s big enough for you, your gear and of course your dog. When shooting
Taking geese when they are directly above you ensures they are as close as possible
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
75
Wildfowling introduction
However, those ultra-expensive cartridges
around the country and you will find that
aren’t a huge issue, as for most fowlers,
memberships are buoyant, and the waiting
shooting 10 or 15 shells in a day is something
list for places continues to grow. It looks like
of a red-letter day and it’s not uncommon to
the future of wildfowling is bright, and long
fire just one or two shells, or even go home
may it stay that way.
with clean barrels. As already mentioned, these solitary and quiet days are a far cry from a big day in a pigeon hide or a peg on a 250-bird pheasant day, but that is part of the appeal of the sport. It is perhaps the most natural of all types of hunting, working alone to battle the elements, picking your spot and hoping that your field craft and understanding of tides, moon and the birds will be enough to put you in the right place to get a shot. That combination makes a successful day one of the most rewarding you will ever experience with a gun, and one that gets you closer to nature than any other. In these days of readily available shooting, you would think that the sport would be in decline, that people would prefer to take an easier route to enjoy their shooting. But speak to any of the wildfowling associations
A successful morning outing in the very north of Scotland
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A fowler’s BEST friend However you choose to shoot, always be sure that you take a well-trained dog with you on a wildfowling outing. With deep cloying mud, fast running currents and plenty of other hazards, you don’t want to be trying to retrieve your shot birds as it would be a recipe for disaster. Which breed? A Labrador is a good bet for the job, as is a golden retriever. Spaniels, although nimble and quick on their feet, can prove a little too skittish to sit uncomplaining in a hide for hours at a time, and their coat doesn’t offer quite the same insulation to them on a freezing winter’s day as some of the other breeds do.
SCSTG PROMOTING FIELD SPORTS
PRESS SHOOT The SCSTG invited the cream of the world’s shooting press to Scotland for a field sports experience they’d never forget
A
s part of the marketing and promotion
The castle is spectacular and was developed
some excellent driven pheasant shooting
of Scotland as a leading country sports
when the industrialist, James Hunter (later
followed by a duck flight.
tourism destination, a familiarisation trip for
to become the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of
Andrew Case from Case Sport had arranged
European journalists was undertaken during
Ayrshire), acquired the Glenapp Estate and
visitor firearm permits and supplied the
October 2017. Thanks to the generosity of
commissioned
Edinburgh
firearms for the day. Both Andrew and Barry
the estates’ and hotel’s owners, the journalists
architect, David Bryce, to design a suitably
Smyth offered some professional coaching,
were able to experience some of the best
magnificent home for him.
as none of the journalists had experienced
Scottish hospitality and sport available.
the
celebrated
Bryce was a leading proponent of what
a driven day before. It was something that,
The journalists, representing some of the
came to be known as the Scottish Baronial
although they found it quite challenging, they
top sporting titles in Europe including France’s
style, which combines elements of Gothic and
all thoroughly enjoyed. The total bag for the
Voyages de Chasse, Chassons.com, Germany’s
Renaissance styles to create the grandeur and
morning was 35 pheasant and five duck.
Jagdzeit (Hunter’s Path), Sweden’s Big Game
fairytale appearance of Glenapp Castle today.
Nick’s team of beaters and pickers-up, were
and Norway’s Jeger, Hund & Våpen (Hunter,
The castle’s mellow sandstone battlements,
exceptional with the dog handlers drawing a
dogs and guns) and Jakt & Fiske, should all be
topped by soaring turrets and towers, have
great deal of attention.
publishing articles on the trip around the time
earned Glenapp a rightful place as one of the
A traditional shoot lunch was served in the
that Shoot In Scotland 2018 is published.
most romantic luxury castles in Scotland. It
castle dining room, with the views from the
was a fitting venue to start the trip.
balcony overlooking the River Ayr and the
After meeting at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, the group travelled to Glenapp
Coincidentally, the venue for the following
Castle Hotel in Ayrshire where Siobhan
day’s driven pheasant shoot, Sorn Castle,
Liddington,
senior
sales
marketing
had also been updated and improved by the
The group had time for a quick stop at AD
manager,
had
arranged
luxurious
architect David Bryce. But back to the sport,
Rattray’s Whisky Experience, where Raphael
accommodation and fine dining for the guns.
the estate factor, Nick Wright, had arranged
Marinoni outlined the finer aspects of ‘tasting’
78
and
www.countrysportscotland.com
roaring open fire adding to the warm welcome offered by Nick and his staff.
SCSTG PROMOTING FIELD SPORTS
A suitable stag is identified during the trip to Taransay
Asgeir Stoerdal from Norway, who had been chosen to take the shot, he crawled down hill to find a suitable spot from which to shoot. A young stag of around three years old was taken. After dragging the beast for around half a mile, the Argo arrived and the stag was driven off the hill and onto the landing craft. The second group, led by Donald Muir, had been less successful. Although they saw a number of stags, they were unable to get into a suitable position to take a shot. The views and wildlife including snipe and golden eagles dispelled any feelings of disappointment. After a slightly bumpy flight back to Glasgow, the journalists made their thanks and farewells before departing back to their respective home destinations.
The dog handling work was one of the highlights of the trip for the visiting hunters
We look forward to reading their articles in
the
coming
months.
Copies
will
be
rare Scottish whisky. All agreed that it was
they were welcomed by Steve Woodhall,
added as blogs on the SCSTG website,
an hour well spent, learning how to properly
estate manager at Borve Lodge Estate. On day
www.countrysportscotland.com, as soon as
savour a dram.
one the group was introduced to the art of fly
they are available.
It was then back to Glenapp Castle Hotel to freshen up before dinner. Siobhan and Jill
fishing for salmon on Loch Fincastle. Although salmon were seen, none were landed.
DO IT YOURSELF
If you want to follow in the steps of the
Chalmers, commercial director at Glenapp,
That evening, meals were expertly prepared
joined the group, and a magnificent meal
to a very high standard for the group by
group, get in touch with the following
comprising some amazing, locally sourced
personal chef Chris Loye.
providers of sport and accommodation: Glenapp Castle Hotel
ingredients and fine wine was enjoyed by
On the second day, a short trip by landing
all. One guest remarked that they had never
craft took the party to Taransay where they
01465 831212 F: +44 (0)1465 831000
thought of Scotland as being able to produce
split into two groups to stalk red stags. Steve
www.glenappcastle.com
such wonderful cuisine – they particularly
Woodhall’s party was dropped at Paible on
Sorn Castle Shoot 01659 58697
enjoyed
cheeses.
a pristine white sand beach so typical of the
sorncastle.com/sporting
Overall, the hotel provided an intimate level
Hebrides. The group stalked north, up the
Case Sport 01644 430469 07747 691447
of service with genuine attention to detail
eastern side of the island. A few small groups
www.casesport.com
as well as exceptional customer care. Both
of stags were spotted early but they moved
AD Rattray Whisky Experience
Glenapp Castle Hotel and Sorn Castle certainly
off before the party could get near enough
01655 760308 www.adrattray.com
delivered in terms of high-quality driven
for a shot. Climbing towards the highest point
Borve Lodge Estate 01859 550358
shooting and a quintessential taste of top end
on the island, Ben Raah at 876 feet, a small
borvelodge.com
of Scottish hospitality and luxury.
group of stags was spotted below and towards
Chris Loye, private chef 07951 643066
Following on from their two days in Ayrshire,
Clet More. Steve felt that one of the stags was
flavour.scot
the group travelled to the isle of Harris, where
harvestable, and accompanied by the stalker,
the
range
of
Scottish
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
79
Expert advice Beginners
Ups and downs
Taking tricky shots on the hill? You need to read this. Darryl Pace debunks common misunderstandings with bullet trajectory and shows you how to shoot at an incline successfully
M
ost hunters are familiar
at varying intervals, you would note that it
This is why it’s often more useful to look at
with the traditional bullet
continuously drops. When zeroing at, say, 100
bullet drop when comparing calibres rather
trajectory arc, rising from the
yards, what we are actually doing is pointing
than comparisons over a zero range. Below
muzzle to a peak (or apex)
the rifle barrel marginally up to achieve the
is a graph showing visually what has been
somewhere between where the bullet leaves
desired impact point. Essentially the bullet
explained with a .308 Win, 150gn bullet zeroed
the barrel and the zero distance. At the
is being shot up in the air before dropping
at 200 yards.
desired range the bullet finds itself once again
back down on to the target. Flatter shooting
Now we get to the up- and downhill portion
level with the muzzle, thereafter dropping.
calibres drop at a slower rate than sluggish
of the article. Here, there is one important
This is not unfamiliar territory for most people.
heavy calibres, hence the reason why the apex
aspect to bear in mind. As we all know from
However, before we get onto tackling incline
is less.
school, objects fall to the earth as a result of
compensation let us first make clear why a bullet follows the path described above. The reason behind the shape of the classic bullet trajectory is fairly straightforward in its most general form. The problem arises with the concept that a bullet will rise and then fall after leaving the barrel. As most shooters are used to seeing trajectories with a zero point of at least 100 yards this has been ingrained in general thinking as being the behaviour of a bullet. In truth, a bullet is always falling from the moment it leaves the crown of the muzzle. The reason we see an arc is because of the very fact that we zero our rifles at a distance greater than point blank. If you were to hold a rifle barrel perfectly horizontal and test the bullet impact position
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Bullet drop v. path to los-.308 win, 150gn
Expert advice Beginners
Shots taken up or downhill cover less horizontal distance – hence their lesser perceived drop
gravity, which acts at 9.81m/s2. If we didn’t
trigonometry. If we assume, for simplicity’s
if you take the same 300-yard shot facing uphill
have to contend with gravity pulling bullets
sake, that your rifle is zeroed at 300 yards,
with an incline of 10 degrees, the horizontal
to the ground then the discussion of flat-
and you assume the shot covers 300 yards in a
distance would be 295 yards. The difference in
shooting calibres would be irrelevant (ignoring
straight line, you can begin to understand the
bullet drop over the extra five yards is almost
any real-life implications of firing a rifle in zero
shortcomings. In fact, you would, in truth, only
irrelevant, since is likely to be smaller than the
gravity and the effects of aerodynamics).
be taking a 212-yard shot in terms of bullet
level of accuracy to which most people can
Keeping this in mind, we now need to think
drop compensation – meaning that your bullet
shoot at that distance.
about how gravity acts on a bullet. If we take
will shoot higher than you expected with the
In simple terms this explains the basics
the example of shooting a bullet directly up
300-yard straight-line distance. This logic also
– but, of course, it’s not the full story. What I
gravity will only act to slow the bullet down by
applies when shooting downhill.
have explained here is the Rifleman’s Method
pulling it back to earth. If we were to shoot
What is worth noting, however, is that unless
of Compensation. It is not entirely accurate for
from a cliff, directly downwards, gravity would
the distances and angles are fairly large the
several reasons, including bullet flight time,
only act on the rear of the bullet – therefore,
difference will often be negligible and rarely
drag and declining velocities. But the principle
it would travel in a perfectly straight line if all
worth trying to compensate for. For instance,
of it will get you a long way when judging a shot.
external conditions were equal. Armed with this information, we can now answer the question of why it’s believed that bullets shoot high when a shot is taken up- or downhill. The key reason lies in the horizontal distance of the shot and not the straight line of sight. Gravity can only act on a bullet over the horizontal distance and so the amount of bullet drop experienced will occur over this shorter distance and not the line of sight. For example, if you took a 300-yard straightline shot up at 45 degrees, the horizontal distance would be about 212 yards using basic
Whatever the angle, stalking in close enough for a confident shot ia always the most important step
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
81
Roebuck Ayrshire
Credit: Tim Plowden / Alamy Stock Photo
Reluctant roebuck Not everything goes to plan during the rut. Ayrshire-based professional stalker Chris Dalton recalls a time when he had to abandon the call and go for Plan B
I
t is that time of year again –
a bit of a guessing game to pinpoint exactly
chosen to stalk the fields close to a deciduous
in the roe stalker’s calendar
when things get going. I had a regular client,
wood where I knew there were a couple of
eagerly
Richard, contact me in early August to see
decent bucks and some yearlings. Sadly, despite
awaited weeks of all, those at
what the chances of success might be as he
my best efforts with the Buttolo and Nordik roe,
the end of July and the beginning of August
was in the area. As I had seen bucks chasing
I got no response to any call in three different
when the roebucks are rutting. Or, at least,
on ground close to the house over the last
places. It looked like one of those days when
they should be. I actually prefer the first few
days in July, my response to his request was
nothing works – and despite what folk may tell
days of the roebuck season, when we start to
positive, so Richard booked in and we firmed
you, this is often the case. We fondly think of
take a few of the young cull bucks – fantastic
up the arrangements for a morning stalk.
days when everything works perfectly – you give
probably
the
most
for the table and it signals the end of the
We wouldn’t set off too early, as often the
a little pip on the call and a massive roe buck
winter period. Regardless, no stalker can fail
deer are inactive in the first hour of daylight
comes crashing in – and it does happen, but
to look forward to calling a good roe buck in
when they may have been rutting during the
not often. Neither am I one for overdoing it – if
full summer pelage.
dark hours. However, neither were we mid-
it does not work after a reasonable go, sack it
The diary is invariably full with visiting
morning as Richard had to get into work later
, continue as if on a normal stalk, or go for a
stalkers. Dean and I are booked and out most
on in the day. So we set off around an hour
cuppa and try later or tomorrow. With Richard, I
days for three weeks
after sunrise.
said I would try in one more spot, and if we still
from around 26 July.
Normally, the peak of our rut in south-west
The world was quiet and it was a cool morning
Scotland is around 8-12 August, but it’s always
with little wind – a real pleasure to be out. I had
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did not get any response, we would stalk back home for breakfast.
Roebuck Ayrshire
My final calling point was from a corn field
But he stopped and looked back, knowing
broadside staring back at him. Fortunately it
tram line, leaning against a telegraph pole,
something was clearly wrong.
was sufficiently bemused to stand there and
which gave us a view into a valley and the edge
What followed was, in retrospect, rather
of a wood. It was a great position – we were on
amusing. Richard, who had now got to a firing
So a successful outing and a nice buck in the
high ground looking down, so anything below
position with the rifle securely rested against
larder with trophy for the wall – but definitely
us in the field was in shot, and we could see if
the tree, inched round to take a shot at a deer
not a successful calling operation. However, I
anything moved inside the wood. After three
that he found was no longer there. When he
will take any deer I can get, especially after a
sets of calls, we saw movement in the wood.
realised that, he looked back at me, defeated.
memorable stalk in stunning surroundings.
A roebuck was slowly coming up to the edge
I jabbed my finger off to his right and he
of the trees. He was not charging but was
visibly jumped when he saw the buck now fully
working our way, so there was some interest. But my best efforts at getting him to come out of the wood failed – instead, he dropped down into a patch of spent bluebells, curled up and nodded off. Charming. We worked back out of sight and came into the wood downwind and below him. I slowly
allow Richard to line up and take the shot.
For stalking opportunities Chris can be contacted on 07710 871190 or ayrstalk.co.uk
“ My best efforts at getting him to come out of the wood failed – instead, he dropped down into a patch of spent bluebells, curled up and nodded off ”
stalked up to where we had last seen him. If you have done this you’ll know that when Left behind? Chris is left in an unusual situation watching Richard stalk on ahead
you are approaching the deer from a totally different direction, it is incredibly difficult to know exactly where the deer is couched. I knew we were close, and the dog was on point, but no matter how hard I glassed I could not pick him up. We inched closer, glassing every blade of grass and the hollows under tree roots, until I finally got sight of a set of antlers no more than 45 yards away. There was no shot from where we were, but I could see some high ground off to our right, which would probably offer a neck shot – but it was a one-man crawl to get there. So I briefed Richard to crawl slowly forward and see if the shot was on from the identified vantage point. Ordinarily, I do not condone neck shots, but in the case of a couched buck with neck up, dozing and from a stable, prone position, then it becomes an option provided that you are aware of exactly how you rifle-and-round combination performs at the selected range. Oscar and I sat tight and waited – unusual for me as I am normally in front and making
Who needs calling? This buck was grassed in rather more fortuitous circumstances
the decisions, but I had no choice as there was no way the two of us and hound would all get to where we needed to be. So we watched. Richard made the designated tree and slowly deployed the rifle. We waited for the shot… it did not come. Instead, the rifle came down. Richard looks back and crossed his neck with his spare hand – there was no shot from there either. He signalled that he would crawl forward some more. I gave the thumbs up and he moved on again. He was getting really close to the dozing buck – any slight noise and the game would be over. After what seemed an age Richard slowly lifted the rifle again, using an old, knurled oak tree as cover. But he had been rumbled. The buck jumped up and stared intently back, before moving slowly off about 40 yards.
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
83
know how calibre choice
What calibre SHOULD I PICK?
Heading to the hill for roe or red? We round up the most common deer-stalking calibres to help you make your choice of rifle
T
here is no all-round ‘best’ calibre –
of 2,450fps and a minimum ME of 1,000ft/
ammunition. It allowed hunters to shoot one
personal choice very much comes into it.
lb. So many .223 or .22-250 rounds would
calibre for a large spectrum of quarry, with
Your choice should depend upon a number
be suitable. This may seem odd as there is
moderate recoil and excellent trajectory.
of
species
nothing to suggest that a Scottish roe requires
Loaded as low as 55 grains, and factory
engaged and the environment in your local
less energy to kill it than an English one – but
loaded up to 105, it makes an excellent
area. Whatever you choose, make sure you
the law is the law. Meanwhile, red, fallow and
lightweight
bear in mind the laws regarding legal calibres
sika in Scotland require a bullet of at least
knockdown power for small and medium-sized
and energies, which differ depending on your
100 grains and a muzzle energy of 1,700 ft/lb.
deer. And it can pass the legal requirements
quarry species and what side of the England-
Again, there is no minimum calibre, but a .270,
for larger deer too – though more on that in
Scotland border you live on.
.308 or .30-06 is really recommended.
a moment.
ensure is that you know the relevant laws.
.243 Winchester
hunters will be pleasantly surprised by how
It’s not the same as in England, where .243 is
Surely the most ubiquitous calibre in the UK,
good the .243 Win is, even in the ‘compromise’
the minimum for everything except the two
the .243 Win wins on versatility – it can take
bullet weights such as 87gn and 95gn. Bear in
smallest deer species. In Scotland, taking roe
on fox and deer alike – though not, in fact, on
mind these do preclude the larger deer species
as an example, there is no minimum calibre
ballistic performance in every scenario.
– for those you’ll have to step up to 105gn.
factors
including
availability,
For hunting in Scotland, the first thing to
calibre
while
offering
good
In terms of long-range accuracy, many
stated – but the bullet must weigh at least
An efficient, short-action design, the .243 Win
It is tempting to say the .243 Win could be
50 grains, have a minimum muzzle velocity
was a breakthrough in terms of factory-loaded
the answer to all, but be cautious. Beyond
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
85
know how calibre choice
accuracy to punch paper at some impressive ranges. On the other, the 7.62 NATO arms our allies and our enemies the world over. The history of the calibre is complex. It began life as a research request from the American government to the Frankfort Arsenal. They wanted to achieve similar power and range capabilities to their already established .3006 Springfield, but in a smaller, more compact case. Pressure from the commercial world, and speculated leaks in case design, saw the chief of ordinance give Winchester the permission to use the cartridge in its rifles, and hence the .308 Win was born. The hunting world owes a lot to the development of this cartridge, which was
“ In terms of long-range accuracy, many hunters will be pleasantly surprised by how good the .243 Win is ”
one of the first that really went for compact efficiency. Previously, the focus tended to be on packing more powder into bigger cases, and little time had been spent trying to achieve similar performance from a smaller cartridge. The .308 Win led the way with this ethos, and more than 50 years on, we see the same
lightweight foxing loads, bullet selection for
efficiently hunting bigger species. Velocity was
quarry type is important. At the top end of the
only going to count for so much. There is a
You can’t avoid the .308 Winchester. You
.243 Win capabilities, it is a little underpowered,
certain point when you need bullet weight to
may deride it as the default no-imagination
and placement has to be good. That is why
penetrate and kill.
choice of so many hunters, but if you handle
priority emerge in modern calibre designs.
some estates insist on calibres larger than
You cannot deny that the .270 Win has
a lot of rifles, you’re going to end up using a
.243 Win when stag season comes around.
proved incredibly successful, and to this very
.308 sooner or later. The ease of use, ammo
It does offer tremendous scope, if used with
day, even in the UK we see .270 Win chambered
availability, undeniable accuracy, and sheer
some thought and attention.
rifles leaving gun shops on a regular basis.
choice with regard to rifles and reloading
The Forestry Commission, certainly for a time,
make the .308 Win hard to ignore, especially
.270 Winchester
used it as its calibre of choice, and it was
when considering the scope of game that can
Often cited as the ‘calibre that can do
the ‘go-to’ calibre of the hill stalker for many
be engaged with it. Certainly in Scotland, there
anything’. the .270 began its life in a rather
years. That said, I doubt it would have been
is nothing it cannot handle, and for the most
muted fashion. Turn the clock back to 1925,
elevated to such heights without the help of
part, when it is loaded with the correct bullet
when Winchester launched the 130-grain
Jack O’Connor.
weight and type, the calibre will tackle pretty
.270 Win to the hunting public, and the
much any form of game around the world.
story began as anything but the success the
.308 Winchester
calibre became. The calibre soon went quiet,
The .308 Win we use for sporting purposes
.30-06 Springfield
more than likely owing to the popularity and
leads a Jekyll and Hyde existence. On one hand
In the modern day, the .30-06 has been
availability of sporterised .30-06 Springfield
we put lead down-range in pursuit of game,
somewhat left behind. Seen as dated and less
rifles on the market.
and target shooters make use of the excellent
effective compared to modern Magnums, this
Then, the famous Jack O’Connor rescued the calibre. He took a large spectrum of game from around the world with the .270 Win, though his wife, who was also an avid hunter, used a 7x57. During those years more and more hunters chose the calibre as a good allround solution to North American game. But as time wore on, we began to see cracks in the.270 Win. Most of these came in the form of excessive meat and skin damage owing to the high-velocity nature of the calibre. Some hunters began to note that although O’Connor had successfully used the calibre on big American game, it was far more suited to open-range country on lighter game. Indeed the 130-grain bullet was woefully inadequate in the cold light of day when it came to
86
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know how calibre choice
...or smaller, flatter-shooting calibre? The choice is youts
Big bore for down-range energy transfer...
Four firearms to pick from...
Sako 85 Carbonlight
Mauser M12 Max
Sako’s lightest ever rifle has a carbon fibre stock with a soft
This thumbhole version of Mauser’s M12 introduces a modern
touch surface, built using the same CFRP technology used in
twist to the design. The rifle still features the same wide breech,
the aerospace and racing industries yielding a rigid and durable
2lb direct trigger and 60-degree bolt lift, but with a considerable
rifle. The rifle has a cold-hammer forged barrel and a staggered,
change to the feel and pointability from the standard Prince of
two-row metallic magazine as well as an adjustable trigger and
Wales grip It’s available in nine standard calibres from .22-250 to
two-way safety. It comes in calibres from .22-250 to .30-06 with
9.3x62 with a 22in barrel and 5+1 detachable mag. There are also
matching action sizes.
magnum versions in 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag.
RRP £2,825 GMK 01489 579999 gmk.co.uk
RRP £1,504 Blaser 01483 917412 blaser-sporting.com
Howa Alpine
Merkel RX Helix
Embodying the trend for ultra-light mountain rifles, the Howa
Merkel’s flagship straight-pull switch-barrel rifle, the Helix is
Alpine boasts a new fibreglass stock and slimmer metalwork
field-strippable and allows you to change between different
than its parent, the 1500. The barrel’s lightweight, too, just
calibres on the same rifle. Barrels are available in standard
14.5mm in diameter. Coming in at 5.7lb overall, it’s an ideal
and semi-weight, three different lengths and standard calibres
choice for hill stalkers. You can get your hands on one in .243,
ranging from .222 to 9.3x62 as well as 7mm Rem Mag and .300
.308, 7mm08 and 6.5 Creedmoor.
Win Mag.
RRP £1,000 Highland Outdoors 0845 0990252
RRP from £2,602
www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk
Viking Arms 01423 780810 vikingshoot.com
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
87
know how calibre choice
hugely successful calibre deserves serious
used for the biggest and most dangerous
round calibre. It has no shortage of followers,
consideration from hunters in every country,
game). Despite this, many countries ban its
Scottish stalkers among them.
including the UK. Indeed, the usefulness of the
use on big game today – probably a sensible
The .300 Win Mag has seen global success,
calibre is reflected in the fact that every major
move for all but the most experienced hunter.
seeing extensive use as the calibre of choice
manufacturer offers rifles chambered in .30-06.
And for Scottish sport? It isn’t the flattest-
for antelope in the open plains, or cross-
Seen by Frank C Barnes as “undoubtedly
shooting and may be seen as a little on the
canyon
the most flexible, useful, all-round big game
heavy side, but don’t be put off. The 110-grain
sheep and goats. Equally, it provides adequate
cartridge available to the American hunter”,
bullet will adequately take care of any deer on
energy to cope with the biggest bears, pushing
its hunting credentials extend back to its
the hill, while heavier options give you scope
a 180-grain bullet with 3,500ft/lb muzzle
introduction via a bolt action rifle, the Remington
for varying conditions, foreign travel and wild
energy. It also exhibits more than acceptable
model 30, in 1921. Seen for decades as the
boar. In spite of this, it doesn’t do anything
varminting capabilities, using the flat-shooting
standard by which all other big game cartridges
the .308 Win can’t do cheaper, and in some
130-grain projectile.
should be judged, it’s perhaps surprising to
cases more accurately. So this is the choice
Of course, you can’t squeeze out all that
find that it performs very well even when pitted
of the headstrong individual. If you don’t want
performance without having to pay for it. The
against more modern rounds.
to follow the crowd, and don’t mind paying a
equal and opposite reaction to this down-
little extra for the ammo, then embrace an old
range magic is some unpleasant recoil.
For all deer species, goat or wild boar, its 180-grain offering is judged by experienced
favourite and choose the .30-06.
hunters to be able to cope with virtually any
targeting
for
perilously
perching
Plus, it’s hard not to feel that today, the calibre has been outclassed ballistically by the
hunting conditions. In the past it was used
.300 Win Mag
.300 Weatherby Magnum and more recently
for dangerous game in Africa, including lion,
The .300 Win Mag definitely falls into the long-
the .300 Rem Ultra Magnum. The numbers are
buffalo, and leopard, on a regular basis
distance category, but it encompasses some
quite telling if you delve into them. But given a
(though a 220-grain bullet was more widely
favourable properties, making it a superb all-
260-yard zero, the .300 Win Mag will still shoot inside a six-inch kill zone out to 300 yards. You
“ The .30-06 is the choice of the headstrong individual. If you don’t want to follow the crowd, and don’t mind paying a little extra for the ammo, then embrace it ”
will gain a few more yards with the Ultra Mag, sure, but even at out at 350 yards we are only talking a 1.5in advantage. Serious advantage is only seen in ultra-long range shots, which have questionable ethics at any rate. The .300 Win Mag provides an excellent compromise, with a level of accuracy that was never in question. As important as picking the ‘right’ calibre is getting to know your setup on the range
88
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GAME LOWLANDS
far from the hill Don Brunt says topography isn’t everything when it comes to driven game – Scotland’s lowland shoots certainly hold their own
W
Generally
speaking,
differs
of being able to move quickly. If you have
and ptarmigan on the
depending
on
shooting
several layers of clothing on, be careful not to
are
immediately
pheasant or partridge. If you get a partridge
mismount the gun. If the weather permits, it
mind when one
flying down a hedgerow 20 feet above a hedge
may be worth shedding a layer or two for the
thinks of Scottish game, there is still plenty
with sky behind it, it’s generally deemed to be
duration of the drive to allow yourself greater
of enjoyment to be had on shoots deemed
fair game, but the same doesn’t apply if it’s
range of movement and better gun mounts.
far less glamorous that make do without the
a pheasant, especially a hen bird. Because
As for technique, it’s the same for pheasant
plunging valleys of their (forgive the pun)
of their diminutive size, hens can look rather
and partridge. Go straight to the bird, pull off
higher profile brethren. Scotland’s lowland
further away than they actually are, especially
the beak and pull the trigger. Chances are you
pheasant and partridge shoots certainly hold
when silhouetted against a bright sky.
won’t have time to swing through, and if you
tops
hile
jumps to
moorland what
grouse
whether
etiquette you’re
their own against the best any other part of
It is not unusual to find yourself standing in
do you will get crossed up and come close
the UK have to offer. But you need to know
a wood where snap shooting is the order of
to losing your balance. Try to practise this
what to expect, and approach them in a
the day and the birds may be no higher than
technique before the season begins. Be aware
different way to the screaming high-bird or
the tree tops. In that situation, use the height
that a bird that is ‘cocking up’ and flapping its
driven grouse days.
of the trees to judge the range. What might
wings like hell to get up through the trees is
For most of us, the moment that we
look like a screamer might only be 30 yards
not something you should be shooting at.
ultimately aspire to is bringing down a cockbird
away or less, while if you were stood out in the
If the ground is very flat and the birds
on a cold, crisp morning, which folds neatly
open that same bird would look much lower.
are reluctant to get up, you can expect to
with its head back before tumbling to earth.
Quite often people will shoot a pheasant in a
take most of your shots as crossers, though
Of course, we all like to tell everyone how the
ride drive that they might not even put their
you must always ensure they have plenty of
bird in question was so high that it needed an
gun up to if they were stood out in the open.
sky around them. A good keeper will know
oxygen mask, but on most shoots the birds
There is very little time for footwork changes
how to best work his drives to get the best
are rather closer than you think, though that
when snap shooting, so place yourself on
results. Being stood on the peg and seeing
does little to dampen people’s enjoyment.
ground where you have the best chance
the beaters pushing birds away from you
90
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GAME LOWLANDS
Cartridge choice is simple: 30 grams of No.6 is sufficient for any pheasant out to 45 yards
can be disconcerting. However, if they then
Use this combination and you can be assured
go forward, take on the wind and then come
that if you miss then it is your fault and not
curling back over you, then it will be a job well
the gun and cartridge combination. Bearing
done by the keeper.
in mind the ranges you will be shooting
Shot selection on driven pheasant days is
at between 25 and 35-40 yards, nothing
far easier than when tackling partridges as
more than 30in barrels are necessary, and
there won’t usually be as many in the air at
although I choose to shoot pheasants with a
one time. As far as etiquette is concerned, you
sporting over-and-under (because I like the
should stick to your own airspace spanning 45
weight and stability it affords) the choice is
degrees either side of you. It’s acceptable to
yours depending on your preference. Mid-
shoot at birds over your neighbour if they are
range pheasants can be shot with smaller
either unloaded or have just missed a bird out
gauges and a 20-bore or even a 28-bore can
in front, though there is a fine line between
be very effective in the right hands, though
a good sporting shot over your neighbour
don’t go too light on the cartridge load as you
and poaching a bird from his next door gun.
risk wounding if you do.
If a cock and a hen are flying together at
There are few better ways to spend a
similar heights and speeds, you should always
winter’s day than shooting pheasant or
choose the cockbird unless the hen is a more
partridge with friends. Try and remember as
challenging shot.
many of your shots as you can, for all too soon mid-season
the day will be over and you will be on the
pheasants, it’s recommended that you use
journey back home. Those memories will be
quarter and half choke through which 30
what tides you over until – at last – you and
grams of No.6 would be more than enough
your friends gather once more in a yard full of
to kill effectively and reliably out to 45 yards.
excited dogs, ready for the off.
For
traditional
early
to
Swift manoeuvres are key when shooting pheasants. Unrestricted clothing is essential
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
91
kit OPTICS
SIGHT SEEING
Glass your quarry and acquire targets with ten of the best scopes and binos money can buy
Vortex Optics Diamondback 8x42
Zeiss Victory RF
Part of Vortex’s all-encompassing optics range, the Diamondback
The newly released and reworked Victory RF sees Zeiss set a new
binocular has dielectric multi-coated lenses and a field of view of nearly
standard in premium rangefinding binos, with an effective range of
120m at 100m. It’s argon-purged and weighs in at a little over 600g.
2,500 yards. An integrated ballistic information system (BIS II) analyses
The binoculars are clad in rubber, with two thumb indents that give a
environmental data to give you accurate holdover data, while Bluetooth
comfortable grip when combined with the short-hinged design. The
connectivity means you can load your ballistics into the binos via an
eyecups twist up to adjust eye relief. The Diamondback is covered by the
app. With a relocated and enlarged focusing wheel, this is the complete
Vortex VIP Warranty as standard.
package for serious hunters.
Price: £220
Price: From £2,499.99
Country Sports Wholesale 01462 743223 csw-online.co.uk
Zeiss 01223 401525 zeiss.co.uk/sportsoptics
Hawke Endurance WA
Kahles K318i
Leica Geovid HD-B 3000
Brand new for 2018 is Hawke’s wide-angle
This new short-format scope packs a lot of optical
Boasting what Leica reckons is the highest laser
addition to the Endurance line. It boasts
quality into a compact body. It’s got an FFP reticle
rangefinding capability in its class, the Geovid
a super-wide 24-degree field of view for
and 3.5-18x50 specification, so it can reach out
HD-B 3000s can range out to – as the name
easy target acquisition, coupled with 4-inch
to longer ranges. The wide field of view and
suggests – 3,000 yards. Central to the HD-B range
eye relief. Built into a 30mm chassis, all
high-contrast sight picture are of the standard
is its ballistics system, with a microSD input so
models feature a heavy-duty erector system,
you’d normally only find in much longer scopes.
users can load their own ballistic data. The binos then calculate point of aim correction, taking
maximising internal stability. A glass-etched
Plus, this scope incorporates clearly defined and
illuminated ballistic reticle is available in either
precise clicks for repeat accuracy, twist-guard
only 0.3 seconds to output all relevant data.
LR Dot configuration or a similarly new LRC
windage adjustment with freely rotating end cover,
Temperature, barometric pressure and angle are
that provides the user with aim points to
and hex key for zeroing stowed away in the cap of
factored into the calculation. Plus, the unit has a
match centrefire ballistics.
the illumination unit. It’ll be available from April.
new display with more easily interpreted symbols.
Price: £459.99
Price: £2,830
Price: from £2,525 (HD-R from £2,175)
Hawke 01349 387762 hawkeoptics.com
RUAG 01579 362319 ruag.co.uk
Leica leica-sportoptics.com
92
www.countrysportscotland.com
kit OPTICS
Minox ZX5i 3-15x50
Swarovski Z8i 2-16x50 P
With a sporting reticle, the Minox ZX5i 3-15x50 SF Riflescope comes
The Z8i is a high performance riflescope from Swarovski that gives you
in matte black hard-anodised aluminium for exitra durability and zero
more than enough power and precision for hunting on the hill. The 8x
retention even when it’s knocked about. Built in a 30mm tube, it has
zoom factor combines a 21-metre field of view at the base magnification
extended fast focus dioptre adjustability. The 50mm objective lens is
and 93 per cent light transmission. Swarovski recommend their Optik
recessed over 20mm into the body for protection and to reduce glare
Ballistic app for calculating shot flights and their ballistic turret flex (BTF),
in the sunlight. Illumination control shuts off automatically after three
a separately configured turret that can be used as a top turret for bullet
hours, or if the rifle is laid vertically or on its side.
drop compensation or a side turret for windage adjustment.
Price: £799
Price: £2,350
Blaser 01483 917412 blaser-sporting.com
Swarovski 01737 856812 swarovskioptik.com
Delta Optical Titanium HD 2.5-10X56 SF
Kite Lynx
Steiner Ranger Xtreme
The most compact model in Kite’s range, the
Looking distinctly new-age but offering a
The Titanium line of rcopes has a 56mm objective
Lynx binos won’t weigh you down on a long hill
tried-and-tested spec, the Ranger Xtreme
lens thoughout the range, making for good light-
stalk – and they’ve got comfort eyecups and a
binos boast a range of handy advancements, such as a two-way-valve nitrogen pressure
gathering capability. The 2.5-10x spec is ideal for
large focus wheel to make the user experience
stalking, and features capped adjustments, a 30mm
even easier. A wide field of view (151m at 8x)
system and ClicLoc strap attachment. The
tube and side parallax. Other features include
gives you the maximum change of acquiring
eyecups adjust using a twist mechanism. An
an ergonomic zoom ring, illuminated reticles and
targets, while the outer lens surfaces are
extra-wide field of view complements Steiner’s
variable illumination. It boasts 92 per cent light
reinforced with Kite’s new PermaVision coating,
crisp optics, while a balanced grip and long-
transition and cones with a 10-year warranty.
which makes them dirt-and water repellent, as
life rubber armouring make these binoculars tough and comfortable.
Price: £625.99
well as much more resistant to scratches.
Sportsman Gun Centre 01392 354854
Price: From £470
Price: From £430
sportsmanguncentre.com
Browning 01235 514550 browning.eu
GMK 01489 579999 gmk.co.uk
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
93
DIRECTORY
where to shoot
2
Plan your next Scottish shooting foray anywhere from the Borders to the Highlands with this selection of outfitters and estates compiled by the SCSTG
1
3
4 5
6
7
8
9
10 11
SCSTG Regions 1
Shetland
2
Orkney
3
The Outer Hebrides
4
Highlands and Skye
5
Aberdeen and Grampian
6
Angus and Dundee
7
Perthshire
8
Argyll, the Isles, Loch
Lomond, Stirling and
Trossachs 9
The Kingdom of Fife
10 Edinburgh and the Lothians 11 Glasgow and the Clyde Valley 12 Ayrshire and Arran 13 Dumfries and Galloway 14 Scottish Borders
94
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14
12
13
DIRECTORY
4
Achentoul Estate
5
Aswanley
4
Black Mount Estate (Glen
Anson MacAuslan, Welbeck Estates
Lauren Rodman, Aswanley, Glass, by
Etive)
Co Ltd, Portland Estates Office,
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4XJ
Helen Polley, Bidwells, Carn Dearg
Berriedale, Caithness, Highlands,
sophie@aswanley.com, 01466
House, North Road, Fort William,
KW7 6HE
700262, www.aswanley.com
Highlands, PH33 6PP
macanson@hotmail.com, 01593 751237
7
Atholl Estates
Andrew Bruce Wootton, Atholl
helen.polley@bidwells.co.uk, 01397 702433
Estates, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, 4
Achnacarry Sporting &
PH18 5TH
3
Borve Lodge Estate
Country Pursuits
abw@atholl-estates.co.uk,
Steve Woodhall (Estate Manager),
Linda Poll, Ardechive House,
01796 481355
Estate Office, Borve Lodge, Borve,
Achnacarry, Spean Bridge,
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides,
Highlands, PH34 4EL info@achnacarrycountry.co.uk,
HS3 3HT 5
Auchmacoy Estate
INTERNATIONAL BIG GAME & BIRD HUNTING
steve@borvelodge.com,
07554 275832
Sheila McIntosh, Auchmacoy Estate
01859 550358 / 07810 023255
www.achnacarrycountry.co.uk
Office, Ellon, Aberdeenshire,
www.borvelodge.com
Long-established, well
AB41 8RB 4
ALTYRE ESTATE
Sir Alistair Gordon-Cumming, Altyre
office@auchmacoyestate.co.uk, 01358 720291
Estate, Forres, Moray, Highlands office@altyre.com, 01309 672265, www.altyre-estate.co.uk 4
Alvie and Dalraddy
4
Badanloch Estate
shooting, stalking and fishing in
Diane Fleming, Badanloch Estate Ltd
Highlands, KW7 6HE
Scotland, as well as throughout
c/o Strutt and Parker, The Courier
macanson@hotmail.com,
the UK and big game hunting
Building, 9-11 Bank Lane, Inverness,
01593 751237
and wing shooting overseas. Truly everything is available –
diane.fleming@struttandparker.
14
Inverness-shire, PH21 1NE
com, 01463 719171
Billy Hamilton, Buccleuch Arms, The
info@alvie-estate.co.uk,
www.badanlochestates.co.uk
Green, St Boswells, Melrose, The
01540 651255 9
Balbirnie Home Farms
Robert Balfour, Pitillock Farm,
01835 822243 / 07803 745331
Freuchie, Fife, KY15 7JQ
buccleucharms.com
01337 857437
13
The Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AS
www.balbirnie.com
Forrest Estate Enterprises
info@amhuinnsuidhe.com,
endless – get in touch to discuss your ideas and requirements. Offering personal attention, quality accommodation and experienced guides, International Big Game & Bird Hunting pays attention to every part of the experience – pulling
Andrew Case, Case Sport/Forrest 7
Ballathie House Hotel &
Liz Edington, Ballathie House Hotel
Galloway, DG7 3XS
& Estate, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perth,
andrew@casesport.com,
Rosy Thomson, Ardchattan Priory,
PH1 4QN
01644 430469
Oban, Argyll, PA37 1RQ
liz@ballathiehousehotel.com,
07747 691447
admin@ardchattan.co.uk
01250 883268
www.casesport.com
www.ardchattan.co.uk
www.ballathiehousehotel.com
goes around it. Visit www.kiltarlity.com, email girlboots@btinternet.com, or call Cara on 07771 695494 / 01540 661496.
7 12
Ballogie Estate
the trigger and everything that
Estate Enterprises, St John’s Town of Dalry, Castle Douglas, Dumfries &
Ardnamurchan Estates
groups. The possibilities are
Case Sport /
Estate
Ardchattan
from single hunters to large family
billy@buccleucharms.com,
RobertBalfour@balbirnie.com,
8
for all budgets and group sizes
Scottish Borders, TD6 0EW
Castle, Isle of Harris, Western Isles,
www.amhuinnsuidhe.com
from bespoke packages designed
Buccleuch Arms
Innes Morrison, Amhuinnsuidhe
01859 560200,
sporting experience, including
Estates Office, Berriedale, Caithness,
4
Estate Office, Kincraig, Kingussie,
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
Hunting can offer all forms of
Welbeck Estates Co Ltd, Portland
IV1 1WA
3
International Big Game & Bird
Estates
David Kinnear / Sarah Harvie, Alvie
www.alvie-estate.co.uk
connected and reliable,
Braemore and Langwell
Cassillis & Culzean Estates
Craiganour Estate
Romy Jackson, Craiganour Estate
Ann Williamson / Chris Savage,
c/o Savills, Earn House, Broxden
Niall Rowantree, West Highland
Jean Menage, Ballogie Estate Office,
Cassillis & Culzean Estates,
Business Park, Lamberkine Drive,
Hunting, Ardnamurchan Estates,
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5DS
Jameston, Maidens, Girvan,
Perth, PH1 1RA
Acharacle, Argyll, PH36 4LH
info@ballogie-estate.co.uk,
Ayrshire, KA26 9NF
RLJackson@savills.com,
hunting@westhighland-hunting.
01339 886497
ann@cassillisestate.co.uk,
01738 477535
co.uk, 01972 500275 / 01972 510208
www.ballogie-estate.co.uk
01655 332555
www.craiganour.co.uk
8
5
www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk 8
Benmore Estate
4
Corrielair Estate
7
Culfargie Estates
(Isle of Mull)
Lynda Campbell, Corrielair Estate,
(Bandirran and Lochan)
Hugh Nicol MRICS, Argyll Estates
Michael Laing, Benmore Estate, c/o
Battleby Farm, Redgorton, Perth,
Brian Kaye, Culfargie Estate Office,
office, Cherry Park, Inveraray, Argyll
Strutt & Parker, 5 St John Street,
PH1 3EN /
Tarrylaw, Balbeggie, Perth, PH2 6HL
& The Isles, PA32 8XE
Perth, PH1 5SP
Highlands, IV63 7YW
Brian.Kaye@culfargie-estates.co.uk,
enquiries@inveraray-castle.com,
michael.laing@struttandparker.com,
lynda.campbell@ihbrown.com,
01821 640294
01499 302203
01738 783353 / 07894 623979
01738 637175
www.bandirran.co.uk
www.inveraray-castle.com
www.benmoreestate.co.uk
8
Argyll Estates
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
95
DIRECTORY
office@dougarie.com,
4
Glenaladale Estate
www.dougarie.com
Glenfinnan, Fort William, Highlands,
0131 331 9940,
PH37 4LT
www.hopetoun.co.uk
Drimnin Estate
Rhonda Newsham, Drimnin Estate,
j.cheape@btinternet.com, 01397 722411
Morvern, Highlands, PA80 5XZ
4
Glenavon Estate
Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5QD
07714 248425
c/o Glenavon and Braulen Estates,
richard@innerhadden.co.uk,
www.drimninestate.co.uk
Beannacharan Lodge, Braulen
01882 632423 / 07917 120429
Estate, Glen Strathfarrar, Beauly,
www.innerhadden.co.uk
7
Drummond Estates
Inverness, IV4 7JX
Michael Aldridge, Drummond Estate
admin@glenavonestate.co.uk,
the past six years. The Hotel is
Office, Muthill, Perthshire, PH5 2AA
01463 761204
Friendly Hotel of the Year for 2017. This 38-bedroomed hotel is owned and run by a family who have been involved in country sports for over 50 years and know exactly what guests require. The sport available is wide
Inverness-shire, PH21 1NU
01764 681257,
Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover,
girlboots@btinternet.com,
www.simulatedgameshooting.com
Glenmuick Estate, Glenmuick,
07771 695494
Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5SL
www.kiltarlity.com
14
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
01335 350279 www.glenmuick.com
high, testing pheasants and
01835 822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk
partridges from drives whose
excitement to ‘mixed’ and ‘knockabout’ days.
7
East Haugh House Hotel
Glenprosen Estate
Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TW angus@invercauld.org,
Headkeeper’s Cottage, Glenprosen
01339 741224
Estate, Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 4SD
www.invercauld.org
Perthshire, PH16 5TE
01575 540319
info@easthaugh.co.uk,
www.glenprosenestate.co.uk
4
Inverpolly Estate
David & Nicky Davies, Inverpolly Estate, Ullapool, Ross-shire IV26 2YB
01796 473121, www.easthaugh.co.uk 4
Edinglassie
Invercauld Estate
Ruth White, Estate Office,
info@glenprosenestate.co.uk,
5
5
Angus McNicol, The Estate Office, 4 The Keiloch, Invercauld, Braemar,
6
Sophie McGown, Pitlochry,
All types of shooting and stalking are available:
enquiries@glenmuick.com,
St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish lee@dryburgh.co.uk,
which adds great variety and
5
Lee Renton, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, Borders, TD6 0RQ
as an extensive range of species,
International Big Game &
Bird Hunting
Glenmuick Estate
drummondestates.org.uk,
renowned local shoots providing
all of the shooting world, as well
4
Cara Richardson, Burnbank, Insh,
michael_aldridge@
and varied, with some of the
names are well known throughout
Estate, Kinloch Rannoch, by
Debbie Behan, Glenavon Estate Ltd
Sports Hotel of the Year for
Hotel as well as Scottish Dog
Innerhadden Estate
enquiries@drimninestate.co.uk,
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has been
currently Scottish Country House
7
Richard Barclay, Innerhadden
Drimnin House, by Lochaline,
recognised as Scottish Country
clays@hopetoun.co.uk,
Jane Cheape, Slatach House,
4
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
Edinburgh & The Lothians, EH30 9SL
01770 840259,
Glenshiel Estate
Claire Acheson (Estate Alison
info@inverpolly.com, 01854 622452, www.inverpolly.com
• Pigeons over decoys
Malcolm Hay, Edinglassie, Huntly,
Stoddard), The Burton Property
• Roebuck stalking
Aberdeenshire, AB54 4YD
Trust c/o Galbraith Group, 17 Old
• Grouse – walked up, over
malcolm.hay@btinternet.com,
Edinburgh Road, Inverness, IV2 3HF
Jacqui Wallace / Iain Biggart, Kilchoan
pointers and driven
01466 700274
claire.acheson@galbraithgroup.
Estate Office, Inverie, Knoydart,
com; booking@glenshielestate.
Mallaig, Inverness-shire, PH41 4PL
com, 01463 224343 / 07766 770796
kilchoanestate@btinternet.com,
(Alison), www.glenshielestate.com
01687 462133
• Driven pheasant and partridge • Mixed walk-up days, woodcock a specialty Contact: mark@dryburgh.co.uk, 01835 822261, www.dryburgh.co.uk
6
Dalhousie Estates
Richard Cooke, Dalhousie Estates,
5
Fasque & Glendye Estates
Murdo MacLeod/Rachel Sedgwick,
Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne,
Katrina Larson, Kingairloch Estate,
www.fasqueandglendye.com
Aberdeenshire, AB34 5EU
Ardgour, Fort William, Highlands,
info@glentanar.co.uk,
PH33 7AE
01339 886451, www.glentanar.co.uk
info@kingairloch.co.uk,
9
Game Shooting Fife Ltd
www.dalhousieestates.co.uk
Strathkinness, Fife, KY16 9SA
01967 411242 7
Highland Lodges
07502 412201
Gardens, Meigle, Perthshire,
14
www.deerscotland.com
PH12 8QX
Doug Virtue, Lammermuir Game
info@HLSCOT.co.uk,
Services, Whiteknowes House,
01828 640064 / 07900 861270
Westruther, Gordon, Berwickshire,
www.highlandlodges-scotland.com
TD3 6NE
George Goldsmith
10
www.diana-hunting.com
48 North Castle Street, Edinburgh,
Hopetoun Estates
info@georgegoldsmith.com,
10
Jamie Gibbs, The Estate Office,
0131 476 6500
Mike Eagers, Home Farm,
Dougarie, Isle of Arran, KA27 8EB
www.georgegoldsmith.com
Hopetoun, South Queensferry,
www.countrysportscotland.com
Lammermuir Shoot
info@lammermuirshoot.co.uk,
EH2 3LU
96
www.kingairloch.co.uk
Nicki Barnett, Kinloch Beag, The
info@diana.dk, 00 45 6220 2540
Dougarie Estate
4
jamie.horne@deerscotland.com,
240, DK-5700, Svendborg, Denmark
12
Kingairloch Estate
Rachel Gray, Brooks House,
Jamie Horne, 58 Main Street,
Diana
Glen Tanar Estate
01330 850689 / 07714 409122
01356 624566
Kristina Moellar, Diana, Faaborgvej
5
factor@fasqueandglendye.com,
Invermark, Angus, DD9 6SG dalhousieestates@btinternet.com,
Kilchoan Estate
www.kilchoan-knoydart.com
Bridge of Dye, Strachan, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6LT
4
01578 740258 www.lammermuirshoot.co.uk
DIRECTORY
4
Loch Choire Estate
7
Pitcarmick Estate
14
Rule Valley Simulated Game
4
Strathspey Estate
Abigail Severn, c/o Savills (UK) Ltd, 7
Mark Wood, Lower Dalvey,
David Reddihough, Rule Valley
Tracy Wharton, Strathspey Estate
The Square, Fochabers, Highlands,
Pitcarmick Estate, Ballintuim,
Simulated Game, Spittal on Rule,
Office, Old Spey Bridge Road,
IV32 7LD
Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 7PZ
Denholm, Hawick,TD9 8TA
Grantown-on -Spey, Moray,
Asevern@savills.com, 01343 823000
pitcarmicksporting@btinternet.com,
info@rulevalley.com, 01450 870202
Highlands, PH26 3NQ
07769 206003
www.rulevalley.com
01479 872529
7
Lude Estate
Duncan Gordon, Lude Estate, Blair
www.strathspey-estate.co.uk 7
Rannoch Estate
5
Scotsport Strone Estate
Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5TR
Anna Young, Rannoch Estate,
Alf Sorensen, Learney House,
dwjg@lude.co.uk, 01796 481230,
Rannoch Barracks, by Rannoch
Torphins, Banchory, Aberdeenshire,
Tom Turnbull, Strone House,
www.ludeestatecottages.co.uk
Station, Perthshire, PH17 2QE
AB31 4NB
Cairndow, Argyll, PA26 8BQ
rannochdeermanagement@gmail.
scotsportuk@btconnect.com,
strone@btconnect.com,
com, 01882 633241
01339 889290 / 07712 892456
01499 600284 / 07743 879830
www.rannoch-estate.com
www.scotsportuk.com
7
MacIntyre & Thomson
Simon Wright, MacIntyre & Thomson, 42 Comrie Street, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4AX
8
4 7
Remony Estate
12
Sorn Castle Shoot
Suisgill Estate
Diana Darwall, Suisgill Estate,
macintyreandthomson@btinternet.
James Duncan Millar, Remony
Nick Wright, The Estate Office,
Blachford Manor, Cornwood,
com, 01764 670150
Estate, Aberfeldy, Perthshire,
Ulzieside, Sanquhar, Ayrshire,
Nr Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9QX /
www.macintyreandthomson.co.uk
PH15 2HR
DG4 6LA
Highlands, KW8 6HY
remony@btinternet.com,
nick@stanleywright.co.uk, 01659
diana.darwall@btinternet.com,
01887 830209
58697
klaus_olofsen@hotmail.com, Klaus
7
Mansfield Estates
Anne Conoboy, Mansfield Estate, Scone Palace, Scone, Perthshire PH2 6BD
07787 527824
www.lochtaylodges.co.uk 12 8
Resipole Farm
South Ayrshire Stalking
www.suisgill.co.uk
Chris Dalton, Garryloop, Penkill, Old Teasses Estate
estate@scone-palace.co.uk,
Peter Sinclair, Resipole Farm,
Dailly, Girvan, Ayrshire, KA26 9TG
01738 554920
Resipole, Acharacle, Argyll,
chris@ayrstalk.co.uk, 01465 871393 /
Kenneth Horne, Teasses Estate Office,
PH36 4HX
07710 871190
Ceres, by Leven, Fife, KY8 5PG
peterresipole@googlemail.com,
www.ayrstalk.co.uk
kennethhorne@teasses.com,
5
Mar Lodge Estate
Lisa Dipper, Mar Lodge Estate,
01967 431422
Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ
www.resipole.co.uk
marlodgeestate@nts.org.uk, 01339 720163 Murthly and Strathbraan
9
07966 529327 / 01334 840580 4
Southesk Estate
www.teasses.com
Charles Gow, Southesk Estate Office, 4
RHIDORROCH ESTATE
Haughs of Kinnaird, Brechin, Angus,
4
Tulchan Estate
Kim Scobie, Rhidorroch Estate,
DD9 6UA
Christopher Excell, Tulchan Estate,
Ullapool, Ross-shire, Highlands,
factor@southesk.co.uk,
Advie, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray,
Estate
IV26 2XQ
01674 810240
PH26 3PW
Ralph Peters, c/o Bidwells, 5 Atholl
holidays@rhidorroch.com
www.southesk.co.uk
estateoffice@tulchan.com,
Place, Perth, PH1 5NE
01854 612373
ralph.peters@bidwells.co.uk,
www.rhidorroch.com
7
01738 630666
01807 510200, www.tulchan.com 3
South Uist Estate Tweed Valley Sporting
Jennifer MacLeod, South Uist Estate,
14
Storas Uibhist, Oifis Storas, Daliburgh,
Dougie McKenna, Tweed Valley
Victoria Roddie, Roxburghe Estates,
South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SS
Sporting, Unit 6, South Park Industrial
Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7SF
jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.com,
Estate, Peebles, EH45 9ED
Mrs A G O Walker, Newark Castle,
vroddie@floorscastle.com,
01878 700101
info@tweedvalleysporting.co.uk,
Ayr, KA7 4ED
01573 227 663
www.grogarrylodge.com
01721 726462 / 07836 606316
fiona@newarkcastle.plus.com,
www.roxburghe.net
www.murthly-estate.com 12
Newark Castle
14
Roxburghe Estates
Sporting Lets
01292 441587 Roxton Bailey Robinson
7
Venator Pro
Galbraith Group/Sporting Lets,
Kenneth Larsen, Venator Pro Ltd,
Ltd
Lynedoch House, Barossa Place,
Riverview Business Centre, Unit 3,
Alastair Riddell, Balintyre House,
25 High Street, Hungerford,
Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5EP, sporting@
Friarton Road, Perth, PH2 8DF
North Chesthill Estate, Glen Lyon,
Berkshire, RG17 0NF
galbraithgroup.com, 01738 451600
kenneth.larsen@venatorpro.com,
Perthshire, PH15 2NH
info@roxtons.com, 01488 689788
www.sportinglets.co.uk
01738 479714 / 07940 297921
information@chesthill.com,
www.roxtons.com
7
North Chesthill Estate
01887 877267, www.chesthill.com 4
Pearsie Estate
www.venatorpro.com 6
RJH Sports
Strathmore Estates
Willy Inglis, Strathmore Estates,
9
Woodmill Shootings
Russell Hird, RJH Sports, 9 New
Glamis, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1RJ
Steven Wade, Woodmill Shootings,
Mrs Rosemary Rose, Pearsie Estate,
Street, Back, Isle of Lewis, Outer
admin@strathmore-estates.co.uk,
Woodmill, Lindores, Newburgh, Fife,
Glen Prosen Sporting Limited, East
Hebrides, HS2 0LH
willy.inglis@galbraithgroup.com,
KY14 6JA
Memus, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3TY
info@rjhsports.co.uk, 07751 839579
01307 840242
stalking@woodmillshootings.com,
rrose@memus.com, 01307 860355
www.rjhsports.co.uk
www.strathmore-estates.co.uk
01337 810428
6
www.pearsie-lodge.com
www.woodmillshootings.com
Shoot IN SCOTLAND
97
BACK PAGE CAUTIONARY TALE
SAFETY FIRST AND LAST Speaking from experience, Darryl Pace recalls why safety is more important than anything else on the hill
T
his book is full of stories of hill and field –
grasses. The next thing I recall is dragging
I tell you all this because though still incredibly
both places I was unable to visit for some
myself up and out of it in tremendous pain. My
uncomfortable, it could have been far worse.
time, instead spending it lying somewhat
face had planted in nettles, my wrist had a deep
Good gun safety, walking with a broken
contorted on the sofa. The reason? An
throb, and my leg was in agony. Fortunately help
gun, meant a far more serious accident
accident while on the first drive of the first day
was only a few metres away, with my wife on
was avoided. Who knows what would have
of the season on our small syndicate shoot.
hand first to see what had happened, followed
happened otherwise.
I was a standing gun. The walking line had reached the end of a small valley, and with
promptly by my brother, as well as guest and fellow Shoot In Scotland writer Jason Doyle.
It also focused the mind as to how ill prepared many of us are to tackle even minor
my young dog at heel, I wanted to work him
The end result was a broken wrist, and a
incidents in the field. We had a basic first aid kit
through the last part of the drive. Setting him
laceration to the knee down to my kneecap,
with us, but little more, and how many people
free, I jumped the fence, strode over about
requiring 20 stitches. Despite having such a
can make use of the items in there? Really, as
10 paces, my attention focused primarily on
severe open wound requiring cleaning from
hunters and shooters, an understanding of how
the hound, before taking a final, fatal step that
embedded debris, some medical incompetence
to deal with injuries, and the kit to help us do it,
would write off any chance of proper physical
intervened and I got no prescription for
is the minimum we should take into the field.
activity for six weeks.
antibiotics despite it being mandatory in such
Fortunes can change quickly in hunting –
instances. As such, my recovery was stunted by
nowhere more so than in Scotland. Above all,
the week of infection that promptly followed.
shoot straight and shoot safe.
What I hadn’t seen was a drainage ditch, about six feet deep, covered over with dead
98
www.countrysportscotland.com