Stag hunting in Scotland

‘Small steps are the secret to making it through the Highlands,’ says our partner and professional stalker Graham. ’Guest hunters tend to do the opposite uphill, but the bigger the stride, the heavier their breathing sounds. I am happy to share that good advice with them, but not right away,’ he continues with a smile. ’Whoever comes here should feel the Scottish hills and mountains in every muscle.’

The 40-year-old has been guiding hunters uphill since he was 12 years old. “Field sports are deeply rooted in our culture. It’s how we’re brought up as children.” On Scotland’s west coast and an hour north of the capital Edinburgh, Graham manages three beautiful estates where 120 stags are bagged every year.

“Of course there are hills, but also forests – the terrain is rich and varied. Aside from red deer, we also have strong roebucks, sika and fallow deer. The total area is 24,000 acres, which is almost 10,000 hectares.”

Hunting season

The Scottish stag hunting season runs from 1 July to 20 October, with a peak during the last two to three weeks. Graham: “At the beginning of October, deer testosterone courses through the Highlands. This is when the Scottish deer hunting season is all about the rut.

For our team of five stalkers, this is the busiest but also the most beautiful time of the year. Chasing roaring stags uphill is an incredibly intense experience that we wouldn’t want to miss a single day of.”

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Travel details

By plane, you will land at either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport in one-and-a-half to two hours, depending on the estate where you’ll be hunting. We will arrange for you to be picked up there. If you want to visit Loch Lomond, Edinburgh Castle or a famous whisky distillery, you can also rent a car to explore the country after the hunt.

You have a choice of various accommodations. There are several charming inns close to the hunting ground, as well as hotels ranging from 3 to 5 stars. For a hundred pounds a night, you can sleep in a cosy B&B and in addition to breakfast. You will also be served a hot supper.

One of the advantages of daytime hunting is that you don’t have to get up early. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be picked up by your guide between 8:30 and 9:00 am. The hunt can begin, game on!

Graham as well as his four team members are seasoned stalkers – familiar with the terrain and the ways of the Scottish stags. Chances are you’ll see more deer than you ever thought possible. Opportunities will come, guaranteed.