Roe Deer Stalking

A recent survey has shown that Scotland, famed for its red deer, has now a greater number of roe deer using its forests and woods than their bigger relative.  In fact, it is extremely difficult to estimate the true numbers as the breed is very secretive, but best guesses indicate over 400,000 and growing.

Deer managers and estates are now taking their roe deer stalking seriously and are building up substantial herd records in an effort to increase quality. Estate-employed stalkers are highly qualified personnel who accompany visitors during their stay in Scotland and who will guide and select appropriate animals for the rifle.

Although most visitors will prefer to bring and use their own rifles, it is possible to borrow and use an estate rifle provided it is used in the presence of the stalker. Arrangements to import a rifle into the UK are undertaken by a Sporting Agent or by an individual estate on behalf of the visitor.

Roe deer stalking is unlike open hill red deer stalking; it is conducted mostly at dawn and dusk when deer are moving to and from cover into feeding areas. The stalk itself is conducted on foot and requires great stealth and patience - as the sense of smell and the eyesight of a roe are acute, great care is needed and very often a shot has to be taken with an incomplete view of the target. Shooting from a high seat is also common with seats placed to overlook deer paths or feeding points.

The cost of roe stalking is not high in Scotland although trophy charges are about average; it is increasingly popular for mainland Europeans who find their own stalking opportunities are limited. With the growth in roe numbers over recent years and the increase in forestry cover in the country, it is inevitable that roe stalking here will also prosper.

Red Deer Stalking

Scotland's red deer stag stalking is usually conducted on open hill ground, usually above 1500 feet but often higher, in the months of July to October; hinds are shot in the winter months when the days are short and the weather a serious hindrance. Both require full commitment and stamina in the climb to the herd areas, the selection, while spying, of a suitable beast, and the subsequent extended concealed stalk with the final approach on elbows and knees.

Scotland's red deer herd is estimated to be about 300,000 and its management is in the hands of individual estate owners who are formed into Deer Management Groups which, in turn, are guided by the Deer Commission in Inverness. The annual cull of stags and hinds is aimed to keep the national herd in balance and within its winter feed capability but there is some pressure from conservationists to reduce the herd.

Inevitably there are some effects on vegetation from the browsing of red deer which alter habitats: as Scotland has always boasted a strong red deer population, these changes have happened over a long period and produced a traditional deer forest which is not a forest at all but well grazed hill.

Although Scottish hill stags are not heavy, trophy beasts are common and heads are some of the most attractive in the world. However, it is not in the trophy that the memory of Scottish hill stalking stays in the mind: it is the wilderness environment in which it takes place with its stunning vistas of mountain and loch. It is the proof of fieldcraft which allows a close approach to a selected beast which gives satisfaction and the marksmanship which ensures a clean kill.

These are the things which make hill stalking special.