In 2003 I spent three days deerstalking Red Deer in Royal Deeside and had the time of my life. This year I decided that I want to go back.

I called my Gamekeeper friend in Scotland and he painted a bleak picture of what is going on with the deer culling. He told me that a lot of the heards have been decimated. Some estates no longer have any deer. He told me stories of people shooting whole heards on estates with helicopters.

Is it really that bad? If I go back will I have a hard time shooting a stag?

The bad news: Deer are being hit quite hard in a few specific areas, especially grouse moors where they are essentially eradicated. They are also shot day and night on areas with newly planted forestry. When there is a hard winter, the deer leave the open hill and shelter in the commercial forestry where good stags are shot due to tree damage. This has affected certain estates quite badly.

The good news: There are still plenty of deer around and it is still the best deer stalking I have ever experienced. Prices are also quite affordable. I know a very good stalker on the Isle of Mull that I stalk with, if you need a contact.

All those years of game management being wiped out in one shot, what a shame!

I would be interested in your contact. My Gamekeeper friend is making some inquiries for me but having more options is always a good thing.

Thanks!

Brad

you might like to contact Kiri of Athina Hunting Tours who posts here as Fallow Buck.

If you anyone can find you something, he can and in the unlikely event he can't find you anything is Sconny Botland, I know he can offer you Portugal as one alternative at the very least.

One of the best value for money holidays you will ever have is to play "Lord of the Manor" for a week or so by renting one of the many Scottish estates that are on offer every year.
For a one off fee you get the shooting lodge and and the exclusive run of the place with salmon fishing,bird shooting and stalking. The different estates take different size parties so it can make a great family holiday. Best month would be September.
Check out any of the British sporting agents on line e.g. Strutt &parker, Mark Merison, Savilles, CKD etc. All will produce a brochure before the season so ask to be put on their mailing list.
I have done it several times with a group of friends and it is brilliant.
If you need any help just let me know.
Rob

May I ask what would be the appropriate tip for the stalker?

quote:

.... appropriate tip for the stalker? .....

..... plant your rice early and have your rifle sighted-in dead-on at 200 meters .....

j-frank,

Sorry, Pal, I was just complelled to do that ..... I'm sure you are referring to the "Ghillie"; your guide.

I'm not exactly a throw your money around kinda Guy simply because I believe a "Tip" is just that A Tip; for exceptional service above & beyond what is included in the Daily/Weekly rate & what would normally be expected.

On the other hand I have never been disappointed in Scotland when it comes to the Outfitter (never tipped as IMO he's already making a profit) or the Ghillies "Delivering the Goods" for the Client. Most are more than willing to rise to levels above their normal day to ensure the Client(s) are successful and have an enjoyable trip; especially after shooting a representative "Beast" and then a single or even a coupla Spikes (Pricketts) are offered to be added to the bag. Also they are especially grateful for a hunter (Stalker) who is a good shot and doesn't cause issues or make them incur extra work; especially the Ghillies who have alot of culling to do themselves and appreciate it when the Client can assist while we are on the Hill. Less work for them and we're having a great time Too.

I always figure 10%-20% of the Daily/Weekly rate minus the Trophy Fee if there is one and start/adjust from there depending on a myriad of factors that you "The Client" has to have a feel for also.

Many times the Ghillie has expressed an interest in the odd bit of Kit and receives such as part of their tip - with some cash also others striaght cash.

Hope (minus my humor) this helps.

Thanks Gerry! However, I hoped for something like "30 GBP" per day or similar.

OK then - circa GBP 50 per stag. A bit less for hinds, though I'm not sure why, the stalker usually works harder on a hind cull.

j-frank,

Violá, Boghossian has you sorted out!

If I shot 1 good Stag and 1-2 lesser Stags, I'd consider @ €uro 200,- so say, @ 150,- to 175,- English Pounds, and Bye-the-Bye, it's polite to make sure your tip is coin of the realm; a "royal" PITA for them to have to change curencies at their local Bank.

quote:

If I shot 1 good Stag and 1-2 lesser Stags, I'd consider @ €uro 200,- so say, @ 150,- to 175,- English Pounds, and Bye-the-Bye, it's polite to make sure your tip is coin of the realm; a "royal" PITA for them to have to change curencies at their local Bank.

In that case I have a couple stalkers I need to introduce you to!