Greetings to all from along time lurker. Ive been invited to an estate in Scotland wher i understand there are many Roe deer mostly shot(and quite frequently) as garden pests. I am not a hunter but my son (15 years old, and pretty sucsessful on the local whitetails) is and I wonder what are the legalities of his hunting and the return of of some kind of trophies. Graham

Graham,

If your son was going to be accompanied by British stalker who held a current Firearms Certificate, (as he would) there should not be a problem with your son borrowing a rifle and bagging a roe or two. No other paper work is required ie no drawings or tags. Borrowing a rifle in such circumstances (it is known as the Estate Rifle facility)is allowed by our laws and there is usually no extra fee on top of the stalking fee already charged.

If your son wants to bring a rifle over, that is a different matter and he would need a visitors firearm permit. This is usually arranged by the person you are stalking with, its very little hassle and probably costs under $50...however, I am not 100% sure if you can get one for a minor..it might have to be in your name.

I am not sure about exporting the trophy. There is no problem this end, but you would have to check on the paperwork required State side. Most guys over here skin and boil out the trophies themselves and is usual that if you book a few days stalking that the Stalker will do it for you for a small tip (say a bottle of decent scotch or similar) before you leave. However, when it is done like that you get no paperwork so I am guessing that might cause you problems State side. Getting a local taxidermist to do the job and the dip and ship it would get around this, but would probably be quite expensive..When and where in Scotland are going?

Regards,

Pete

I just looked at the Deer uk website and a question regarding "estate rifle facility."
The legal duo there state the user must be 17 years old. How widely known or followed such a rule is, I can only guess!

sorry this took so long but it did,I will be going to the area northeast of Oban on a loch That I cannot recall the name of and my atlas is not very good. From the loch to the foothills of the Grampian Mts. any info about the area woul be very much appreciated. Graham

Pipes,
Speak with the people you are staying with.
If they are unsure ask for the the estate factor or stalker.
They are used to USA guests and should know the score.
Stalking in the Scottish highlands is MASSIVE.
The only bag limit is the size of your wallet.

Tans,

I double checked this in my copy of "Deer: Law and Liability" and its does state that the Estate rifle facility is only open to people 17 year of age and older. However, a bit further on under general age restrictions, it says something like that children aged 14 and over can use a firearm if in the presence and under the supervision of an adult, providing of course he has an FAC and the correct conditions. So perhaps if the rifle & FAC belongs to the Stalker in question rather than the Estate, a 16 year old would be ok?? Anyways, knowing the Scots and their "practical approach" to such issues, I very much doubt there would be a problem for the lad Of course a quick phone call or email to the Stalker concerned would clarify as suggested.

Graham,

I need to take a look at a map to see where your stalking but i stalk about 20 miles west of Aberdeen..If you are coming in our summer and intend going out in the hills/forest on foot, beware the scottish midge! These buggers will eat you alive in short order. I would recommend your son has a full, fine mesh headnet net and covers his hands ect with gloves. Also a set of binos around the 8x30 or 7x42 range will let him participate fully in the stalking.

Regards,

Pete

[ 07-07-2003, 16:20: Message edited by: Pete E ]

midge page

Yeah, ever stand in a PT formation in Panama the day before they spray for sand fleas?

Paul