99 days until I go Red DeerStalking in Scotland, but who is counting...

I cant wait to return to Scotland, just got a new pair of boots and am all ready; now I just have to be patient and wait.... This waiting is really hard.

Look forward to your report.....Scotland is on my short list of hunts for the next several years.

I know the feeling. Did you manage to source your plus fours? Add a good waterproof jacket and you are good to go.

Don't forget to pack your industrial strength midge repellant - I've been up there twice in the last couple of weeks stalking Roe bucks and the little biting bastards are out in force already.

Over on the east side, near Aberdeen, it was a bit better but on the west and in the borders, the combination of damp ground and warm air had the insect life baying for blood, particularly mid morning and early evening. The tick burden seems worse than ever too, so treat trouser cuffs, waistbands, shirt collars etc with Permethrin spray to keep them off as much as possible - although I've removed three from my chest in the last 24 hours, so it's not fool proof.

It's still some of the best stalking out there though - we've just taken on a new Reds / Roe / Wild Goat lease this year, so it looks like I'm going to be north of the border more than I'm at home now.

I am 73 days out for my trip to Southern England to hunt with Kiri and Adam for roe buck and muntjac. I am going crazy with the waiting as it is my first trip to England and I just can't wait.

Brad - are you after velvet stags in August?

quote:

Originally posted by David Culpepper:
I am 73 days out for my trip to Southern England to hunt with Kiri and Adam for roe buck and muntjac. I am going crazy with the waiting as it is my first trip to England and I just can't wait.

David,

Just to build your anticipation a bit further, the Roe buck season is in full swing here and the bucks are already chasing does around in the Borders - although this one won't be doing so any more...





It will be interesting to see when the Roe and Red ruts kick off this year, as everything here feels really late - the groups of stags on Glen Shee three weeks ago were mostly still in full antler with only the big fellows having cast. Around half the Roe bucks I glassed this weekend were still in velvet too.

Adam.

Yep I am set,

New Boots, Check
Wool Socks, Check
Gaiters, Check
Bespoke Plus Fours, Check
Tattersall Shirt, Check
Wool/Goretex Coat, Check
Deerstalker Hat, Check
Permethrin, Check
Deet for the Midges, Check

Impatience, Check Check and Double Check!!

Bog, I am going the first week of September, I am not sure if they will still be in velvet. It was the only time that I could book the trip so I took it.

I will be stalking for three days at Mar Lodge. I have requested that we use Garrons and keep it traditional (without vehicles). So far they have said that they can make that happen. I can’t wait to get on the hill again.

Thetford way the reds cast ages ago. I saw three yearling stags with 6 inches of velvet on Sunday morning. The big boys have a lot of velvet showing already.
Muntjac are slightly aseasonal but most of the big ones cast at the start of may - so you can expect anything trophy wise to be in velvet until mid September. I was lucky and shot two big boys just before they cast this year including a big medal buck.

quote:

Bog, I am going the first week of September, I am not sure if they will still be in velvet. It was the only time that I could book the trip so I took it.

They will be cleaned off by then, I got the maths wrong. Great scenery in those parts, you will have a good hunt stalking into batchelor herds before they break out for the rut.

Adam you are killing me, the wait all ready seems long enough and with you teasing me its just going to seem longer.

I will be stalking in scotland for red deer in august 16, one question guys, how many days do you consider fair for a succesful hunt?, I only booked 3 days.
Thanks a lot for you input.

quote:

Originally posted by MEXHUNT:
I will be stalking in scotland for red deer in august 16, one question guys, how many days do you consider fair for a succesful hunt?, I only booked 3 days.
Thanks a lot for you input.

you will shot a stag every day on a good estate in scotland. Mid august is a bit early but on a 3 day hunt you will have no problems at all to get a stag.

Thank you very much Caracal.

quote:

Originally posted by MEXHUNT:
I will be stalking in scotland for red deer in august 16, one question guys, how many days do you consider fair for a succesful hunt?, I only booked 3 days.
Thanks a lot for you input.

What Estate will you be on?

East Haugh hotel made the arrangements for the hunt, I do not know the name of the Estate, but I understand is a good place near the hotel.

Looks like a nice place, the only estate the I know in the area is Blair Athol, Should be a great hunt for you. I will be roughly 20 miles north east of you on Mar Lodge in Breamar (staying in Banchory). If you are at all like me you will fall in love with Scotland after your hunt and keep going back.

Cheers and have a good Stalk!

quote:

Originally posted by MEXHUNT:
East Haugh hotel made the arrangements for the hunt, I do not know the name of the Estate, but I understand is a good place near the hotel.

I stayed at East Haugh hotel (quite) a few years ago and took my first highland stag on a day they organised. The food will be spectacular and the Perthshire sporting estates are loaded with deer so I wouldn't worry about seeing animals.

Many thanks Guys, I feel more confident now with your input, I hope Everything goes nicelly this will be the first time I take my wife along on a trip involving hunting, I tried to cover every angle so she would become a partner in arms for here on, actally the hotel and arrangements of the hunt were made thinking in her first, if I get the huntings gods to touch her soul, the life I have always pursued will be reachable. My last two hunting trips I traveled alone and my wife and young kids are starting to feel left behind, I think many are on my same spot trying to work it out.

quote:

Originally posted by Brad Hinn:
Yep I am set,

New Boots, Check
Wool Socks, Check
Gaiters, Check
Bespoke Plus Fours, Check
Tattersall Shirt, Check
Wool/Goretex Coat, Check
Deerstalker Hat, Check
Permethrin, Check
Deet for the Midges, Check

Impatience, Check Check and Double Check!!

Bog, I am going the first week of September, I am not sure if they will still be in velvet. It was the only time that I could book the trip so I took it.

I will be stalking for three days at Mar Lodge. I have requested that we use Garrons and keep it traditional (without vehicles). So far they have said that they can make that happen. I can’t wait to get on the hill again.

You forgot the midge hood - best way of keeping the midges away. Cigars / pipe also works well. New boots - make sure they are well broken in, or bring your old boots - nothing worse than having new boots and blisters -will ruin your day.

Mex, I am in the same situation as you. I will be going on this trip with my wife and two young children (8 & 6) and I planned the trip around them. Out of the three week vacation I will be stalking for three days and the rest is about them. We are staying quite a distance from the estate because we know the area and it is comfortable for my wife and kids. My wife gave me the option of going alone but I wanted to have them there.


Patrick,


I just got back in from a walk in my new boots. I walk about a mile in them every night. So hopefully they will be well broken in by the time I need to go.

Cheers!

Good luck my friend I hope you have a great trip

Hope you guys have a good time. The landscape is wonderful and full of deer. I am sure the families will enjoy the old villages etc.
Be arware that, the beer is horrible and the midges are terrible

August a few years back

Caracal, What estate is that? Where was the picture taken?

The beer may be horrible but the single malts make up for it

Good luck Brad I will be departing tomorrow, I hope you have a great trip.

Thanks! You too

I have all my stalking gear packed and ready to go, cant wait.

Have a wee dram for me!

4 More Days and I am heading to Scotland!

I cant wait!