Hello folks,

I'm looking for suggestions for a day or two of hunting this October in Scotland. Since I've spent exactly 1 day stalking hinds and my wife has never been in the country, everything sounds good. Our plans are pretty vague , but a few ideas are forming. We'll be spending our time roughly between Stirling and Inverness (the north will wait for another trip) My wife and I would both like to go after some birds. I'd like to get out with a rifle. My wife just bought her first hunting rifle and is unsure if she would join me or go fishing.

I'm really fishing for ideas for a fun hunt for people who take their hunting seriously. Trophy quality is not a priority really (and a good thing given the time we've got) and neither is luxury, though I'll take both if the hunting is good.

Thanks in advance and sorry for leaving such a broad question.

Dean

Halfway on the road between both cities, you'll see a magnificent white castle, Blair Atholl. An immense and fantastic estate, with red deer all over the place (spotting about 700-800 a day is not unusual). I've stalked the estate 5-6 times and lost my heart over there. The hunting is as rough as the landscape and you better be prepared physically. Not cheap but quality all the way. Here are a few pics from my trips :

Hi Maki,

Personally if I was you I would go for the stalking and bin the fishing. The fishing is not as good as the shooting by a long way.

I would say that some walked up grouse would be a great day out or driven if you r pocket can take the strain!!! Alternatively some estates offer hill partridges which can be great fun and better value. Pheasants will also be in season and a mixed driven day would be a great experience for you both if you have not done it before.

On the stalking front most good estates will get you out ont the stags weather permitting. Having stalked hinds you will apreciate the terrain and have an idea of the process involved.

Hope that helps,

FB

Fishing not good ? I wouldn't say so. In Blair Atholl estate, having shot in 2 days the 4 stags I booked, I went angling in the Tilt river where I caught a 20 lbs. salmon.

Hey Andre,

Well done on the salmon but I don't think many fish like that will come out each year, although I may just have been going to the wrong beats. I suppose it is always worth talking to the ghillie and seeing what he says.

FB

Most often, talking to the ghillie is not enough. But then, a tip may work wonders...

Maki,

You have a PM

John

Andre,

Thank you for your help. Having looked into Blair Atholl, I can see why you've fallen for the place. While they seem geared towards larger groups and longer stays, I've contacted them for mork information.

Thanks again,
Dean