Here are some pics from this years Red Grouse hunt. We got to meet some new AR members, hear some jokes that will scar me make me chuckle when I remember them, and on top of it all we got to shoot the wild red grouse driven to the guns on the Scottish moors.

It was my first time of driven grouse shooting and I have to say I am completely addicted and already planning next years return visit

I took my 16 bore Holland hammer gun out for nostalgias sake and dig showed us all up with trusty rusty again....

Enjoy






















More Pics on their way

Queen Victorias Railway Station built to service Balmoral

Some more photographs of the week:

Thanks for the pictures. I just love the looks of a hammer shotgun. A grouse hunt is on my bucket list.

You folks do it in style!!! Thanks for posting!

Hey Matt,

They aren't all like this one for luxury, but this one was very nice indeed.

Just booked next years week in the castle. I could get used to that lifestyle.

K

Man, I love those pics! And such natty attire... you gents know how to do things right in the ol' UK. Hunting red grouse on the moors has to be on everyone's bucket list!

I had the pleasure of meeting Dig in Texas at Joseph's Vintage Guns. He had some beautiful shotguns there...

Bwana,

They are indeed a lovely collection. I bought them from Cyril Adams a couple of years ago. I think it was 80 guns in total. The sad thing is I would like, to keep them all but slowly they are finding new homes with people that will hopefully use them for their intended purpose.

I should know later this week but I think Guy at G&H will be taking them on his show travels in the new year.

I have kept two or three to one side though that will be coming home with me!!

K

Great photos, thanks for posting.

Is that a Stephen Grant Side lever Hammer gun ?

Nope, that's my Holland 16bore side lever.

We had three Grants in a while back but not sure if there are any left. They don't hang about long!!

K

Beautiful guns and scenery.

Real nostalgia - classic guns, classic game & classic attire!

I love the picture in the mist - just like from the books 100 years ago!

A few more pictures from that week...the group of Red deer in the 4th picture popped out of a gully about 80 yards in front of our grouse butt*

















* I guess grouse butt is one of those phrases that struggles to cross the Atlantic, a bit like Faggots and Fanny packs...

Looks like everyone had a grand time..

thanks for the great pics and commentary. Just wondering, how are the drivers selected? Are they paid, sort of like trackers in Africa? Or volunteers?

Joester,

Some of those guys were veteran hill runners. You would not believe the distances they covered each drive to blank in the coveys and get them to go through the buts.

I must admit to being very pleased at being on the standing side of the operation!!

Most beaters are locals that do it for fun, or local keepers all helping each other as mates. There were probably 20 beaters out each day with flags and another 10-15 on the picking up team.

K

They don't come much tougher than grouse beaters - 10-12 miles a day, rain or shine, across really tough terrain - up and down 1:3 gradients, waist high heather, scree, bogs and peat hags - all for £45 to £55 a day (which is now taxed!) or a bit more if they bring a trained dog to pick up fallen birds.

They are usually a mix of local lads, students, retired guys and low-waged under keepers on loan from other estates. Lots of them will beat on several estates with some doing 6 days a week at the height of the grouse season.

COOL HUNT Adam and Kiri...and the photos very picturesque...enjoyed them all very much