This month Peter Jones takes a look at the sheer joy of stalking the Scottish Highlands.
("Scotland is capable of leaving an indelible imprint on the mind of anyone, who with rifle and beating heart, ventures out onto the opne hill")
As we go about our day-to-day lives, how often is it that we can truly say that one day is significantly better than any other and how many experiences are sufficiently impressive as to be truly embellished in our memory?
As a lover of the countryside and field sports, my first venture in search of Red Stag in the Scottish-highlands, was one such experience that has remained a vivid and treasured memory.
What has got me raving about Scotland? Well I was reminded of my own first infatuation with the highlands when I received a recent email from one of our readers, the email read as follows:
“I got inspired by one of your movies and recently took the Caledonian sleeper up to Scotland for a full day’s stalk...One of the best days of my life!!”. (Johan A).
One of the best days of his life no less! I don’t disbelieve him. Stalking in Scotland is perhaps one of the most exhilarating and memorable hunting experiences that I have had, anywhere in the world and September is one of the finest months to book. With the cooler days of early autumn, not only is the hunter spared the plague of biting midges, but a booking toward the end of the month during the start of the rut, also promises added drama, for it is at this time of year that the hunter is not only treated to the visual delight of the highlands but also the audible ‘roar’ of the Monarch of the Glen, as the UK’s largest wild animal proclaims his dominance of the hill.
No doubt, Scotland is the home of deer stalking, not only has stalking been a part of rural life here for generations, it is also the awe-inspiring scenery coupled with the sheer sense of occasion and tradition that paints a picture of drama and elation that is intoxicating and capable of leaving an indelible imprint on the mind of anyone, who with rifle and beating heart, ventures out onto the open hill.
Of course, October is also a fine time of year to book your trip, however for recreational stalkers who have limited availability, the joy of booking a trip during September is that it takes place during a lull in the activity of the other deer species. Roebuck are in repose in September after the mid-summer rut and until the first truly frosty days of autumn are upon us, Fallow buck are yet to establish their rutting stands.
At any rate, it matters not when you chose to go, as long as you go. Fill your mind’s eye with vivid, beautiful images of glorious days spent in the highlands rather than wish; ‘if only I had gone’.
As for myself, I will be taking the sleeper to the highlands again this year, albeit a little later, in November, when I will be stalking Red Hinds with the Capreolus Club in the breath-taking Glen Etive.
If you’d like to watch the film that inspired Johan to visit the highlands via the Caledonian sleeper then please take a look here: youtube.com/watch
As for our most recent film, before we turn our attention to the UK’s larger species of deer, we take one look back at some of the highlights of the mid-summer season. Follow this link to our short films page and our most recent film: 'Summer Deer Stalking' - Aug 18. short-films
IN Season in England & Wales: Roebuck, Fallow Buck, Red & Sika Stag, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind, CWD Buck & CWD Doe.
IN Season in Scotland: Roebuck, Red Stag, Sika Stag, Fallow Buck.
OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind.
(Peter Jones – Editor)
