Red Deer Stalking
Red deer are the largest and undoubtedly the most regal of all British mammals, the stags thundering roar a common sound resonating across the glens during the rutting season. They are found in many areas of the Scottish highlands, their numbers now managed to prevent over-population and most estates - often in consultation with the Deer Commission for Scotland - must maintain a certain number of deer in their beat to ensure the health and sustainability of the herd and their fragile habitat. At the estates selected by Country Ways Sportings for our guests, this is largely accomplished through traditional stalking parties.

Some Estates have also managed to maintain the tradition of using Highland Ponies to retrieve deer from the hill as they are both more adept than vehicles when crossing particular terrain and more sympathetic to the peace and serenity of the environment. In some cases however, it is more appropriate to use the modern method of off-road vehicles, depending on the ground and weather conditions. 

Roe Deer Stalking
Roe deer stalking for hinds or bucks generally occurs in lower farmland, with a mixture of dense woodlands and rugged pastures providing the ideal habitat for this species of deer. These lands are carefully managed by landowners, often through the provision of forestry plantations and careful management of the wild deer population. 

Typically, our stalking parties include a guest and a head stalker. In the case of red deer stalking there may also 'pony man' to lead the 'Garron' (Highland Pony) off the hill with the deer on its back. Any equipment can be provided, and guests will be given full instruction on using the rifle safely throughout the day. 

Stalking can be carried out over one or more days, often on a weekly let basis, with 1 to 4 outings per day depending on the estate and their facilities.  Accommodation can be arranged on your behalf in one of the estate lodges or local hotels and Country Ways Sportings can also provide catering, from full Scottish breakfasts to luxury picnics and candle lit dinner parties of fine cuisine to complement your visit to Scotland.

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