Hunts in Scotland
Hunt with our Friends - Hunts in Scotland
Are you looking for species not available with our BC guided hunts? Hunt with our friends in Scotland.
Hunts in Scotland offer a rich and diverse experience, steeped in tradition and set against the backdrop of some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. From the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands to the rugged terrain of the Highlands, Scotland provides a unique and challenging environment for hunters of all levels.
The iconic red stag is perhaps Scotland’s most sought-after game species. Red stag hunting in the Scottish Highlands is a truly unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of the hunt with breathtaking scenery. The stalking season for red deer stags typically runs from July 1st to October 20th, with hind hunting extending into the winter months.
Grouse shooting is another cornerstone of Scottish hunting tradition. The red grouse, found on heather moorlands, offers fast and challenging shooting. The grouse season begins on the “Glorious Twelfth” of August and runs until December 10th. Scotland’s carefully managed grouse moors not only provide excellent hunting opportunities but also contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.
Scotland is also renowned for its driven pheasant shoots, particularly in the Lowlands. These meticulously organized events are a testament to Scotland’s long-standing hunting heritage and offer a social aspect to the hunting experience.
For those seeking a unique challenge, wild goat hunting in the Scottish islands and remote coastal areas provides an exciting pursuit. These feral goats, descendants of domestic stock, offer a true test of a hunter’s skills in rugged terrain.
Roe deer stalking is popular throughout Scotland, with the season for bucks running from April 1st to October 20th, and does from October 21st to March 31st. This smaller deer species provides an excellent introduction to deer stalking for novice hunters.
Scotland’s hunting industry plays a crucial role in rural economies and conservation efforts. Many estates engage in active land management practices that benefit both game species and overall biodiversity. The income generated from hunting helps sustain these conservation efforts and supports local communities.
Whether you’re pursuing a majestic red stag in the Highlands, experiencing the thrill of a grouse shoot, or stalking roe deer in lowland forests, hunting in Scotland offers an unparalleled combination of sport, tradition, and natural beauty.
To connect with us about our hunts in Scotland, design your custom hunt and let us know your interest
Red Stag Hunt
The red stag, the male of the red deer species, is Scotland’s largest land mammal and a prized trophy for hunts in Scotland. These majestic creatures offer an exhilarating stalking experience in the Scottish Highlands.
Specs: Adult stags weigh 350-550 lbs and stand 42-53 inches tall at the shoulder. They sport impressive antlers that can reach 45 inches in length and weigh up to 11 lbs.
Size: Body length ranges from 70-98 inches, making them significantly larger than hinds (females).
Season: The main hunting season for stags runs from July 1st to October 20th, with the rut peaking in October.
Locations: Red stag are found across Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, Dumfriesshire, and the southwest.
About the hunt: Stalking is the primary hunting method, requiring stealth and skill in challenging terrain.
Behaviours: Stags are solitary or form bachelor groups outside the rut. During the breeding season, they become territorial and vocal.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Red deer graze on grasses and browse on woody plants, adapting their diet seasonally. They may move to lower elevations in winter.
Management: Conservation practices include sustainable culling and habitat management to maintain ecological balance and healthy deer populations.
Roe Deer Hunt
The Roe Deer is one of the most widespread game species for hunts in Scotland, offering excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters. These small, graceful deer provide a challenging and rewarding hunt in diverse Scottish landscapes.
Specs: Adults weigh 22-77 lbs. Bucks grow small, typically six-point antlers that are shed annually.
Size: Shoulder height ranges from 24-26 inches, with a body length of 37-53 inches.
Season: The hunting season for bucks runs from April 1st to October 20th, while does can be hunted from October 21st to March 31st.
Locations: Roe deer are found throughout Scotland in woodlands, farmland, and even urban areas.
About the hunt: Stalking is the primary hunting method, requiring stealth and patience. Hunters often use binoculars to spot these elusive animals in their habitat. The challenge lies in their speed and ability to quickly disappear into cover.
Behaviours: Roe deer are typically solitary or found in small family groups. They are most active during dawn and dusk, and become more social during the rutting season in July and August.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet primarily consists of grass, leaves, berries, and young shoots. Feeding habits change with the seasons, with increased browsing in winter.
Management: Sustainable management practices aim to prevent overpopulation and protect habitats. Hunting quotas are carefully set to maintain healthy populations while providing quality hunting opportunities.
Sika Deer Hunt
The Sika Deer, an introduced species from Asia, has become a popular game animal for hunts in Scotland, offering hunters a unique and challenging pursuit in diverse habitats.
Specs: Males weigh around 90 lbs and stand about 25-35 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are smaller, weighing around 70 pounds. Their coat colour varies from reddish-brown in summer to dark brown or black in winter with white spots.
Size: Average body length is approximately 35-70 in.
Season: The hunting season for stags runs from July 1st to October 20th, while hinds can be hunted from October 21st to February 15th.
Locations: Sika deer are commonly found in northern and western mainland Scotland, particularly in deciduous and mixed woodlands, and marshy areas.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include stealthy movement and scouting. Sika deer are secretive and more active at night, making the hunt particularly challenging.
Behaviours: Sika deer are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. Males are often solitary outside of the breeding season, while females may form small groups.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet includes grasses, shrubs, and agricultural crops. Feeding habits vary seasonally, with increased browsing in winter.
Management: Conservation practices involve managing populations through hunting to prevent overpopulation and ecological damage. Sustainable hunting practices ensure healthy populations while providing quality hunting experiences.
Fallow Deer Hunt
The Fallow Deer, known for its distinctive palmate antlers and spotted coat, offers an attractive hunting opportunity for hunts in Scotland. These elegant deer provide both a challenging hunt and a prized trophy.
Specs: Males weigh 130-220 lbs, while females weigh 66-110 lbs. Bucks grow large, palmate antlers that are shed annually.
Size: Body length ranges from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ft, with a shoulder height of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 ft.
Season: The hunting season for bucks typically runs from August 1st to April 30th, while does can be hunted from October 21st to February 15th.
Locations: Fallow deer are commonly found in Perthshire and Stirlingshire, often in managed estates or large parks.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include stalking, hide hunting, and spot-and-stalk techniques. The hunt can be challenging due to the deer’s adaptability and behavior.
Behaviours: Fallow deer are gregarious, with does forming stable groups while males roam separately outside the mating season. They are most active at dawn and dusk.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet consists of grasses, herbs, leaves, and fruits. Feeding habits vary seasonally, with increased browsing in winter.
Management: As an introduced species, fallow deer are carefully managed in Scotland. Hunting regulations aim to maintain healthy populations while preventing ecological impacts. Regular culling ensures sustainable populations and quality hunting opportunities.
Red Grouse Hunt
The Red Grouse is an iconic Scottish game bird, offering one of the most challenging and prestigious shooting experiences in the world. These fast-flying birds provide exhilarating hunts in Scotland in heather moorlands.
Specs: Weight ranges from 1 – 1 1/2 lbs, with a length of 14-17 inches and a wingspan of 21-25 inches. They have distinctive reddish-brown plumage and a red comb over the eye.
Size: Average length is between 14 and 17 inches.
Season: The grouse shooting season runs from August 12th (the “Glorious Twelfth”) to December 10th.
Locations: Red grouse are commonly found in heather moorlands across Scotland, including Orkney and Shetland.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include driven shooting, stalking, and placing butts. The challenge lies in the bird’s speed and the often difficult terrain.
Behaviours: Red grouse are typically solitary, with males being territorial and engaging in drumming displays to attract females.
Diet & Seasonal Range: They primarily feed on heather shoots, seeds, and berries. Their diet changes seasonally, with a heavy reliance on heather during winter months.
Management: Conservation practices include habitat management through controlled burning and predator control. These efforts ensure sustainable grouse populations while maintaining the tradition of grouse shooting in Scotland.
Pheasant Hunt
The Pheasant is one of the most popular game birds for hunts in Scotland, offering exciting shooting opportunities and a longstanding hunting tradition. These colourful birds provide challenging sport in diverse Scottish landscapes.
Specs: Males have a body length of 27 to 35 inches and weigh 1 3/4 to 3 1/2 lbs. Females are slightly smaller.
Size: Males measure 30 to 36 inches in length, while females are 21 to 25 inches.
Season: The pheasant shooting season runs from October 1st to February 1st.
Locations: Pheasants are found throughout Scotland in woodlands, hedgerows, field margins, and open farmland.
About the hunt: Driven shooting is a common method, where beaters drive birds towards shooters. The challenge lies in the birds’ evasive behaviours and fast, erratic flight.
Behaviours: Pheasants are social and live in flocks. They forage on the ground and roost in trees at night, making them an interesting quarry for hunters.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet includes seeds, leaves, fruits, and insects, varying seasonally based on availability. Pheasants don’t migrate but may move locally to find food.
Management: Conservation practices focus on sustainable management and habitat restoration to support biodiversity. Many estates engage in pheasant rearing to supplement wild populations and ensure quality shooting opportunities.
Partridge Hunt
Both the native Grey Partridge and the introduced Red-Legged Partridge are popular game birds for hunts in Scotland, offering challenging and exciting shooting opportunities in diverse habitats.
Specs: Partridges have a length of 11-13 inches and weigh 11-21 oz.
Size: Average length is 11-13 inches.
Season: The partridge shooting season runs from September 1st to January 31st.
Locations: Partridges are found in lowland farmland, grasslands, and agricultural areas across Scotland.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include driven shooting and walked-up shooting. The challenge lies in the birds’ quick flight and ability to hide in vegetation.
Behaviours: Partridges are social birds that live in coveys. They are primarily diurnal and engage in courtship displays during the breeding season.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet includes seeds, grains, and insects. Partridges do not migrate but adapt to seasonal changes in food availability.
Management: Conservation efforts focus on habitat management and predator control to ensure sustainable populations. Partridge shooting is carefully regulated to maintain healthy bird numbers while providing quality hunting experiences.
Ptarmigan Hunt
The Ptarmigan offers a unique and challenging upland bird hunting experience for hunts in Scotland in high mountain environments. These elusive birds provide an exciting pursuit for dedicated hunters willing to brave the harsh alpine conditions.
Specs: Ptarmigans have a length of 13-14 inches, a wingspan of 21-23 inches, and weigh 14-22 oz.
Size: 13-14 inches in length.
Season: The ptarmigan hunting season runs from August 12th to December 10th.
Locations: Ptarmigans are found in the Scottish Highlands, typically above the treeline in rocky, mountainous areas.
About the hunt: Hunting involves careful scouting and teamwork to flush birds from cover. Ptarmigans can be easily spooked and often fly low to the ground, making for a challenging shot.
Behaviours: Ptarmigans form flocks during certain seasons and establish social hierarchies. They exhibit sophisticated predator avoidance strategies, including their famous ability to change plumage color with the seasons.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their winter diet consists mainly of willow buds and twigs, while the summer diet includes more diverse vegetation. Ptarmigans don’t migrate but may move to slightly lower elevations in harsh weather.
Management: Conservation efforts focus on sustainable hunting practices and habitat management due to the ptarmigan’s vulnerable status. Hunting quotas are carefully set to ensure the long-term survival of these unique alpine birds.
Wild Goat Hunt
The Wild Goat offers a distinctive experience for hunting in Scotland in rugged landscapes. While not a traditional game animal, wild goat hunting provides a unique challenge for those seeking something different.
Specs: Males stand 24-29 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 130 lbs. Females are slightly smaller, standing 22-24 inches and weighing about 120 lbs.
Size: Average height is 24-29 inches cm, with an average weight of 100-130 lbs.
Season: Wild goat hunting is typically permitted year-round, as they are considered a non-native species requiring management.
Locations: Wild goats can be found in the Scottish Highlands, Galloway Forest Park, and Rum National Nature Reserve.
About the hunt: Hunting methods often involve culling and population management rather than trophy hunting. The rugged terrain and the goats’ agility make for a challenging pursuit.
Behaviours: Wild goats have a complex social structure that includes strong maternal bonds. Males and females typically live separately outside the breeding season.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet consists of grasses, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, varying seasonally based on availability. Wild goats don’t migrate but may move to different elevations seasonally.
Management: Population control through culling and contraceptive measures is essential to protect habitats and native species. Sustainable management practices aim to balance goat numbers with ecological considerations.
Woodcock Hunt
The Woodcock provides an exciting and challenging upland bird hunting opportunity for hunts in Scotland in woodlands. These elusive birds are prized for their sporty flight and the skill required to hunt them successfully.
Specs: Woodcocks measure 10 to 12 inches in length, weigh 5 to 8 ounces and have a wingspan of 16 to 19 inches.
Size: Length is 10 to 12 inches and wingspan is 16 to 19 inches.
Season: The woodcock shooting season runs from September 1st to January 31st.
Locations: Woodcocks are found in woodlands with dense undergrowth, particularly in moist areas across Scotland.
About the hunt: Hunting is challenging due to the woodcock’s small size and fast, erratic flight. Success often requires experienced hunters and well-trained bird dogs.
Behaviours: Woodcocks are crepuscular, being most active at dawn and dusk. They exhibit a unique rocking behavior while walking, which helps them detect prey.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Woodcocks primarily feed on earthworms (60% of diet) and insects. Their diet may include plant seeds during late summer. Some woodcocks migrate to Scotland for the winter, while others are resident year-round.
Management: Conservation practices include habitat management, creating young forests, and controlling deer populations to maintain suitable woodcock habitats. Sustainable hunting practices ensure healthy populations while providing quality shooting opportunities.
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5% of every hunt goes towards
conservation initiatives in the Chilcotin Ark
