To preface, this was indeed a rifle hunt...I’m happy to report my trip across the Atlantic has was an enjoyable one, capped with a successful “stalk” as they say in Scotland. We landed in Glasgow at 7:30 in the morning last Tuesday (Sept 11th) and made our way west about 3 hours to the estate. The country is really something to see…it’s just beautiful. The first 2 days we were greeted with heavy fog and a steady rain/mist, making for tough hunting conditions. In fact, they get so much rain that the ground stays constantly saturated. When you’re out walking around in the hills, it’s like walking a mushy sponge the entire time. Some of the guys who have hunted in Alaska said it’s very much like tundra. On Friday the weather finally broke and we were able to get in a good stalk on decent stag (see attachments).
After some maneuvering, we were able to close the distance to 220 yards (per the range finder) to a small knoll where I could set-up in prone position. At first, my guide was not too crazy about making the shot on a bedded animal. But after reassuring him I was completely “sandbagged” in using my backpack and fanny pack, I made the shot. Fortunately, the stag simply layed over after putting the shot right where it counted. I used a 7MM Mag shooting a 165 gr. bullet. According to the scales at the skinning shed, he came in right at 285 lbs., field dressed. Let me tell, it was a bit of work to get this guy loaded up!
The hunting or “stalking” is very traditional and gentleman-like. We didn’t start hunting each day until around 9:30 or 10:00 and were back at the castle with ample time for a bath before dinner at 7:30 each evening. The guidelines for a successful stalk are the manner in which the stalk was conducted and the size of the “beast”, not the size of its antlers. They do not shoot animals from the vehicle and do not take running shots at “jumped” animals under any circumstances. The accommodations were first rate as well as the service. If you ever wanted a trip to combine hunting and a vacation with your wife or significant other, I would highly recommend this one.
We finished up the week with a few days of sightseeing in Edinburgh. Wow, what a beautiful city. We landed in San Antonio yesterday at 5:15, but luggage didn’t arrive until around 9:00 (*ugh*). Finally got on the road shortly thereafter and pulled into Monterrey around 3:30 this morning. The 25 hour travel day is a first-rate beating, for sure!
The people on the trip were a group of non-related friends put together by Kim & Robyn Hicks, who produce the hunting show Hunting 201 (www.hunting201.com). Kim is a buddy of mine whom I used to guide with when I was a co-op student working for Wildlife Systems. Kim & Robyn of course filmed a show, which will air sometime in the Spring or Summer of 2008. They also hunted here 2 years ago and that show can be seen on the “My Outdoor TV” website (http://www.myoutdoortv.com/index.php...338&Itemid=34). This is a direct link to their section of the site.
Click on “Watch This Show”, a new window will pop-up and scroll down to what should be the 9th show entitled “Vol.2 Scotland Red Stag (22:48)”. There are I think 2 commercial segments, but you can Fast Forward if you like. They’re short anyway, so you might not. This will give you a very accurate look at what our trip was like this year. Kim & Robyn produce a very, very well-put together show. You won’t see Kim standing in front of the camera for 90% of the show pimping his sponsors, talking about absolutely nothing, practical jokes on the cameraman, or cheesy product commercials with him on the back of camel telling you to buy the latest & greatest hunting gadget. It’s a real deal hunting show, which I think clearly stands above most. I’m certainly not trying to over promote just because Kim is a good friend, but I think you’ll agree after watching.
Anyway, enjoy the pics!
After some maneuvering, we were able to close the distance to 220 yards (per the range finder) to a small knoll where I could set-up in prone position. At first, my guide was not too crazy about making the shot on a bedded animal. But after reassuring him I was completely “sandbagged” in using my backpack and fanny pack, I made the shot. Fortunately, the stag simply layed over after putting the shot right where it counted. I used a 7MM Mag shooting a 165 gr. bullet. According to the scales at the skinning shed, he came in right at 285 lbs., field dressed. Let me tell, it was a bit of work to get this guy loaded up!
The hunting or “stalking” is very traditional and gentleman-like. We didn’t start hunting each day until around 9:30 or 10:00 and were back at the castle with ample time for a bath before dinner at 7:30 each evening. The guidelines for a successful stalk are the manner in which the stalk was conducted and the size of the “beast”, not the size of its antlers. They do not shoot animals from the vehicle and do not take running shots at “jumped” animals under any circumstances. The accommodations were first rate as well as the service. If you ever wanted a trip to combine hunting and a vacation with your wife or significant other, I would highly recommend this one.
We finished up the week with a few days of sightseeing in Edinburgh. Wow, what a beautiful city. We landed in San Antonio yesterday at 5:15, but luggage didn’t arrive until around 9:00 (*ugh*). Finally got on the road shortly thereafter and pulled into Monterrey around 3:30 this morning. The 25 hour travel day is a first-rate beating, for sure!
The people on the trip were a group of non-related friends put together by Kim & Robyn Hicks, who produce the hunting show Hunting 201 (www.hunting201.com). Kim is a buddy of mine whom I used to guide with when I was a co-op student working for Wildlife Systems. Kim & Robyn of course filmed a show, which will air sometime in the Spring or Summer of 2008. They also hunted here 2 years ago and that show can be seen on the “My Outdoor TV” website (http://www.myoutdoortv.com/index.php...338&Itemid=34). This is a direct link to their section of the site.
Click on “Watch This Show”, a new window will pop-up and scroll down to what should be the 9th show entitled “Vol.2 Scotland Red Stag (22:48)”. There are I think 2 commercial segments, but you can Fast Forward if you like. They’re short anyway, so you might not. This will give you a very accurate look at what our trip was like this year. Kim & Robyn produce a very, very well-put together show. You won’t see Kim standing in front of the camera for 90% of the show pimping his sponsors, talking about absolutely nothing, practical jokes on the cameraman, or cheesy product commercials with him on the back of camel telling you to buy the latest & greatest hunting gadget. It’s a real deal hunting show, which I think clearly stands above most. I’m certainly not trying to over promote just because Kim is a good friend, but I think you’ll agree after watching.
Anyway, enjoy the pics!
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