Scottish Stag Stalking Recommendations

[Coues106]

I apologize for the redundancy of posts but separate to my Eastern European inquiry, I was curious if anyone has any estates or outfitters they recommend for a good stag stalking experience? I don’t need to shoot anything big, just more so looking for a low cost opportunity to go experience the Highlands and collect something for the wall. I’m a very experienced hunter so difficult terrain is no worries. Thanks!

 

[woods0824]

My brother and I hunted with Kevin Lynch (Game Hunt Ireland) in 2024 and had a good experience. We had the girls and my daughter with us and managed to hunt for a few days and tour the coast for a couple of days.
Seemed like plenty of stag in their area with most or all hunters connecting (except me). Hunting style was mixed between spot and stalk, calling, and one or two sits in a blind. We also did a driven bird shoot as an add on which was well done. Kevin will work hard to give you a good experience.

 

[UKHunter]

later this year in September I am off for 3 days with ‘Winston Churchill Venison’ and then drive up to the Isle of Skye for 2 days with Davie Urquhart of ‘Skye Game. Both are highly recommended.

You may also want to look at Scott McKenzie on Skye - had no availability when I enquired.

George Goldsmith would be able to point you to some estates based on your needs.

Or, if you want to stay in a castle, maybe combine the stag stalking with a MacNab then reach out to Reasort estates.

Good luck - Scotland is one of life’s greatest hunting destinations

 

[WILD HUNTING SPAIN]

I apologize for the redundancy of posts but separate to my Eastern European inquiry, I was curious if anyone has any estates or outfitters they recommend for a good stag stalking experience? I don’t need to shoot anything big, just more so looking for a low cost opportunity to go experience the Highlands and collect something for the wall. I’m a very experienced hunter so difficult terrain is no worries. Thanks!

Hi Coues, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Here in Spain we have a beautiful mountain red deer hunt. We usually hunt them during the rut, when they are roaring, and it’s one of my favorite hunts. I’d be happy to send you some information with no obligation at all.

It can be combined with other species such as Gredos Ibex, Fallow Deer, or Roe Deer, all free-range and native to Spain. It’s also an ideal place to come with your family or your partner.


Best regards!

 

[Coues106]

I’m realizing now I never put Scottish stag in the title. I’m after a hunt in Scotland, sorry for any confusion there!

 

[idiot101]

ah something in my wheelhouse. Born and brought up in the west highlands of Scotland and have stalked all over probably 6 times a year since birth.

For my money it has to be lochaber or the coast north of there especially if you're reletively fit (as it usually starts with three hours walking straight up hill)

Top two listed below - if you need more suggestions then I'd be happy to supply them

The Isle of Rum is the best stalking I've ever had. Bit faffy to get there but 30,000 acres to yourself, up to three parties up at a time, and a 20 bed castle which you can buy while your there. The ground looks like a mixture of mordor and heaven.
Toby Fichtner-Irvine
lodge@isleofmuck.com, marymacewen@hotmail.com

Skye is also lovely, Kenny Fraser is your man if you go there. 30,000 acre estate, coast, vistas, and kenny is one of the most professional and certainly most customer friendly stalkers I've ever come across. If you manage to get onto talking about his previous career then you're in for a treat.
info@tier1huntingsolutions.com

If it looks like its always raining... well... it is.

 

[Lancaster]

I live in the UK and have stalked the Highlands of Scotland for 35 years, so a few thoughts:

Time of year - the best is during the rut when the stags are roaring which is from late September until late October. Although there are no longer stag seasons in Scotland most sporting estates observe the old seasons so finish on 20th October

Trophy - be aware that on the hill in Scotland 'big' heads are left to improve genetics and the stalker (guide) will be aiming to get you an old stag that is 'going back' meaning his antler quality is starting to decrease with age

Cost - let direct stags are going for between £850 and £1,100 (per stag) for next season. Ideally book for two days to increase your chances. On top of that is your accommodation (allow £100 to £200 per night) and a tip for the stalker (£100+)

Availability - many estates will already have let their stags for 2026 season so the sporting agents (what we call outfitters) will be more likely to have availability than the estates direct

Areas:

Perthshire & Angus
This area is only an hour and half from Edinburgh. Ollie Hill of https://www.sybaritesporting.com/red-deer-stalking lets the stags on a number of estates in the area and stags are plentiful on all

Isle of Rum
I'd give a +1 to the above post for Toby at Gallanach https://www.gallanachlodge.co.uk/deer-stalking-isle-of-rum he's a great host and his stalkers including Ross are good guys. The only downside is the logistics as getting to and from the island would add days to your trip of course

Various (mainly central and east)
If you want the full, traditional experience then visit an estate that uses Garrons (Highland ponies) to extract the stag (rather than an Argocat or Polaris) - expect to pay an extra £200 to £350 for these stalks. Estates with garrons include:

https://dalhousieestates.co.uk/activities/field-sports/deer-stalking/

Deer & Stag Stalking Breaks in Perthshire | Atholl Estates

There are centuries of history and tradition behind deer stalking in Scotland, and it’s an excellent way to get to know the native wildlife. Learn more.

atholl-estates.co.uk

I think Knoydart still uses ponies: https://knoydart.org/deer-stalking/

It is, to me some of the finest sport. All the best

 

[Lancaster]

ah something in my wheelhouse. Born and brought up in the west highlands of Scotland and have stalked all over probably 6 times a year since birth.

For my money it has to be lochaber or the coast north of there especially if you're reletively fit (as it usually starts with three hours walking straight up hill)

Top two listed below - if you need more suggestions then I'd be happy to supply them

The Isle of Rum is the best stalking I've ever had. Bit faffy to get there but 30,000 acres to yourself, up to three parties up at a time, and a 20 bed castle which you can buy while your there. The ground looks like a mixture of mordor and heaven.
Toby Fichtner-Irvine
lodge@isleofmuck.com, marymacewen@hotmail.com

Skye is also lovely, Kenny Fraser is your man if you go there. 30,000 acre estate, coast, vistas, and kenny is one of the most professional and certainly most customer friendly stalkers I've ever come across. If you manage to get onto talking about his previous career then you're in for a treat.
info@tier1huntingsolutions.com

If it looks like its always raining... well... it is.

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Great photos. Looks like Glenfinnan in one and a Turnbull in a bonnet in another?

 

[Major Bonkers]

See this thread: Options for red stag

 

[ftrovato]

I used George last fall to stalk for stag on the Braulen Estate (Northwest of Inverness).

I had an excellent, affordable experience and took several stag over several days of stalking.

Your good fitness will be necessary but you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

My profile picture is from that hunt.

George Goldsmith Home

Discover luxury holiday homes and historic castles for rent in Scotland. Book exclusive, high-end properties for your perfect vacation. Enquire now!

georgegoldsmith.com

​

 

[Donnachaidh]

I can highly recommend Invercauld (https://www.invercauld.estate/country-sports/) which is near Balmoral. It has links to the Fife Arms (https://thefifearms.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_hotel-thefifearms) which is a unique hotel.

 

[Lancaster]

I can highly recommend Invercauld (https://www.invercauld.estate/country-sports/) which is near Balmoral. It has links to the Fife Arms (https://thefifearms.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_hotel-thefifearms) which is a unique hotel.

I forgot Invercauld as they also have garrons

Fife Arms is unique indeed, amazing artwork but the OP said 'low cost' and that it isn't

 

[Donnachaidh]

I forgot Invercauld as they also have garrons

Fife Arms is unique indeed, amazing artwork but the OP said 'low cost' and that it isn't

Apologies, you are correct. There are plenty of other accommodation options in the Braemar/Ballater area, but the Flying Stag Bar in the Fife Arms is well worth a visit for a pint....it's an experience.

 

[UKHunter]

Agreed

 

[Major Bonkers]

The problem with trying to do deer stalking on the cheap is that you expose yourself to the various dishonest grifters who sell the product at a low price and then under-deliver and add mysterious 'extras' to the final bill. I was once promised a Savoy-trained chef for a week's stalking: I got a local wifey (who cooked up perfectly acceptable breakfasts and dinners), and left us to our own devices (with no replacement) after 4 days due to a family emergency. No rebate was offered. This was, perhaps, the most shamelessly dishonest way that I have been treated, but it is by no means uncommon. Caveat emptor, I suppose. In any case, hold some money back so that you have some leverage.

You also need to budget for specialist clothing (wool and gore-tex), most of which is quite expensive.

As I have got older, I have also become more aware of ticks and Lyme's disease. Proper gaiters are a must.

 

[Lancaster]

Apologies, you are correct. There are plenty of other accommodation options in the Braemar/Ballater area, but the Flying Stag Bar in the Fife Arms is well worth a visit for a pint....it's an experience.

With that I'd agree wholeheartedly

 

[Coues106]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Looks like lots to review.

 

[analog_peninsula]

You guys are killing me. I'm committed to Africa and Serbia this year, but I'll try to talk the spousal unit into a Scotland visit next year or the following.

 

[Rare Breed]

I’m trying to get my wife to Scotland as well. I need a stag and partridge!!! She needs sight seeing, good food and great sight seeing

 

[Rare Breed]

sorry meant accommodations