Looking for names of reputable guides/outfiitters/estate for red stag hunt in Scotland for July 2017

This is where I hunted last October: Glenmuick Estate

I went through an outfitter that was okay, but, in hindsight, I'd suggest booking directly with the estate. I think it will be cheaper. Tell them the yank with all the jokes sent you. There's "hill stag" and "trophy stag"; think low fence, high fence. A hill stag is going to be much more "proper" stalking (and cheaper). You may not shoot the biggest you see, but you shoot the older deer that the gamekeeper wants taken. Do ask them about how they arrange to get your trophy home. I'm still waiting on my skulls and horns that the outfitter took for me. And, if I had it to do again, I'd stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch Suites, close to Ballater which is just across the river Dee that is at the base of the estate. If you're going in July, you could add on a roe buck.

Wherever you choose, have a great time.

What ballpark are we looking for the hill stag there ?

1,000.00BP for two hill stags, two days of stalking + 200.00BP VAT.

That's a great price

Saving this...

that price seems to good to be true. Whats conversion rate on the dollar? That's an awesome hunt for that price

After Brexit, that is dirt cheap at the quote above. Just a little under $1,600 with today's exchange rate when you include the VAT. I just returned from Scotland, and had I known how much the British Pound would drop after Brexit, I would have added a couple more days to my trip and done some hunting. I believe the season starts around July 1st.

That is a awesome hunt and my fiancé has always wanted to go to Scotland but I had no desire... Now I do

Is it free range stag and roe or is it fenced. I see your analogy on low fence/high fence for deer size but just making sure its not a caged hunt. I could easily do this in 2017 as well.

Also, can you carry your own rifle to Scotland or are they one of the countries that aren't too excited about that? No problem renting a rifle but just curious

I didn't take a rifle 'cause we toured England before and Edinburgh after. Estate rifle was a suppressed Tikka .243, pretty cool. Hill stags are free range, but I don't think they readily jump the low fence unless stressed or pushed. The fences are a looong way apart. The gamekeeper/ghillie controls every aspect. He drags the rifle in a case, crawling, and sets it up for you. This may not appeal to everyone.

Thanks for all the info!

I can't find the link, but recently I just read a report on hunting in Great Britain that was all about not booking the hunt through a booking agency because they will rip you off. Dozens of people replied to the post agreeing with the original poster and they all said to book directly with the outfitter you will be hunting with.

Creek runner, is it a proper hunt? Having someone carry/drag my gun doesn't sound like a hunt possibly. I'm picturing hill/mountains and utilize the 2 days to get in range of the stag. I have no problem with someone carrying my gun, especially if hiking all day, but if you just walk to a spot, they set up bipod, then bang, that dosnt seem worth the flight.

Beautiful deer!

No walking to a spot. A bit of walking, then crawling. Lots and lots of crawling through the heather. Then you sit while your ghillie crawls some more. Then he crawls back. Then you crawl some more. He sets up rifle, then you wait for him to tell you it's okay to shoot. Second day I waited, on the rifle, for an hour. (Stag was bedded down.)

It's not a pot shoot. I learned a lot from it. No, it's not what you'd call a strenuous hunt, but walking and crawling the moors will get your heart rate up. It's not a fat man's hunt either. It's a different country with different hunting traditions. That's what I enjoy experiencing. As I alluded to, it's definitely not for the "by God, that's not the way I hunt" crowd.

sorry for stealing your thread redsnake!

Creekrunner, thanks for all the information. I sent an email to them. I love the opportunity to hunt in other countries the way they would hunt. I just don't want to fly 10 hrs for a canned hunt I can just do in texas my fiancé is very excited about the possibility of going

The Gearach, on the island of islay, contact Mr. Mark Piper, doesn't get any better.
DC

Why go so far when we got Scotland, TX (near Graham, TX) .

Most of scotland is non fenced and un canned.
They dont shoot deer below feeders. Its the real deal.
You could walk upto 20 miles a day crossing multiple ridges.
Compare to Alaska on steroids as Scottish folks are extremely hardy lads.

I've talked to probably 5 different outfitters now. All seem great but like everything else, prices range.

As for the far walks, time to start hitting the gym

Great pic Creekrunner and enjoyed the story! Sounds like great referral Redsnake.... Scotland is on my bucket list too!
Diane