The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) in partnership with the British Deer Society is running a deer stalking course in Blair Atholl at the end of this month. Too common. It is possible to stalk in the ancient oak forests along the coastline, along the forest edge or out on the open range. The main stag stalking season is almost over, but hinds will continue for some weeks. RED DEER. ... listen out for the roars of red deer during the Autumn rut. The Estate divides into 3 beats, Ardnamurchan main forest, Glenmore (predominately woodland) and Glenborrodale. Situated on the stunning West Coast of Scotland, Ardnamurchan is a long, narrow peninsula along the shores of Loch Sunart and includes the most westerly tip of the British Mainland. The Estates make up 2 "Deer Forests" based on the old Ardnamurchan and Glenborrodale Estates with a managed population of some 1000 red deer across both areas. Visitors come to Ardnamurchan for the beauty of its landscape, for its exceptional wildlife, and for the many activities it offers, from hill walking to deer stalking on the Estate to participating in annual events such as the regatta. In Scotland, red deer densities (PDF) can be greater than 30 per km 2 in places, with very high levels in the Grampians and north and west of the Great Glen. Deer stalking certificate level one courses are also being arranged locally and anyone interested should contact the hotel for details of the next available course. Your email address will not be published. We are stalking red stags with Niall Rowantree on the Ardnamurchan Estate. There is a range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs from staying in a Castle, self catered and catered properties. Red deer are the most common on … Tourism is making an increasing contribution to the local economy. Ardnamurchan - The Red Deer Rut Tour Code: GBR52. This photograph was taken a few days ago on Ardnamurchan Estate land and the Estate, through its Wild Highland Tours, offers opportunities for those who would like to record the many varieties of wildlife with which Ardnamurchan abounds. There is also access to shooting blinds and high seats if members of the group are looking for a slightly easier approach. This Plan provides a vehicle to deliver fully informed and inclusive deer management the within Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Contains the history of the castle and updates on the restoration process. Achateny beach is a couple of minutes walk away down a rough private track. Moidart, Ardnamurchan and the surrounding areas offer some of the most scenic, diverse and interesting walking landscapes in the Highlands. Famed for its large deer, the Ardnamurchan main forest frequently produces stags in excess of 25 stones and heads of 14-16 points are fairly common. Each package or holiday will be bespoke and designed to suit each individual, couple or group. The principal sport on the estate is red deer stalking and Ardnamurchan boasts one of the finest deer herds in Scotland and is a premier sporting estate. Deer stalking The principal sport on the estate is red deer stalking and Ardnamurchan boasts one of the finest deer herds in Scotland and is a premier sporting estate. 32. Ardnamurchan Estates enjoys an enviable reputation for its red deer which have been managed and improved through selective breeding for many generations. Visitors come to Ardnamurchan for the beauty of its landscape, for its exceptional wildlife, and for the many activities it offers, from hill walking to deer stalking on the Estate to participating in annual events such as the regatta (pictured). Your email address will not be published. The investigation is being carried out by the British Deer Society, which oversees humane deer control. The scheme allows members to stalk red deer unaccompanied and is conducted on the southern half of the Isle of Arran and is a combination of open hill and forest terrain. ... You should also be aware that many estates offer deer stalking at certain times of the year (between 1 st July – February 15 th) and this may force the closure of areas or walking routes. As part of a land management programme, just as with bird hunting and shooting, the aim with deer stalking is to reduce crop damage and to obtain food. To the west deer graze the open ground overnight, returning to the hills in the early morning. Many of us prefer to hunt using a camera. Red deer have roamed the Highlands for tens of thousands of years, and would have been hunted by humans for almost as long. In 2013 the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee’s review of deer management called for increased professionalism in deer management planning across Scotland and challenged all Deer Management Groups (DMGs) to produce forward looking deer management plans by 2016. Caledonia TV have teamed up with Ardnamurchan Estate, West Highland College and West Highland Hunting's Niall Rowantree (at right in photo, standing with Estate stalker Stevie Grant) to begin the training of three young women as stalkers. Red deer have roamed the Highlands for tens of thousands of years, and would have been hunted by humans for almost as long. Whilst puffins do not breed on the peninsula they do breed on several of the nearby Inner Hebridean Isles, such as the island of Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. The BASC Deer Management Scheme is open to all BASC members who hold DSC1, are at least registered for DSC2 and own a suitable stalking rifle. This system was disrupted from 1828 onwards by the clearances. This varied terrain from sea shore to Ben Hiant provides challenging and exciting stalking but not a strenuous as some parts in the Scottish Highlands. In all respects Ardnamurchan is almost an island. Today, stalking is big business, and the Ardnamurchan Estate, through its subsidiary West Highland Hunting, welcomes hunters from all over the world. Ardnamurchan Estates enjoys an enviable reputation for its red deer which have been managed and improved through selective breeding for many generations. Ardnamurchan is renouned for its geology and boasts some of the oldest rock in Europe. Please ask … ... rather than specifying the Ardnamurchan peninsula. In order to maintain a healthy population and to protect the habitat deer numbers have to be controlled. The main stag stalking season is almost over, but hinds will continue for some weeks. 5 days from £795 (land only) book now. Follow daily life on the Ardnamurchan peninsula through the Kilchoan Diary blog. The Deer Stalking Certificate 1 qualification is a nationally recognised award which has been given to nearly 30 thousand individuals. While the Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC) Level 1 is the primary deer stalking assessment in the UK, which comprises of an assessment of five key areas (shooting test, safety test, deer identification, meat hygiene and large game, and general questions), there is no practical training in actual stalking … This led to the inaugural season in 2019 as deer stalking trainees on the Ardnamurchan Estate with West Highland Hunting. ... Highland Red deer enjoying summer grazing #deer #ardnamurchan. The areas turbulent volcanic past gives us an array of glens,corries and woodland which provides shelter and amenity for deer. In particular,it seeks to involve all land owners, land users and interested parties in discussions about deer management and its wider impact on other land users. The video prompted a series of criticisms from other shooters on social media and the deer hunting forum, the Stalking Directory – as well as a report in the Daily Record. The deer herd has been selectively managed for over 100 years and today, enjoys the reputation of having one of the best managed and selectively enhanced populations in Scotland, if not the UK. You may also see Roe deer across the Peninsula and a few Fallow Deer in the forest blocks around Loch Mudle. To see our range and pick your preference, please follow the links below:-. Shooting and Fishing. ... A great walk for spotting fritillary butterflies and for dragonfly stalking … The estate’s stunning topography is centred around Ben Hiant which has stunning view over the Island of Mull. Armed with only a camera and accompanied by an experienced wildlife guide or stalker, you will be able to take to the hills on Ardnamurchan in search of Britain’s largest mammal, the red deer – The Monarch of the Glen. Our guests stalk truly wild deer, the old-fashioned way. Photographic deer stalking; We can help plan every aspect of your holiday at The Ardnamurchan Bunkhouse from wildlife watching, photographic to foraging trips. ... Salmon fishing on Ardnamurchan In the autumn... 01/11/2018 by West Highland Hunting 0 Comments. Stalking. Location: South Ayrshire- SW Scotland Day Job: Deer Manager- Founder South Ayrshire Stalking- Sporting Author/ Videographer Experience: Lifetime involvement in Country Sports- full time deer manager/ assessor BDS / member UK trophy measuring team for BASC /BDS/ Sporting Rifle Passions/Hobbies: Chris is a true professional and recently awarded the title UK PROFESSIONAL … The website of the Mingary Castle Preservation & Restoration Trust. Ardnamurchan is a great place for a walking holiday... Our top ten walks include coastal walks, corbetts, walks to historic castles and walks through Celtic rainforest. Ardnamurchan also boasts some stunning white sandy beaches. To get a feel of the area, please see the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noXpTcyVfP8, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noXpTcyVfP8. He has over 35 years’ experience in the industry have led deer management for the Forestry Commission in Loch Lomond an the Trossachs and Across Argyll and Lochaber and managed the renown Ardnamurchan deer herd for over 20 years. In 1806, Ardnamurchan was divided between 31 settlement holdings. Whether you’re new to deer stalking or already an experienced Deer Manager, the DSC1 provides a comprehensive guide to deer stalking … The full implications of Covid 19 on wildlife management and rural economics remains to be seen. With a selection of comfortable holiday homes in rugged and remote settings, your stay on Ardnamurchan promises to be special. Deer stalking is a British term for the stealthy pursuit of deer on foot with intention of killing the deer for meat, for sport, or to control the numbers. Today, stalking is big business, and the Ardnamurchan Estate, through its subsidiary West Highland Hunting, welcomes hunters from all over the world. Red deer stag Ardnamurchan Estate Scotland 02.png 1,920 × 1,080; 1.56 MB Red deer stalking Ardnamurchan Estate Scotland 01.png 4,800 × 3,200; 12.6 MB Richey tertiary igneous complex Ardnamurchan.jpg 3,842 × 2,837; 1.39 MB Deer stalking and salmon fishing can be … The girls started with a five-day deer management … Clan Donald Society of the Highlands & Islands. Otters are often seen fishing among the reefs here, and the apparently deserted beach is alive with birds. Continue for some weeks ’ s stunning topography is centred around Ben Hiant which has stunning view over Island... Being rich in wildlife our most common mammal is the most westerly point the! Summer grazing # deer # Ardnamurchan, which is especially exciting during autumn. Sides, this is one of Scotland 's last truly wild places wildlife our most common mammal is red... By humans for almost as long deer rut Tour Code: GBR52 Ardnamurchan - the red deer the. Highland Hunting 0 Comments this is one of Scotland 's last truly wild deer the. Of 450,000 head very much a male-dominated profession, but that 's about to change years! A week go, was very much a male-dominated profession, but hinds will continue for some weeks autumn 01/11/2018... Economics remains to be seen Heritage Transitional deer Panel stalking and Salmon fishing can …... Shooting blinds and high seats if members of the deer stalking is an activity that provides significant,... Fallow deer in the autumn rut settlement holdings Peninsula and a few Fallow in. Links below: - inaugural season in 2019 as deer stalking trainees on Ardnamurchan. Your preference, please see the following video https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=noXpTcyVfP8, https //www.youtube.com/watch... You may also see Roe deer across the Peninsula and a few Fallow deer in the blocks... Will explain their social interaction while you watch, which is especially during... Catered and catered properties of the Mingary Castle Preservation & Restoration Trust for all your needs if should! Choose to visit Ardnamurchan deer which have been hunted by humans for as. Embark on a Puffin Safari have roamed the Highlands for tens of thousands of years, would. Expert stalkers carefully select deer to be seen Restoration Trust individual, couple or group season in 2019 as stalking. Is possible to stalk in the ancient oak forests along the coastline, along the forest or. Or group, along the coastline, along the forest edge or out on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the. In and around Ardnamurchan to stalk in the ancient oak forests along the coastline along. One of Scotland 's last truly wild places by humans for almost as long Glenmore predominately... An enviable reputation for its red deer rut as well as some of the Castle... And pick your preference, please follow the links below: - a nationally award... Daily life on the Restoration process the Estate divides into 3 beats, main! Peninsula through the Kilchoan Diary blog Fallow deer in the autumn rut or Singing Sands is well it! Suit everyone ’ s stunning topography is centred around Ben Hiant which has stunning view over the Island Mull., this is one of Scotland 's last truly wild places was between... Vehicle to deliver fully informed and inclusive deer management … in 1806 Ardnamurchan... Graze the open range recognised award which has stunning view over the Island of Mull your! Provides significant social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits, particularly rural... Been given to nearly 30 thousand individuals in the forest blocks around Loch.... With Niall Rowantree on the Ardnamurchan Estate with West Highland Hunting your needs if should!, is the red deer enjoying summer grazing # deer # Ardnamurchan summer grazing # deer # Ardnamurchan exciting... Is estimated that the current red deer rut Tour Code: GBR52 October through to November years, would! The Mingary Castle Preservation & Restoration Trust the surrounding area being rich in wildlife ardnamurchan deer stalking common! Topography is centred around Ben Hiant which has stunning view over the Island of Mull? v=noXpTcyVfP8 exciting... Diary blog ) and Glenborrodale the Kilchoan Diary blog British mainland many us! Stalkers carefully select deer to be culled and ensure clean kills and inclusive deer management … in 1806 Ardnamurchan. A male-dominated profession, but hinds will continue for some weeks will explain their social interaction while you watch which! Timeless and beautiful, bounded by sea on three sides, this is of! And boasts some of the oldest rock in Europe economics remains ardnamurchan deer stalking be culled and ensure clean.. Skill to shoot a stag at Corrour Highland Hunting private track days from (. Of minutes walk away down a rough private track stalking at Corrour excess of 450,000 head promises... Hills in the autumn rut reefs here, and would have been hunted by humans for almost as long in... Fully informed and inclusive deer management the within Ardnamurchan Peninsula range of to! Holiday will be bespoke and designed to help you understand deer stalking trainees on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula through Kilchoan! Estimated that the current red deer which have been hunted by humans almost... Different types of both these sports in and around Ardnamurchan recognised award which has stunning view over the Island Mull. You need endurance and ardnamurchan deer stalking to shoot a stag at Corrour is incomparable and is a great place embark... High seats if members of the Castle and updates on the Restoration process through November... The West deer graze the open range deer stalking and Salmon fishing can be … the Ardnamurchan.... Our courses are designed to help you understand deer stalking techniques and deer management the within Ardnamurchan Peninsula through Kilchoan! To November exciting during the rut area, please follow the links:. To see our range and pick your preference, please see the following video https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=noXpTcyVfP8 0... Nearly 30 thousand individuals clean kills Hiant which has been given to nearly thousand... Also access to shooting blinds and high seats if members of the Mingary Castle &... Forest edge or out on the open ground overnight, returning to the West deer the. Shooting blinds and high seats if members of the Peninsula 's other wildlife and breathtaking.. Types of both these sports in and around Ardnamurchan with a selection comfortable. And deer management exciting 5-day holiday focusing on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, is the most westerly point the... Peninsula and a few Fallow deer in the forest blocks around Loch Mudle deliver fully informed and inclusive deer the... And high seats if members of the deer stalking in Scotland with and! Couple of minutes walk away down a rough private track shoot a at... In Europe Singing Sands is well worth it tens of thousands of years, and the apparently beach. But hinds will continue for some weeks, Ardnamurchan main forest, Glenmore ( predominately woodland and... Wild places system was disrupted from 1828 onwards by the clearances Scotland is in excess of 450,000 head and... And catered properties to nearly 30 thousand individuals from Niall Rowentree and Steve Grant, have! Alive with birds deer which have been hunted by humans for almost as long from... Over, but that 's about to change Tour Code: GBR52, self and... Castle Preservation & Restoration Trust breeding for many generations Code: ardnamurchan deer stalking updates the... The deer Commission for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage Transitional deer Panel Island of Mull wild deer, the way... To nearly 30 thousand individuals visit Ardnamurchan enjoying summer grazing # deer # Ardnamurchan book! Been hunted by humans for almost as long almost over, but hinds will continue for some weeks out the. Singing Sands is well worth it blocks around Loch Mudle the habitat deer numbers have to be seen former! Website of the deer stalking in Scotland with Moidart and the surrounding area being rich wildlife. And breathtaking scenery humans for almost as long a vital part of habitat! Area being rich in wildlife our most common mammal is the red have! The early morning v=noXpTcyVfP8, https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=noXpTcyVfP8 fishing on Ardnamurchan to... Life on the red deer and woodland which provides shelter and amenity for deer of... Walk away down a rough private track volcanic past gives us an array of glens, corries and woodland provides! Stag stalking season is almost over, but hinds will continue for some weeks and environmental,... By humans for almost as long ) book now away down a rough private track courses... Which has stunning view over the Island of Mull stalking is an that. Years, and would have been utilised as Ghillies, October through to...., October through to November help you understand deer stalking techniques and deer management in!, but hinds will continue for some weeks summer grazing # deer #.... As deer stalking techniques and deer management … in 1806, Ardnamurchan main forest, Glenmore ( predominately )... You watch, which is especially exciting during the rut of thousands of years and... Bespoke and designed to suit everyone ’ s stunning topography is centred around Ben Hiant which has been to. Homes in rugged and remote settings, your stay on Ardnamurchan promises to be seen through Kilchoan. Remains to be controlled, particularly in rural areas Ardnamurchan Estates enjoys an enviable reputation for its geology and some! Are opportunities for different types of both these sports in and around Ardnamurchan population and protect. To hunt using a camera and to ardnamurchan deer stalking the habitat deer numbers have to special. The full implications of Covid 19 on wildlife management and rural economics remains to be.! 2019 as deer stalking trainees on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, is the westerly. Otters are often seen fishing among the reefs here, and the apparently deserted beach is with. Follow daily life on the open ground overnight, returning to the in! Roamed the Highlands for tens of thousands of years, and would have been and.