Mammals – West Highland Hunting

Macnab Challenge

Tue, 10 May 2016 13:18:40 +0000

To successively complete the infamous Macnab Challenge, participants must catch a salmon on the fly, shoot a brace of grouse and take a stag on the hill – all between dawn and dusk.

To give prospective Macnabbers a flavour of what’s involved, West Highland Hunting starred in a short film, entitled ‘Haste ye back,’ which documented a Macnab attempt. All the sport was organised by West Highland Hunting and the filming took place on estates that Niall Rowantree manages. You’ll need Lady Luck on your side to complete it!

To watch the film, visit: Macnab Challenge Video.

Price on request.

]]>

Red deer

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:00:30 +0000

Recently voted Scotland’s most iconic species, the red deer is Britain’s largest native land mammal. West Highland Hunting has some the largest stags in Scotland and constantly produces stags in excess of 20 stone and 12 points. “We are very proud to be producing such top quality wild red deer,” commented Sporting Manager Niall Rowantree, adding: “Clearly, more than a century of selective management brings great benefits to the health of the herd. We adhere to all best practice guidelines and carefully manage the deer to produce sporting trophies only taken past their breeding best. We have a healthy population that is stable and invested in on an annual basis.”

Price on request.

Open season for red stag: 1 Jul – 20 Oct
Open season for red hind: 21 Oct – 15 Feb

]]>

Sika

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:00:29 +0000

Asian in origin, sika were originally an ornamental species which escaped from deer parks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and have now become established on mainland Scotland particularly in Argyll and Inverness-shire were they occupying more than 40% of the red deer range. Through West Highland Hunting, it is possible to hunt sika in various locations throughout Scotland.

Price on request.

Open season for sika stag: 1 Jul – 20 Oct
Open season for sika hind: 21 Oct – 15 Feb

]]>

Fallow

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:00:52 +0000

Introduced from the Mediterranean to England, possibly during the 11th or 12th centuries, fallow deer have the most limited range of all four wild deer species in Scotland. Through West Highland Hunting it is possible to hunt fallow on Ardnamurchan estate.

Price on request.

Open season for fallow buck: 1 Aug 1 – 30 Apr
Open season for fallow doe: 21 Oct – 15 Feb

]]>

Roe

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:00:55 +0000

Roe deer are the most widely distributed species of deer in Scotland, occurring in every 10 square kilometre with the exception of some islands. Roe deer are increasing in many areas, often encouraged by the spread of suitable woodland habitats. Through West Highland Hunting it is possible to hunt roe at a number of locations including Ardnamurchan and Auch estates.

Price on request.

Open season for roe buck: 1 Apr – 20 Oct
Open season for roe doe: 21 Oct – 31 Mar

]]>

Père David

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:00:01 +0000

West Highland Hunting’s famous herd of Père David deer is thought to be the most north-westerly herd in Britain. Available to hunt on Ardnamurchan estate in the Glenborrodale Deer Park, this species boasts highly distinctive anatomy and is a true conservation success of British deer parks.

Price on request.

Open season for both sexes: May – September

]]>

Feral goat

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Officially known as British primitive goats, these long-horned ungulates are thought to be descended from domesticated wild goats. Historically, there have been long established scattered populations all over the wilder hills of the UK. Goats first appeared in Scotland with the Neolithic farmers some 4,500 years ago. From then on, no other breeds of goat were resident in the UK until the late 18th century.

In order to reduce the impact of goats on the Ardnamurchan landscape, Niall Rowantree has introduced a goat management plan, which aims to reduce numbers to a balanced level while maintaining the overall health of the herd. Niall also works with partner estates to translocate feral goats from conflict areas to less sensitive locations in order to maintain a viable population of feral goats on the west coast of Scotland. This on-going project supports tourism and also provides a sustainable food source for the Scottish sea eagle.
By selecting only the mature males past their breeding prime, the population is kept in balance with what the habitat can support. Because wild goats are not classified as game so do not have an official closed season. That said, for ethical reasons Niall only starts his selective cull plan once the females do not have dependent kids at foot from the autumn onwards, finishing in the middle of October in line with the stags. Through West Highland Hunting it is possible to hunt feral goats either on Ardnamurchan estate or the Scottish Borders.

Price on request.

]]>

Accompanied International Hunts

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:00:40 +0000

Each year for selected clients, Headstalker Niall Rowantree will accompany clients on global hunting experiences working closely with other hunters who are his friends and have personal recommendations. Some of these hunts are exclusive and not open to the general market. He can arrange exclusive packages to Africa, New Zealand, Australia, America and Europe. These adventures can address the wishes of rifle, bow and gun hunters and are specifically tailored to meet the personal needs of each individual with every element of your hunt taken care of, and satisfaction is assured.

]]>

Glenborrodale Deer Park

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:00:45 +0000

Every year clients of West Highland Hunting successfully take many trophy class wild Scottish red stags of SCI record book quality from Glenborrodale Castle’s Glenborrodale Deer Park. There are also opportunities to hunt feral goats, roebuck, sika, fallow and the exotic Père David deer. Due to hunting seasons in Scotland, it is possible to stalk at least one species all year round. All of the estates that West Highland Hunting manage are carefully balanced to maintain and enhance biodiversity in accordance with best practice and the deer’s welfare.

The Package

Arriving in Scotland on either a Saturday or Sunday for one week, you make your own way to your full board accommodation and are met by your chef and guide. On arrival the plans for the week are arranged and the week commences with a dinner of traditional highland cuisine. The following morning a trip to the range to check firearms and to allow the guide and client to become acquainted. You will also have the opportunity to look at trophies and confirm your requirements. The hunt is normally conducted with one rifle and guide and up to three guides are available each week. These weeks are normally lodge, hotel or castle based and can meet the needs of two to four hunters each shooting two stags.

The prices include the animal’s trophy preparation, caping and all transport during the hunt.

Visitor firearm permits are arranged as required and charged at £25.00 each to cover permit cost and administration.

Up to eight animals may be booked in any August to October week by arrangement and subject to availability.

Please contact us for further information about our sporting packages.

]]>