The facts about deer stalking

Scotland’s stag stalking season runs July to October and the hind season is October to February. Neither hunting window is something that natural predators would recognise.

Each year, around 60,000 red deer are shot across Scotland, with cull targets set voluntarily by Deer Management Groups. These consist of local landowners and deer managers, with diverse objectives.

There is no formal qualification required to shoot deer in Scotland; a typical day of guided red deer stalking costs between £350 and £550. Many landowners benefit from a more lucrative accommodation and stalking package that includes the rental of the estate lodge. This can bring in around £7,000 per week.