Stalking Diary

Approach your first season as a gillie with an eagle eye on the contract, a savvy approach to the headkeeper and a hearty breakfast

ICharlie Blance is a stalker, fishing gillie and conservationist working across Scotland t’s that time of year when the new batch of gamekeeping students across the country are about to start their courses. It is also the time of year when last year’s graduates have hopefully got their foot in the door within the industry — and for those who wish to pursue deer, this often comes in the form of a seasonal gillie’s role.

By now, the new gillies will be settled into their bothies on estates across the Highlands, they should be acquainted with their quadrupedal co-workers and have maybe even had a couple of guests out. It’s an exciting time for a young gillie, in a new place and with new responsibilities, all while staring down the barrel of a future career with all the fresh optimism and hope that inexperience provides.

Stand your ground