A good day for grouse as estates launch inquiry into a less than Glorious Twelfth
It is the official start of the UK’S grouse hunting season but this year’s Glorious 12th was a disappointment with low numbers of birds forcing the postponement of several shoots.
Now gamekeepers are being urged to hand in dead birds for post-mortems to discover the extent of disease which has blighted the start to this year’s season.
That has been attributed to poor weather conditions on Scotland’s moors in April and May, which proved a breeding ground for parasites like ticks afflicting young birds.
Game-bird veterinarian Matt Balfour told Scottish
Farmer: “In the lead up to the Glorious Twelfth, we have seen a difficult breeding season for grouse and counts are often returning poor numbers compared with previous years.
“It has been disappointing to hear that due to the very poor counts in certain areas, some shoot days have been cancelled, which has caused extra pressure on shoots and gamekeepers following last year’s restrictions and disruption.”
He and his team of vets at St David’s Game Bird Services in Edinburgh have asked gamekeepers to submit carcasses to allow them to find out more by conducting postmortem examinations.
This might lead to advice on spreading medicated grit, a medicine consumed by grouse which allows them to fight off worm infestation.
Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg said: “Gamekeepers can only do what’s in their grasp to try to achieve a harvestable surplus of grouse to shoot when the season comes along.
“We are dealing with a wild bird. Sometimes, nature has other plans. The snows of May were punishing. It’s fair to say that, even some of the bigger shoots are going to struggle to host clients in any number.
“It will be a season where you host days if you can, and push on with other work in the hope of a better season next year.”