Red Deer Stalking Roe Deer Stalking
A successful
conclusion to the stalk
We are pleased to offer stag stalking over WYVIS estate, which lies 20 miles North of Inverness, close to Evanton and Dingwall, in Easter Ross-shire.
The forest was originally
created by Walter Shoolbred and his family, around 1884. More recently it has
been owned by Viscount Mountgarret, the Gisselbęk family and today is the
property of the Coates family. A detailed description of the history of the
Estate and its original owner and developer is to be
found in the book "Monarchs of the
Glen" by Duff Hart-Davis.
The Estate and stalking team
The stalking ground extends
to some 28,500 acres, and has a large population of red deer resident, of which
some 45 stags and 100 hinds are annually taken. The estate has four distinct
beats, allowing for four individuals or parties to be out on any given day,
without hindrance to any of the others. I have personally been stalking on Wyvis
as a seasonal stalker now since 1989, and the Head stalker, Gordon Beattie, his
son Scott, and the third stalker David Sutherland have all been on the estate
since the early 1980's.
Stalking
Stalking normally commences
around 09.30, after having checked the rifle on the iron stag target. This is
usually conducted on foot, though there is an eight-wheel drive tracked vehicle
used for accessing one of the more remote beats. Potential Rifles are requested
that they have undertaken some walking and/or physical exercise prior to
arrival, as the hills are very unforgiving to the unfit; good strong footwear is
essential,
and aspiring Rifles are recommended
to bring a windproof outer jacket which can be worn once the heights have been
ascended. Sporting weapons are required to be of above .240 calibre, shooting
above 100 grain soft-nosed bul
let,
with a minimum muzzle energy of 2,450 ft.lbs. Our preferred minimum calibre for
stags is .257".
A successful stalk high above the lodge
Red deer are wary creatures
with excellent eyesight, and a suitable hat and gloves are also considered de
rigeur. Trophy quality is above the average for Scotland as a whole. As is
normal, any sportsman will shoot to the instructions of the Estate staff, but
will generally be offered a choice of more than one animal wherever possible,
and will not generally be requested to shoot animals with very small antlers.
Early booking is advisable, as
demand from past clients is always strong!
Accommodation
All the normal various types of accommodation are available locally, and we will be pleased to advise upon hearing of your preference and requirements. Contact us
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