With ever increasing numbers of people heading for the hills and mountains of Scotland to enjoy what the landscape has to offer, it’s important to remember that walkers aren’t the only people that make use of the land. For many it provides a livelihood and an integral part of that, may involve deer management.
The deer stalking season runs from the 1st July through to the 20th October and if you are planning to head for the hills then it would be a good idea to try and find out where stalking is likely to be taking place. You don’t want to go and wandering too close to a herd of deer that are being stalked. Not helpful if you’re the local gamekeeper!
You perhaps don’t agree with the culling of deer, but the reality is, it is an essential part of managing the Scottish landscape. Deer stalking is necessary to manage deer sustainably and is also an important source of income in rural areas. Regular culling ensures that there is enough grazing for the herd and other animals, and that fragile upland habitats are not damaged. The busiest time of year for deer managers is usually the stag stalking season The popularity of this time for walkers and climbers to also head to the hills, has led to the demand for a dedicated phone number advising walkers of stalking activities. Find out more on the Heading for the Scottish hills pages of the Outdoor Access, Scotlaned website.
If you don’t use the above service, then perhaps you could contact the local landowner instead.
Please do share this with fellow hill-users. the more people that know, the better.
