Scotland is a classic destination for anyone looking for hunting that differs from continental Europe: moors, forests and hills in the Highlands, farmland in Perthshire and coasts rich in wildfowl on the Solway Firth. Hunting is organised on private estates and reserves, almost always with a local guide.
The packages on Wildoora currently cover woodpigeon in Perthshire, around Alyth, but Scotland offers much more: red deer, roe deer, woodcock, grouse, wildfowl and mixed bags. Below is an overview of the main opportunities and what you need to travel.
Since Brexit Scotland is no longer in the European Union: documents, firearms and dogs follow their own rules, which are worth checking with the agency before booking.
The calendar depends on the species and on local rules, and it can change: the periods given here are indicative and the agency confirms the dates. In short: woodpigeon can be hunted almost all year, with strong numbers in spring and late summer; roe bucks open in spring, from April; red and sika deer are hunted in autumn; grouse and partridge in August and September; woodcock usually between November and January. The published woodpigeon package covers March and April.
They are hunted mainly in Perthshire, Glen Clova and the Highlands. The roe buck season opens in spring, from April, while red and sika deer are hunted in autumn.
Highly sought after, with dedicated, low-pressure areas, often between November and January, in places such as the Isle of Bute (Rothesay).
The traditional hunt of the Scottish moors, recommended between August and September.
Considered harmful to crops, it can be hunted practically all year, with strong numbers in spring and late summer around Alyth, in Perthshire. This is the package currently published on Wildoora.
Hunted mainly around the Solway Firth.
Various formulas exist in Perthshire, with pheasant, grey partridge and other small migrants.
Many agencies offer all-inclusive packages with accommodation, permits, licences, gun rental or transport and dog handling. The page of each package shows what is included and what you pay for yourself.
For dogs you need the pet passport and up-to-date vaccinations. For deer stalking, the use of a sound moderator is allowed and often encouraged. Rules change: always ask the agency to confirm before you travel.
It depends on the species: woodpigeon almost all year, roe bucks from April, red and sika deer in autumn, grouse and partridge between August and September, woodcock usually between November and January. The periods are indicative: the agency confirms the dates.
Woodpigeon, deer, roe deer, woodcock, grouse and partridge, ducks and geese, pheasant and grey partridge. On Wildoora you will find the packages currently available in the list above.
Yes: since Brexit you need a visitor firearms permit and transport documents. The agency explains what to prepare and in many cases you can rent a gun on site.
A pet passport is required and vaccinations must be up to date. Ask the agency and your vet for the requirements in force before travelling.
For deer stalking in Scotland it is allowed and often encouraged. Ask the agency how to proceed with the rifle you will use.
It depends on the package: many offers include overnight stays, permits and licences, and some also gun rental or transport and dog handling. Check what is included on the package page.
Choose the package and send your booking request. There is no online payment: the agency contacts you directly to confirm dates, details and conditions.