From landing in Edinburgh to this first afternoon view from our home base at Dowans deep in the Highlands, Scotland proved a treat for the eyes at every turn. The country is home to such varied terrain and unique (read: wet) weather patterns.
Our firearm of choice for the hunt was a Magnum Research Mountain Eagle bolt-action rifle with a 26-inch carbon fiber barrel, buttery smooth action, crisp trigger, and precision engineering. Chambered in .280 Ackley Improved, the round would allow for cleanly harvesting all types of Scottish game from massive red deer, or stags, to the smallest roe deer and plenty of other horned game in between.
Topping the rifle with a Leupold VX-3HD in 4.5-14x40 proved ideal, but the star of the optical show was Leupold’s proven CDS-ZL (Custom Dial System-Zero Lock) turret system. With the purchase of each scope, Leupold will build the buyer a turret customized for their specific ammunition and load data. In addition to zero distance and muzzle velocity, users can even include variables like temperature and elevation. Time and again, we’ve found this setup to be incredibly exacting, taking the elevation guesswork out of shots at most any ethical range.
During range time practice, and for hunting here in the U.S., we shot predominantly with Nosler’s 140-grain Accubond rounds, though Hornady’s Precision Hunter grouped equally well. In fact, sub-MOA groups are the norm. However, given the UK’s move toward lead ammunition bans – some already in place locally – we also prepared and traveled with Nosler’s 140-grain E-Tip non-lead ammunition, which required only minimal adjustments when compared to the Accubonds of the same weight, even at extended ranges.
Booking any adventure with a top-notch outfitter can make all the difference not only on the hunt, but down to the trip’s minutiae. We had the pleasure of hunting with International Adventures Unlimited, the family of Michael, Danielle, and Justin Grosse who see to every detail from flights to food, harvest to taxidermy. Here, Michael Grosse celebrates a successful stalk with the author.
We were blessed to harvest roe deer and free-range wild red deer in their native Highlands around Ballindalloch castle with longtime gamekeeper Sean Emmett. The witty gentleman proved not only a master stalker in some pretty grueling terrain, but also an honest, pleasant fellow with whom to share a hunting camp. For what it’s worth, the roe deer made for fine table fare a few days later.
Speaking of good eats, we found the cuisine not only delicious in flavors, but exquisite in presentation. This late breakfast of a local, fresh-caught and cold-smoked salmon lox Benedict scored off the charts. Of course, at least one meal each day included a taste of the game harvested.
While camo is the norm for the majority of U.S. hunters, it’s far most common to see local stalkers in the UK wear drab colors, tweeds, woolen outfits, and solid colored rain gear. Camo is fine, and we appreciated our Kuiu rain gear immensely, but they, and most other brands, offer quality gear in solid colors in addition to camo.
Though the gentlemen and women at high tea likely didn’t appreciate our hunting gear in the lobby, the folks at Lands of Loyal couldn’t have been more welcoming to our small group of hunters. This salon has roots in a notable ship, and the crackling fireplace along with stunning décor made this one of the finest hunting camps ever.
It wasn’t all posh luxury. After all, this was a legit hunt – or stalk, as they say in the UK. Here, outfitter Justin Grosse leads the way through a stream during our pursuit for free-ranging red deer. Note Justin’s traditional and gentlemanly tweed attire, which we’re certain wasn’t exactly waterproof despite several downpours on each hunt.
The author learned newfound respect for stalking free range red deer over many miles. Though not a monster by record book standards, this mature stag proved a hard-earned trophy for both the author and patient guide Justin Grosse.
Firearms and alcohol never mix, but at the end of a long day’s hunt, and while in the cradle of so many fine whiskys, we had to enjoy a few pours.
Scotland is not only a hunter’s delight, but a whisky connoisseur’s and foodie’s, too. The Still – an entire room filled with bottles – at Dowans Hotel is second to none.
The Nosler ammunition in .280 Ackley Improved proved itself time and again with clean, one-shot harvests and ideal projectile performance. Here, the Trophy Grade Accubond box rests with a massive estate stag. Whether a diminutive roe buck or hulky stag, we never had to wonder whether the bullets would do their job.
No hunting trip anywhere in the world is complete without a visit to a local gun shop, and we were guided to the very best. Here, owner Robert Jamieson stands outside one of Scotland’s oldest gun shops: Crockart & Sons. In operation since 1852 in Blairgowrie, the elder Crockart built some of the finest rifles and shotguns we’ve ever had the pleasure to handle.
Recovering game in this rolling heather with great gains in elevation and hidden water springs every few steps means dragging largely by hand, unless a team of ponies is available, though those ways are quickly fading. Here, gamekeeper Sean Emmett makes quick work of my first free-range red deer in the Highlands not far from the North Sea. Like every memorable adventure, a piece of my heart will remain in this place.
