James MacKenzie
Why Stalking Happens in Autumn and Winter
If you walk the Scottish Highlands between July and mid-February, you are sharing the hills with professional deer stalkers. Red deer are the main quarry, and the seasons are set to protect the welfare of the herd. Stag stalking typically runs from 1 July to 20 October, whilst hind stalking begins on 21 October and continues until 15 February. Roe or sika deer may extend this on some estates, but the core period is late summer to late winter.
Stalking is not random shooting. It is selective culling, carried out to keep deer numbers in balance with the habitat. Too many deer prevent trees and heather from regenerating, which harms ground-nesting birds and rare plants. Estates also rely on stalking for income, which funds conservation work and local employment. When walkers accidentally disturb a stalk, the deer are alerted, the chance of a clean shot is lost, and an animal may be wounded rather than humanely culled. That is why your cooperation matters.
Reading the Signs and Checking Local Advice
Estates usually make their stalking intentions clear. Look for noticeboards at car parks, laybys, and popular access points. These often display a map with closed routes, the dates of stalking, and a contact number. You may also see temporary signs saying “stalking in progress” or “please avoid this area today”. Take them seriously. A red flag or a laminated notice on a gate is not a decoration; it is a direct request.
Before you set out, check local advice. Estate offices, visitor centres, and ranger services can tell you which hills are being stalked that week. Some areas operate a stalking information line, updated daily. If you are staying in a village, ask at the shop or café — local knowledge is often the most current. Do not assume that a route shown on a map or app is free from stalking. Paper maps and digital guides cannot reflect yesterday’s decisions by the head stalker.
Planning Alternative Routes
Flexibility is the hillwalker’s best tool. If a glen or corrie is closed for stalking, choose a different objective. There is usually a neighbouring hill, a lower-level walk, or a coastal path that avoids the disturbance. When planning, consider the following:
- Time of day: Stalkers are most active at first light and late afternoon. If you start late or finish early, you reduce the chance of meeting them.
- Preferred routes: Many estates welcome walkers on waymarked paths or specified ridges. Ask which lines they prefer, and stick to them.
- Open ground: Avoid crossing large open moorland where deer are likely to be feeding or resting. Hinds with calves are particularly sensitive in late winter.
- Have a plan B: Check the weather and stalking advice before leaving the car. If a sign says no, turn around without resentment — the hill will still be there tomorrow.
Remember that stalking is not confined to the weekend. It happens on weekdays too, often when fewer walkers are about. Do not assume a quiet Tuesday means the estate is resting.
What to Do If You Meet a Stalker
If you spot a stalker in the distance, do not approach or wave. They may be in the middle of a delicate approach. A wave can spook deer that are already nervous. Instead, keep quiet, stay low if possible, and wait for them to signal. They may indicate that you should continue, turn back, or follow a specific line. Follow their instructions politely and without argument.
If you hear a shot, do not panic. It is likely part of a cull, not an accident. But be aware that a wounded deer may run. If you come across a carcass, do not touch it. Move away quietly and report the location to the estate if you can. Never photograph a stalker or a dead deer without permission — it is both disrespectful and potentially distressing for those involved.
Photographing Deer and Other Wildlife Responsibly
Landscape photographers are drawn to the Highlands for golden eagles, ptarmigan, mountain hares, and of course the red deer. But a photograph is never worth causing distress. Use a long lens, keep your distance, and avoid following animals for a better angle. If a stag or a herd is already moving away from you, they have seen you. Let them go.
During the stalking season, the presence of a photographer can be just as disruptive as a walker. A deer that is constantly looking over its shoulder is not a natural subject. If you find a promising location, check whether stalking is taking place nearby. Many estates are happy to advise on quiet areas where wildlife watching is less intrusive. Respect any closed areas, and remember that other species — such as eagles and divers — also benefit from the reduced disturbance.
A Shared Responsibility on the Hill
Deer stalking is not an obstacle to enjoying the Highlands; it is part of the working landscape that keeps the hills healthy. By checking local advice, following signs, and choosing alternative routes, you help ensure that deer are culled humanely and that habitats recover. You also build goodwill between walkers and estates, which benefits everyone.
So next time you set out in autumn or winter, spend five minutes before you leave the car. Read the noticeboard, ring the estate if you are unsure, and be ready to change your plan. The hills are for all of us — but they are a place of work. With a little care, you can enjoy the wildlife, the photography, and the solitude without disturbing the vital task of deer management.
