Stalking at Fearann Eilean Iarmain – What to Expect – How to be Prepared!

What to expect on a days deer stalking at Fearann Eilean Iarmain

Deer stalking at Fearann Eilean Iarmain is both challenging and rewarding providing an experience you are guaranteed to remember – we have both Red Deer and Roe Deer inhabiting challenging environments.

The terrain on the estate is very undulating with large areas of broken woodland traversing its lower slopes and much of its moorland is dotted with peat hags, bogs and hill lochs of varying sizes.
With the higher ground often rising to 1000ft and sparse of vegetation, it provides excellent shelter for our Red deer populations amongst its rock strewn tops and slopes. Our woodland schemes have created some stunning Roe deer habitat which offer some of the most challenging Roe deer stalking though broken birch thickets and bracken covered slopes.

There are a few things that are essential to an enjoyable day on the hill.

1. A reasonable level of fitness is required as the days may be long, the ground underfoot unsteady and the climb can be high.
2. Waterproof clothing or at least a jacket is a must. If you dress your top half with layers you can remove/add as you feel comfortable. Sturdy boots and gaiters will keep your feet comfortable and stable where wellington boots will not. A cap is often overlooked but can make a rainy day more bearable. Dull green and brown colours are best, some fabrics are very noisy when crawling through heather, so remember, dress like you’re staying.
3. You are going to get wet on the hill… Whether thats from the rain falling down, the water under foot – or just sweat – so be prepared and make sure you have plenty of clothes
4. If you can bring a stick (one will be provided if not), it’s surprising how a stick will help you traverse the terrain with more ease
5. Binoculars: If you own a set of Binoculars, please do bring them along as it will enhance the experience. Bear in mind you will need to carry them – and the weather may be wet so if you have a covered case it is advised.
6. Don’t bring anything you don’t need – it’s surprising how much more work it is carrying an extra kilo of kit – so unless you absolutely need it, leave it behind
7. During the summer months, midges can be an issue on the hill – so a midge net – or some good insect repellent is always handy. We recommend Hedgewitch Icaridin as it is scentless and very effective
8. It’s a day on the hill – not a night out… There are three senses deer use to evade a predators; sight, sound and scent, the latter is the most important. If you have dabbed on the Channel No 5 or Old Spice before we head off, the deer will most likely have smelt you before we even get out of the pickup.

Firearms Guidance

Finally, as a side note, we ask that all our guests to be covered by their own insurance that will cover their sporting activities.
If you’re bringing your own rifle, what you bring is important. A full on tactical set up weighing in at 12kgs may be fantastic on the range, but will soon become very heavy on the hill so please bear than in mind.
Also, if you are bringing your own firearm you need to ensure you meet all the legal calibre type and bullet weight regulations pertaining to Deer management in Scotland.

Roe Deer

The bullet must weigh at least 50 grains and have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second. A minimum muzzle energy of 1,000 foot pounds may be used.

Red Deer

The bullet must weigh at least 100 grains and have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second and a minimum muzzle energy of 1,750 foot pounds.

PLEASE NOTE that all these figures are the minimum legal requirement.
For all deer stalking the bullet must be a type designed to expand/deform on impact. For example, soft nose.

If you have any additional questions, please drop us a message via our CONTACT US page