Well it was certainly a glorious August 12th with the weather making it even more glorious in this part of Aberdeenshire. My what a wet and cold summer we are experiencing this year. However, I am in for a good week as Monday had me out stalking for a buck with a chum on one of the estates I lease. Sadly, given the weather I have not made up my numbers so far this year but this evening I managed to connect with a rather strange three antlered chap who gave us the opportunity of a shot. See picture. Come Thursday I am off to the west coast of Scotland with Mrs Donsider for a few days so it looks as though I will be missing the end of the rut. But not to worry as I had an excellent day at the grouse yesterday in the Angus Glens thanks to a kind invitation of a good friend. My how lovely it was too. The scent of the heather, the rolling clouds and watching my spaniel working in front of me. Was there a better place to be I ask. Despite gloomy reports in this part of the world for grouse numbers we saw plenty of grouse and ending the day with 35 grouse in the bag for 7 guns. A good day was had by all. Looking forward to my red deer stalking now come October. Now off to Oban