Highland stag

BSAvale

Well-Known Member
I have never stalked in Scotland, I’m up in the highlands now, salmon fishing later now the river is up a little but the opportunity came up yesterday presenting the possibility of a stag.

I know it’s a very generalised question, but how much is the “norm” to stalk a stag up here in the highlands? I know it is more expensive when the rut starts, so price for August?
Thanks in advance,

BV
 
The average hill stag is between £500 and a max of £700. Tips may be required on top of this. There should be no difference between now and the rut period. Only difference being as a rule , is that everyone wants to stalk on the rut, therefore its book early.
This time of year the stags will be generally in all male herds, and high, away from the mozzies and flies. So you may have a bit of a walk.
 
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Well the poor bugger that does all what work and gets you into the deer doesn't see much of the £700.

Mandatory no. It would be classed as miserable and unappreciative in my book.
Can we break it down to gold,silver,bronze prices deemed acceptable?
 
Is tipping mandatory for a 700 quid stag?
If you have taken the trouble to book a Highland Stag.

Travelled the length of the UK (nothing for you Aus guys), sorted you accommodation for the week; invested in the best gear, rifle and glass you can afford.
Spent several lung-busting days dragging your old arse over the highlands, seen the most beautiful land this Country has to offer, then a small appreciation to your Stalker/Guide/Mentor at the end of a successful day is the very least of your concerns.

I always tipped in relation to how much grief I had caused my Stalker.

It was invariably expensive...:-|
 
I have never stalked in Scotland, I’m up in the highlands now, salmon fishing later now the river is up a little but the opportunity came up yesterday presenting the possibility of a stag.

I know it’s a very generalised question, but how much is the “norm” to stalk a stag up here in the highlands? I know it is more expensive when the rut starts, so price for August?
Thanks in advance,

BV
Had my first Salmon of the season on monday thanks to a decent splash of rain at long last so hopefully you'll have a good chance on the river..... A day on the hill should be around the £500 mark as comments above show, but there might be a bit of negotiation if depending on the beast you want to take - as above, add on a decent tip as it'll be a great day out if you get a good keeper/stalker. Jealous......you bet.....but don't forget the waterproofs as the weather forecast is a bit wet for the next couple of days:thumb:
 
Not if you never want to look the bloke in the face again - or your own come to think of it.
Early on in my shooting career I paid for a morning goose flight near Loch Leven. Met up with the guide around 5am, drove out to the decoying fields, set up, etc. Had a cracking morning, then finished up around ten and headed off after a chat with the guide, It didn't even occur to me to tip him as I just didn't know to, until a few weeks later when I was made aware of my error through a chat with a friend. I was instantly filled with shame, and posted a tenner to him, along with an apology. I think if I hadn't, the shame would be with me to this day. As a result I've become a compulsive over-tipper . . . .
 
As a result I've become a compulsive over-tipper . . . .
The "pain" of over-tipping is fleeting. The shame of not tipping is everlasting.

A few years back my wife and I had a half-day lesson on a river (I was up on the Sika). Not really understanding the Fishing-Tipping etiquette, I asked our Gillie (I know!) what would be a fair amount. He refused to discuss the matter.

Erring on the side of caution, I passed the lucre across.

Turned out it was equivalent to a week's tip. 🤪

On the plus side, he was keen to have us back...
 
Early on in my shooting career I paid for a morning goose flight near Loch Leven. Met up with the guide around 5am, drove out to the decoying fields, set up, etc. Had a cracking morning, then finished up around ten and headed off after a chat with the guide, It didn't even occur to me to tip him as I just didn't know to, until a few weeks later when I was made aware of my error through a chat with a friend. I was instantly filled with shame, and posted a tenner to him, along with an apology. I think if I hadn't, the shame would be with me to this day. As a result I've become a compulsive over-tipper . . . .
Des?
 
My Irish mate took me down to "the chipper" I liked the sheila behind the jump after talking to her a while and on completing our order I gave her ten euros..she said really loudly "are you serious" it made a mark on her otherwise dull day cooking chips and fish.
 
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