portobstalker
Member
Looks good, I'll try visit
Deerstalking Fair, 29th & 30th April, 2017
- Thread starter jamross65
- Start date
I hope Spartan are there too. --- along with the latest incarnation of their bipod. (They are - according to a phonecall I overheard yesterday - changing carbon fibre suppliers at the moment & hence they aren't shipping to dealers. They are aiming at end April/May time so there may be some available at the fair.
But beware! The two models (standard & long versions) in the shop here in Inverness are the original version & are wrongly marked up as mark 2.
From the conversation between the dealer & Spartan that I heard, development is ongoing & there has been a cockup
with labeling & / or documentation or something. So there may even be a model 3 (or some other labelled version) coming out soon. - It is a bit confusing & frustrating as I'm thinking I may swap systems to their product from the Harris, but really want the latest (& hopefully best) product if I'm going to spend the kind of money they sell for.
Ian
But beware! The two models (standard & long versions) in the shop here in Inverness are the original version & are wrongly marked up as mark 2.
From the conversation between the dealer & Spartan that I heard, development is ongoing & there has been a cockup
with labeling & / or documentation or something. So there may even be a model 3 (or some other labelled version) coming out soon. - It is a bit confusing & frustrating as I'm thinking I may swap systems to their product from the Harris, but really want the latest (& hopefully best) product if I'm going to spend the kind of money they sell for. Ian
levigsp
Well-Known Member
Why not, I went to the Bath and West, only 670 miles!Just done a quick Google
566 miles and with light traffic 9 hours, with heavy traffic 10hrs 40 minutes !!!
Sorry, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to make it.
There are site members living further south than me so they may struggle too.
But good luck with it anyway.
Cawdor118
Well-Known Member
Ian, I have heard the exact same thing from the guys who are selling them. I too, am waiting for the new version.
I hope Spartan are there too. --- along with the latest incarnation of their bipod. (They are - according to a phonecall I overheard yesterday - changing carbon fibre suppliers at the moment & hence they aren't shipping to dealers. They are aiming at end April/May time so there may be some available at the fair.
But beware! The two models (standard & long versions) in the shop here in Inverness are the original version & are wrongly marked up as mark 2.
From the conversation between the dealer & Spartan that I heard, development is ongoing & there has been a cockup
Ian
jamross65
Well-Known Member
[h=2]Moray Outfitting at Deer Stalking Fair 29/30 April[/h]
Hello all - prompted by Rob at Monarch's post here!
We'll be alongside Monarch at the Deer Stalking Fair - just follow the Jaffa cake crumb trail if in any confusion.
The event is at the Black Isle Showground this coming Saturday and Sunday - The Deerstalking Fair 2017The Deerstalking Fair and https://www.facebook.com/deerstalkingfairs/
MINI COMPETITION - follow our new FB page - https://www.facebook.com/morayoutfitting and bring proof to the DSF and get a MTM 50 round cartridge box ( medium/ large while stocks last ) for just 50p. Be bold and IN ADDITION follow us on Instagram - Andrew Chadderton (@morayoutfitting) • Instagram photos and videos and get your first MTM box FREE and any additional ones ( max 5 ) for 50p.
This is your opportunity to see/ handle a range of stalking related gear - not just with us, but across lots of stalking focussed gear. You've seen our posts about Z Aim slings, Lansky sharpeners, Cleaning gear - well this is your chance to come see, try and question - face to face.
We'll have along -
RIFLES
A selection of Sauer rifles - including the 100 and 101 that we've raved about.
Haenel Jaeger10 in wood & synthetic.
Ruger - s/h & new 10/22 - plus BX trigger units, spares, magazines etc, new Ruger American.
K. Bancroft custom M98 in 7x57. A few lookers previously, but no bites. So this year we published a test group over on FB page. 5/8" group from an absolute classic stalking rifle suit you? Instagram
AMMO
Will bring a selection of what we have.
GECO 243 105gr SP
RWS 308 150gr Classic ID ( best 308 round we have ever used )
PPU 50gr 22-250 SP
PPU 6.5x55 140gr SP
RWS 270 130gr SP
Winchester 180gr 30-06 E tip
Assorted 22 LR
OPTICS
Selection of:
Vortex Sport Optics (Bino's & spotting scopes - no sights) - including Diamondback 8 & 10x42, Viper HD 8x42. Razor HD Spotting Scopes - will go head to head with Swarovski.
Meopta - R1/R2/Meopro telescopic sights, Meopro Binoculars (we are a Viking account so anything you see over on their display - that they have in stock - you can ask to buy direct from us on the day).
Small selection of secondhand optics.
Trijicon - jumping gun a little as waiting on shipment as I write. BUT we've been testing the 3-9x40 Accupoint and it impressed greatly. Zero electronics or battery yet offers variable illumination. All from one of the leading US makers of combat sights utilising the same technology. Decades of reliability built in. Could start gushing - so will just say come and have a look and see what you think. Should have a range of models in time (fingers well crossed!).
Z-Aim Slings - of course! We'll have plenty of stock and spares - as a UK Distributor. Most important; the usual demo models will be out so you can try it out.
Lansky - we've the last production run of the Fold A Vee poscket shapener and the ceramic 4 -rod box. Both available for you to handle/try out.
Dewey - top quality rods in calibres .17 to 30 cal +. All jags, brushes and adapters to suit.
Cleaning - more quality patches in all sizes than a sane person should have, Butches bore shine, Forrest Bore Foam (see insatagram picture), Possum Hollow Bore Guides, Lubes/oils and grease. Ballistol. MTM Range Boxes and PLANO (see below).
PLANO - first batch in of PLANO products - we've a variety of their range boxes (like MTM these convert to cleaning stations), ammo boxes and military storeage boxes. Great quality - Plano do a lot of milspec gear and rifle travel cases. We can quote for anything in their line.
OTIS - also on their way. Whilst given choice we are always going to recommend a quality one-piece rod; sometimes that just isnt an option.
Bore Snakes etc are not something we are a fan of for many reasons. With OTIS you have a flex rod that is stiff enough to clear most field blockages - mud/ snow etc, yet protects bore. The system gives you a proper patch/brush option too. All that fits your pocket and forget - until needed. Larger kits to cover camps or light travel situations. As always - only sell what we've tried and would use - and we stocks spares, additional jags, brushes and patches. Another product we like a lot.
And basically lots of other 'stuff'. In addition to the MTM offer above, we'll have these boxes on special for the show. Talley bases/mounts/ rings - various sizes, mostly for Rem700/Sauer 100/101/ Haenel 10/ Howa actions.
Plus details of courses both DSC1 related and others - more to follow.
And not least - whilst the shows tend to be a bit manic and there is never enough time to give everyone the full attention they deserve, there'll be John and myself - got a question? Here's your chance to ask it!
Whether buying from us or not we look forward to seeing you!
We'll be alongside Monarch at the Deer Stalking Fair - just follow the Jaffa cake crumb trail if in any confusion.
The event is at the Black Isle Showground this coming Saturday and Sunday - The Deerstalking Fair 2017The Deerstalking Fair and https://www.facebook.com/deerstalkingfairs/
MINI COMPETITION - follow our new FB page - https://www.facebook.com/morayoutfitting and bring proof to the DSF and get a MTM 50 round cartridge box ( medium/ large while stocks last ) for just 50p. Be bold and IN ADDITION follow us on Instagram - Andrew Chadderton (@morayoutfitting) • Instagram photos and videos and get your first MTM box FREE and any additional ones ( max 5 ) for 50p.
This is your opportunity to see/ handle a range of stalking related gear - not just with us, but across lots of stalking focussed gear. You've seen our posts about Z Aim slings, Lansky sharpeners, Cleaning gear - well this is your chance to come see, try and question - face to face.
We'll have along -
RIFLES
A selection of Sauer rifles - including the 100 and 101 that we've raved about.
Haenel Jaeger10 in wood & synthetic.
Ruger - s/h & new 10/22 - plus BX trigger units, spares, magazines etc, new Ruger American.
K. Bancroft custom M98 in 7x57. A few lookers previously, but no bites. So this year we published a test group over on FB page. 5/8" group from an absolute classic stalking rifle suit you? Instagram
AMMO
Will bring a selection of what we have.
GECO 243 105gr SP
RWS 308 150gr Classic ID ( best 308 round we have ever used )
PPU 50gr 22-250 SP
PPU 6.5x55 140gr SP
RWS 270 130gr SP
Winchester 180gr 30-06 E tip
Assorted 22 LR
OPTICS
Selection of:
Vortex Sport Optics (Bino's & spotting scopes - no sights) - including Diamondback 8 & 10x42, Viper HD 8x42. Razor HD Spotting Scopes - will go head to head with Swarovski.
Meopta - R1/R2/Meopro telescopic sights, Meopro Binoculars (we are a Viking account so anything you see over on their display - that they have in stock - you can ask to buy direct from us on the day).
Small selection of secondhand optics.
Trijicon - jumping gun a little as waiting on shipment as I write. BUT we've been testing the 3-9x40 Accupoint and it impressed greatly. Zero electronics or battery yet offers variable illumination. All from one of the leading US makers of combat sights utilising the same technology. Decades of reliability built in. Could start gushing - so will just say come and have a look and see what you think. Should have a range of models in time (fingers well crossed!).
Z-Aim Slings - of course! We'll have plenty of stock and spares - as a UK Distributor. Most important; the usual demo models will be out so you can try it out.
Lansky - we've the last production run of the Fold A Vee poscket shapener and the ceramic 4 -rod box. Both available for you to handle/try out.
Dewey - top quality rods in calibres .17 to 30 cal +. All jags, brushes and adapters to suit.
Cleaning - more quality patches in all sizes than a sane person should have, Butches bore shine, Forrest Bore Foam (see insatagram picture), Possum Hollow Bore Guides, Lubes/oils and grease. Ballistol. MTM Range Boxes and PLANO (see below).
PLANO - first batch in of PLANO products - we've a variety of their range boxes (like MTM these convert to cleaning stations), ammo boxes and military storeage boxes. Great quality - Plano do a lot of milspec gear and rifle travel cases. We can quote for anything in their line.
OTIS - also on their way. Whilst given choice we are always going to recommend a quality one-piece rod; sometimes that just isnt an option.
Bore Snakes etc are not something we are a fan of for many reasons. With OTIS you have a flex rod that is stiff enough to clear most field blockages - mud/ snow etc, yet protects bore. The system gives you a proper patch/brush option too. All that fits your pocket and forget - until needed. Larger kits to cover camps or light travel situations. As always - only sell what we've tried and would use - and we stocks spares, additional jags, brushes and patches. Another product we like a lot.
And basically lots of other 'stuff'. In addition to the MTM offer above, we'll have these boxes on special for the show. Talley bases/mounts/ rings - various sizes, mostly for Rem700/Sauer 100/101/ Haenel 10/ Howa actions.
Plus details of courses both DSC1 related and others - more to follow.
And not least - whilst the shows tend to be a bit manic and there is never enough time to give everyone the full attention they deserve, there'll be John and myself - got a question? Here's your chance to ask it!
Whether buying from us or not we look forward to seeing you!
jamross65
Well-Known Member
Some of the exhibitors and brands they will be carrying and displaying at the Deerstalking fair this weekend at the Black Isle Sgowground, Muir of Ord. We also have a deer skinning and butchery demo, dog tracking seminar and a talk by Iain Watson from the CIC on trophy assessment/scoring planned. Times will be announced at the event.
Viking Arms
McLeods of Tain
Brock and Norris
Shooting Scotland magazine
Monarch Country Products
Lowa Hunting Boots
Rovince Tick Clothing
Blaser
Sauer
Mauser
Sako
Tikka
Swarovski
Zeiss
Meopta
Schmidt & Bender
Leica
Moray Outfitting
Vortex Optics
Dewey
Proshot
Sauer
Z-Aim
Otis
Haenel
Ruger
Lansky
Talley Mounts
Viking Arms
Merkel Helix
Leopold
Nomad clothing
Deerhunter clothing
Richard Mckay Tailors
Drew's Lab (Thermal and Night Vision)
Fin & Game
Bestard Boots
Swazi
UKDTR (United Kingdom Deer Track and Recovery)
Ardgay Game
BDS (British Deer Society)
SGA (Scottish Gamekeepers Association)
Brock and Norris Custom Rifles
Tim Weschenfelder Lardering and Butchery Equipment
McGregor ATV
Aird Motors
Subaru
Argocat
Deerstalker Whisky
Prosporting Solutions
Brinicombe Agri
International Big Game and Bird Hunting
Tartan Creations
John Fisher Larders and Chills
Highland Bothy Catering
Viking Arms
McLeods of Tain
Brock and Norris
Shooting Scotland magazine
Monarch Country Products
Lowa Hunting Boots
Rovince Tick Clothing
Blaser
Sauer
Mauser
Sako
Tikka
Swarovski
Zeiss
Meopta
Schmidt & Bender
Leica
Moray Outfitting
Vortex Optics
Dewey
Proshot
Sauer
Z-Aim
Otis
Haenel
Ruger
Lansky
Talley Mounts
Viking Arms
Merkel Helix
Leopold
Nomad clothing
Deerhunter clothing
Richard Mckay Tailors
Drew's Lab (Thermal and Night Vision)
Fin & Game
Bestard Boots
Swazi
UKDTR (United Kingdom Deer Track and Recovery)
Ardgay Game
BDS (British Deer Society)
SGA (Scottish Gamekeepers Association)
Brock and Norris Custom Rifles
Tim Weschenfelder Lardering and Butchery Equipment
McGregor ATV
Aird Motors
Subaru
Argocat
Deerstalker Whisky
Prosporting Solutions
Brinicombe Agri
International Big Game and Bird Hunting
Tartan Creations
John Fisher Larders and Chills
Highland Bothy Catering
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jamross65
Well-Known Member
Yes, Mike spoke to me a while back and said he would be there with rifles on display.
highland stalker
Well-Known Member
Out of interest was the show a success in the North? How well was it attended compared to previous years?
Thanks to all that attended - it was great to see some of our customers in the far North! (and from the far South - Devon & Bristol!)
Think it is fair to say exhibitors & foot-fall was slightly down on Kelso - we had a good day on the Saturday then as is always the case with Kelso on a Sunday less folk turn out, but none the less a good show - thanks to Brian and the team for all their organisation efforts!
I'm sure all stakeholders learnt a think or two from this show & with a few more thoughts on how we reach folk in the Glen's who are not on social media the foundations are laid to make this a "must attend" show next time round
Think it is fair to say exhibitors & foot-fall was slightly down on Kelso - we had a good day on the Saturday then as is always the case with Kelso on a Sunday less folk turn out, but none the less a good show - thanks to Brian and the team for all their organisation efforts!
I'm sure all stakeholders learnt a think or two from this show & with a few more thoughts on how we reach folk in the Glen's who are not on social media the foundations are laid to make this a "must attend" show next time round
jamross65
Well-Known Member
The numbers were slightly down on Kelso, but that could be due to the word not getting spread the same given the remoteness of some areas there. It's been on FB and Twitter for months, advertised in the shooting organisations magazines as well as exhibitors putting it on their sites and on a local radio station, 10 mentions a day for about 3 weeks. Maybe as the reputation grows we will se a significant increase in attendance.
We were let down this year by one or two exhibitors who said they would attend and then decided fairly late on they couldn't make it. That said, the venue is about the same area size as Kelso (in fact slightly bigger) but without the width to have a central island of stands. So that weather isn't an issue we try to keep everything indoors. But a few good suggestions have been made about how to address that for the future and maybe then manage to get more stands there. Although sometimes by expanding all that happens is repetition of products as opposed to there actually being much more to see. That said, there was no empty space inside and we couldn't have got more there without going outside. There was almost 100 rifles on display from all the major manufacturers as well as a huge number of optics.
If there is a demand for it and the traders have had a good weekend of business it would be great to see it grow into a much larger event. The butchery demo as always was very well attended. In fact probably too busy and that means that some struggle to see and hear what's going on. An overhead camera projecting onto a screen in the future would be good with a PA system describing the process by a narrator. We also have cookery demos being asked for using venison and other game. But that is expanding into a whole different area however, as it is all linked to deerstalking why not.
It's funny how some view the worth of an event though because for a tenner on the door and free parking we have always felt it isn't a lot to charge. Especially when there is a chance to win a set of Meopta binos, see the demos and listen to seminars on tracking with dogs and trophy assessment. There were some really good deals to be had at there fair and when looking at McLeod's of Tain display the discounts really were significant! None of this 10% stuff, a few hundred pounds off!
What was nice at this fair, similar to Kelso, was the social aspect of the day. There were guys who spent the whole Saturday there and came back on the Sunday to meet up with friends over really good food and drink! In fact some looked like they never left the catering area!
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Jamross.
I went with a couple of pals, we have been to all the shows at Kelso, and although this one was only a two hour drive as opposed to five to Kelso, I preferred Kelso.
What was missing for me was, no powder, no bullets, no high seats and no fancy holidays to far away places (I don't do them, but like to dream).
What I did like was the sausage man. Bought a load of sausage making stuff. Saved quite a few bob on this. That and meeting two old friends I haven't seen for years.
Alan
I went with a couple of pals, we have been to all the shows at Kelso, and although this one was only a two hour drive as opposed to five to Kelso, I preferred Kelso.
What was missing for me was, no powder, no bullets, no high seats and no fancy holidays to far away places (I don't do them, but like to dream).
What I did like was the sausage man. Bought a load of sausage making stuff. Saved quite a few bob on this. That and meeting two old friends I haven't seen for years.
Alan
Jamross.
Following discussions after the show, mostly about the location of the show, my learned colleagues came up with the suggestion for Thainston Market in Inverurie. Its massive, covered has all the facilities needed and is probably located in the roe stalking capital of Scotland. Dead easy to get too.
Just a thought.
Alan
Following discussions after the show, mostly about the location of the show, my learned colleagues came up with the suggestion for Thainston Market in Inverurie. Its massive, covered has all the facilities needed and is probably located in the roe stalking capital of Scotland. Dead easy to get too.
Just a thought.
Alan
jamross65
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the suggestions and constructive criticism. All will be considered, genuinely.
I completely agree regarding the reloading stock this year. Mike Norris and Game and Country who normally have a huge stock of reloading components both had issues this year. Game and Country being suppliers of game feeds and equipment are in the busiest period of the year for them and it is impossible to spare staff to come to the fair this far north during this period. Mike understandably has issues in bringing that much stock out his shop to travel so far and whilst he has supported the fair since it began and told me he had a great weekend at the Black Isle, it is a logistical nightmare for him. Round trip of around 1000 miles! Same with Sean at Deerhunter.
Alan, your probably right but the Black isle is pretty much central to the red deer stalking nucleus too!
We try our best to get a bit of everything there without too much of one thing.
I went to the hunting fair in Dortmund last year and although it was huge I found that outside of the firearms, optics, high seats and dog arena, it was very, very repetitive with many traders all selling very similar brands and products. A fantastic event and I loved being there but in reality where clothing was concerned, repetitive. We feel that consumables in stalking (like the reloading gear) needs good representation as that in particular is what folk not only want, but really need especially at show prices!
We had a really good chat with the exhibitors at the weekend including the sponsors, Viking Arms who had a great weekend! There is a few things we will look at for improving the event and would love to see it continue in a similar vein as we really have enough game fairs up and down the country.
I think the demos could really be expanded on as best practice events are few and far between now and cost a lot more than a tenner to see a master butcher cut up a deer.
So, for the next one (regardless of where it is) expect to see more in the way of using the venison/game, a better set up for the demos, we will do our best to get a good display of reloading gear there and also expand on what we already have as I agree it is needed. I know that the ATV's were of interest and that the guys there said they would travel to the next fair regardless of where it was! We did miss out on a few exhibitors as there was another event on I believe down south we hadn't been aware of and I understand they would prefer attending something closer to home. Be a shame though if exhibitors felt that Scotland wasn't worth travelling to.
I completely agree regarding the reloading stock this year. Mike Norris and Game and Country who normally have a huge stock of reloading components both had issues this year. Game and Country being suppliers of game feeds and equipment are in the busiest period of the year for them and it is impossible to spare staff to come to the fair this far north during this period. Mike understandably has issues in bringing that much stock out his shop to travel so far and whilst he has supported the fair since it began and told me he had a great weekend at the Black Isle, it is a logistical nightmare for him. Round trip of around 1000 miles! Same with Sean at Deerhunter.
Alan, your probably right but the Black isle is pretty much central to the red deer stalking nucleus too!
We try our best to get a bit of everything there without too much of one thing.
I went to the hunting fair in Dortmund last year and although it was huge I found that outside of the firearms, optics, high seats and dog arena, it was very, very repetitive with many traders all selling very similar brands and products. A fantastic event and I loved being there but in reality where clothing was concerned, repetitive. We feel that consumables in stalking (like the reloading gear) needs good representation as that in particular is what folk not only want, but really need especially at show prices!
We had a really good chat with the exhibitors at the weekend including the sponsors, Viking Arms who had a great weekend! There is a few things we will look at for improving the event and would love to see it continue in a similar vein as we really have enough game fairs up and down the country.
I think the demos could really be expanded on as best practice events are few and far between now and cost a lot more than a tenner to see a master butcher cut up a deer.
So, for the next one (regardless of where it is) expect to see more in the way of using the venison/game, a better set up for the demos, we will do our best to get a good display of reloading gear there and also expand on what we already have as I agree it is needed. I know that the ATV's were of interest and that the guys there said they would travel to the next fair regardless of where it was! We did miss out on a few exhibitors as there was another event on I believe down south we hadn't been aware of and I understand they would prefer attending something closer to home. Be a shame though if exhibitors felt that Scotland wasn't worth travelling to.
I couldn't be there because of work
Been to Kelso looked forward to some of the talks / demos but one I wanted was no show that year .... Shame that some folk pull out but also leave it so late to do so [emoji29]
Like sound of sausage man .. I process all my own beasts & yes it's an element to deer stalking... in fact often after trigger pulled work begins....
Definitely think the butchery & food side could be expanded...,
A tenner and free parking isn't even 3 pints in lot of places so great value ....
Long may this show continue & thrive
Paul
Been to Kelso looked forward to some of the talks / demos but one I wanted was no show that year .... Shame that some folk pull out but also leave it so late to do so [emoji29]
Like sound of sausage man .. I process all my own beasts & yes it's an element to deer stalking... in fact often after trigger pulled work begins....
Definitely think the butchery & food side could be expanded...,
A tenner and free parking isn't even 3 pints in lot of places so great value ....
Long may this show continue & thrive
Paul
TheOldGamey
Well-Known Member
I had a run up on the Sunday, along with a couple of SD members, it was my first visit, having never been to the Kelso show.
My first impressions were it was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be, and was a bit disappointed in its size, I don't think there was more than 30 stands. With the interest there is in stalking these days, I had pictured a bigger show in my mind.
I went with a shopping list in my pocket, looking for, powder, heads, primers, a kinetic bullet puller, a digital caliper, primers, percussion caps, for my m/l guns,(if possible ), spray lube, dog tracking collar , and a few other bits and bobs, sadly these were not available.
The stand holders were very helpful, and friendly, and I did enjoy what was there, and if it could be improved on, I would be happy to return, now I know what to expect .
My first impressions were it was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be, and was a bit disappointed in its size, I don't think there was more than 30 stands. With the interest there is in stalking these days, I had pictured a bigger show in my mind.
I went with a shopping list in my pocket, looking for, powder, heads, primers, a kinetic bullet puller, a digital caliper, primers, percussion caps, for my m/l guns,(if possible ), spray lube, dog tracking collar , and a few other bits and bobs, sadly these were not available.
The stand holders were very helpful, and friendly, and I did enjoy what was there, and if it could be improved on, I would be happy to return, now I know what to expect .
levigsp
Well-Known Member
So, what can I say as a first time visitor, after driving the 120 miles to get there I was disappointed, exactly the same as TheOldGamey above, it was a lot smaller then expected, 19 or 20 stands in total.
I too expected to see reloading supplies, especially as its well known that there is a shortage in the north highlands.
I was [and my wife] hoping to see some dog work, tracking and the like, no such look, just a rather quiet talk/display show in the corner, something could have been done outside as it is at game fairs.
Cloths on show,although at first glance there were lots, when you looked close, very little for the woman stalker and very little in the way of hot weather stalking! we do get the sun in the Highlands.
It amazed me at how many Varmint type rifles were on display, lovely built guns, but so heavy I could not carry one for Stalking.
I watched as people were trying the Viking Arms simulated pig shoot, there was one gun setup for short necked people, anyone like myself had to keep their face some distance above the stock to see through the aimpoint, when someone asked about it, the response was a shrug of the shoulders and" well that how it is, you need to keep your face high" not conducive to selling the sport!
There were a lot of Rifles I grant you, but it would have been nice to see guns for those on budget, first timers and the like,eg Howa, CZ etc.
The was no one offering Stalking, or no one I saw, I found this very strange! and no one displaying trophy prep, taxidermy etc.
Maybe I have been spoiled by visiting the stalking shows in Germany, Poland and the like, even the Game fairs in the UK, but for me it will have to change a fair bit before I visit again.
But then again I am a grumpy old git.
I too expected to see reloading supplies, especially as its well known that there is a shortage in the north highlands.
I was [and my wife] hoping to see some dog work, tracking and the like, no such look, just a rather quiet talk/display show in the corner, something could have been done outside as it is at game fairs.
Cloths on show,although at first glance there were lots, when you looked close, very little for the woman stalker and very little in the way of hot weather stalking! we do get the sun in the Highlands.
It amazed me at how many Varmint type rifles were on display, lovely built guns, but so heavy I could not carry one for Stalking.
I watched as people were trying the Viking Arms simulated pig shoot, there was one gun setup for short necked people, anyone like myself had to keep their face some distance above the stock to see through the aimpoint, when someone asked about it, the response was a shrug of the shoulders and" well that how it is, you need to keep your face high" not conducive to selling the sport!
There were a lot of Rifles I grant you, but it would have been nice to see guns for those on budget, first timers and the like,eg Howa, CZ etc.
The was no one offering Stalking, or no one I saw, I found this very strange! and no one displaying trophy prep, taxidermy etc.
Maybe I have been spoiled by visiting the stalking shows in Germany, Poland and the like, even the Game fairs in the UK, but for me it will have to change a fair bit before I visit again.
But then again I am a grumpy old git.
jamross65
Well-Known Member
It would be amazing if we could have our own hunting show like they do in Germany. I've been and it's a spectacle. But there are differences being catered for in the audiences attending.
The comment about selling stalking is an interesting one. I have friends who go to Germany to sell their stalking in the UK. It is snapped up. But, we have had folk at the fair before selling stalking in the UK and didn't do well. I wonder why that is?
I expected the dog tracking to occur again like last year. I found out about 2 weeks prior to the show that the organisation originally supposed to be coming now weren't. The UKDTR had been considering coming and agreed to represent the service of deer recovery in the UK but at short notice struggled a bit to get members there to do a demo as Tony travelled up by plane from way down south.
I tried to get a local taxidermist to attend with the offer of a free stand as they were doing a demo. Didn't get any uptake. Perhaps they are busy enough? Our usual taxidermist, Pennine Taxidermy couldn't make it as they were away. They will be back at future events.
I'm afraid that issues regarding woman's clothing or warm weather stalking gear is something that needs to be taken up with the manufacturers themselves.
We canvass a lot of folk in the hope they will exhibit at the event but for some reason many don't see it as being worthwhile, but choose to go to large fairs in England instead. I find it strange because it appears as though the lure of a huge audience through the door is attracting them, but how many of those attendees are in fact potential stalkers and therefore customers? On a family day out I'd expect very little to be spent in the way of scopes and rifles, yet at the Deerstalking Fair that is exactly what is bought. BASC didn't even attend despite a local garage offering the discount scheme to their members being there. I found that very frustrating being a member of that organisation as well as another because the SGA support the event and attend every year. I do feel that the Scottish contingency are almost not being supported and I intend as a member to take that up with BASC as we were asked why they weren't there.
With regards to affordable rifles being offered, Ruger and Tikka were both on display and I'd think you'd struggle to find a more affordable brand. It is very difficult for the likes of Gregor from McLeods putting together a road trip to bring all the rifles Kelso. Logistically it is a major task. If folk do attend and then feel visitors are doing more looking than buying they won't come back.
It is also clear that some traders experience a lot of 'touching and feeling' of their goods but then the potential customer is going off to look for a price online. Best thing to do is ask the traders what price they will do!
But, as I have said, we will look into all the aspects of the fair and try and produce something that addresses the issues above. There WILL be a tracking demo at the next one as I've already discussed it with the UKDTR. We WILL have butchery best practice on a larger scale with perhaps hands on opportunities like the first very fair as well as a cooking demo again. With perhaps a well known chef next year
If we can get the interest from other exhibitors to cause us to put up a marquee or two outside to accommodate them, we will. But we have seen what can happen with the Scottish (British in fact!) weather and relying on a good weekend for an outside show in March/April is a real gamble! Trying to have the fair later in the year is clashing with other events and the season is already under way. March/April being at the start of the Scottish Roebuck season seemed to be a good time.
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