A corporate hunting trip can be a great way to blow off steam from a busy year and build team work. A winter shooting trip in Scotland might be ideal for your company. Scotland has a beautiful landscape, a rich culture, and many opportunities for hunting varied game. The landscape itself provides unique opportunities and challenges to the hunter.
Winter is an excellent season for hunting in Scotland. There is a wider range of game available at this time of year and fewer tourists, so you will have more space to yourself and a more authentic experience. You will also be able to find better deals on airline tickets and hotels, since winter is considered the low season throughout Europe. September and October are considered the shoulder season, and will also offer discounted rates, though they will be a little higher than true winter prices. Large cabin rentals are available by the week to accommodate your trip if you would prefer to avoid busier cities and hotels and maintain a more private event.
There are several different agencies available that can help you schedule your shooting trip. These agencies may offer equipment and guides depending on your needs. Given current airline policies, it may be simpler to rent equipment upon arrival than to bring it along. You may hunt without aid of these services, provided you get permission from the landowner in the area you wish to hunt. Be sure to investigate local laws before engaging in any hunting. Travel through private land is allowed, provided your party does not cause any disturbances, but hunting on private land is prohibited without prior permission. In some cases this permission must be expressly written.
The game seasons in Scotland are staggered by species and gender in order to provide hunting opportunities year round without depleting the game populations. Red deer stag and hinds, roe deer bucks and does, sitka stag, rabbit, white hare, grouse, partridge, driven pheasant, driven or flying duck, geese, and woodcock are all available at various times throughout the winter months. Pigeons are legally considered pests and can be hunted at any time of year. Fishing is also available for various different species throughout the year.
Deer hunting is referred to as stalking in Scotland, and many guides are willing to help visitors become accustomed to the local landscape. Scotland has a problem with overpopulation in red deer that causes trouble with crops and young forests. As a result there are few limits on the number of deer that can be bagged, provided that the land owner has given permission. However, it is against the law to hunt deer between sundown and sunrise. Hunting any type of game is not allowed on Sundays. Occasionally hunting in the off season may be allowed if the deer herds have become a nuisance to people and property, but you must obtain permission before any such action is undertaken.
The proximately of the ocean keeps Scotland’s weather fairly temperate throughout the year. The average temperature throughout the winter months is 43ºF, although it can get colder in the regions further north and at higher altitudes. There is considerable rainfall throughout the year, though it is generally sunnier during the winter, so it is good to be prepared.
With relatively temperate weather, a greater number of game opportunities, more favorable prices, and significantly fewer crowds, winter is an excellent time for your corporate shooting trip. Visiting Scotland in the off season will give the people in your company a greater change to get to know the locals and learn about the true nature of the country.
