Scotland Hunting Trips. Red stag, Roe deer, Pheasant & grouse
River & Green arranges guided hunting and shooting holidays across Scotland — from red deer stalking on Highland estates to walked-up pheasant, partridge and grouse on Borders moorland and driven pheasant shoots. Every trip is put together by someone who actually knows that sport and that ground.
What Can You Hunt in Scotland?
Scotland offers a genuine range of quarry across distinct seasons. Red deer stalking is the centrepiece — both stag and hind — alongside roe buck, walked-up and driven pheasant / partridge shooting and walked-up grouse shooting. We work with estates across the Highlands and the Borders, matching clients to the right ground for their party size, experience level, and dates.
What Does a Hunting Holiday in Scotland Cost?
Prices vary depending on species, party size, and timing. The figures below are per-person guide prices. Your holiday is tailored around your group, so contact us for a precise quote or use the form on the right hand side of this page and we will send you fully personalised and fully costed proposal.
| Quarry | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Red deer stag | £810 | £1,250 per stag |
| Roe buck | £340 | £565 per buck |
| Red deer hinds | £350 | £600 per day |
| Walked-up wing shooting (1 hunter) | £800 | £840 per day |
| Walked-up wing shooting (2+ hunters) | £405 | £605 per hunter per day |
| Driven wing shooting (150 birds, 8 guns) | £1,135 | £1,575 per gun |
| Shotgun or rifle hire | £50 | £80 per day |
All prices are in GBP. Most of our international clients find the exchange rate favourable. We’re happy to provide a USD or Euro equivalent at time of enquiry. Prices include professional guiding and estate access. Accommodation, travel, and trophy fees are quoted separately.
Your Trip Organiser
Alex Pearson designs all hunting, shooting and stalking itineraries at River & Green. He’s been shooting since the age of 15 and has extensive knowledge of estates and guides across Scotland, from Highland stag ground to Borders driven shooting. He joined River & Green in 2013 and has put together hundreds of trips for clients from North America, Europe, and beyond.
River & Green works with a network of professional guides across Scotland. Depending on where you’re going, what you’re hunting, and the time of year, Alex will match you with the guide he believes is the right fit — someone who knows that ground, that quarry, and the kind of client you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a firearms certificate to go deer stalking in Scotland?
No. As a visiting hunter you don’t need a UK firearms certificate. You’ll use a rifle provided by the estate, which is fully licenced. If you’d prefer to bring your own from the US or Canada, we can advise on and handle the import process. Most clients find it simpler to hire on arrival (£50–£80 per day).
How much does red stag hunting in Scotland cost?
Red stag stalking is priced per stag taken, from £810 to £1,250 depending on the estate. This covers professional guiding, estate fees, and gralloch.
When is the best time for red stag?
The stag season runs 1 July to 20 October. The rut peaks in late September and early October, when stags are most active and the experience is at its most dramatic. This is our most in-demand period; we recommend booking at least six months ahead.
What does a guided stalking day involve?
From mid-September onwards, you’ll typically meet your stalker around 8–9am. After a briefing on conditions and the ground, you’ll head up into the hills by vehicle, usually in the stalker’s truck. From there, the stalk begins on foot. Most days cover 4–8 miles over open moorland and heather, as your stalker reads the wind, uses the terrain, and works to get you within ethical shooting distance. It’s unhurried and methodical, one of the more absorbing days you can spend outdoors.
Earlier in the season, from July through to mid-September, stalking is often done at sunrise, when conditions are cooler and deer are more active. Sunrise at that time of year typically ranges from around 4:30am in July to about 6:30am by mid-September. Morning stalking usually lasts four to five hours, until the day becomes too warm. If a stag isn’t taken, you’ll head out again in the evening for a further four hours around sunset.
Can complete beginners go deer stalking?
Yes. We regularly take first-time stalkers, including those who’ve never hunted in Scotland before. Your guide will cover the rifle, the shot, and the etiquette well before you’re in the field. A reasonable level of hill fitness is required. If you have any concerns about the terrain, tell us and we’ll match you to suitable ground.
What’s the difference between walked-up and driven shooting?
Walked-up means working through cover with dogs, flushing birds as you go. It’s active, unpredictable, suits smaller parties. Driven is more formal: you stand at a peg while birds are driven over you by beaters. Both are available depending on your preference. Walked-up shooting is more readily available for smaller groups (1 – 4 hunters). Driven shooting tends to be for groups of 6 – 8 hunters, however we do offer (very) select dates where individual hunters can join larger groups on a driven day.
How far ahead should I book?
For red stag in late September or October, 6–12 months is realistic, these dates go early. For driven shooting 4 – 8 months usually works. Walked-up shooting is best booked 4 – 6 months in advance, but shorter notice can often be arranged, 1 – 2 months. Spring roe buck, 1–5 months usually works. If you have a specific window, contact us and we’ll tell you honestly what’s available.
