Stalking
Wild, genetically pure red deer
Some of Scotland’s heaviest heads
North Uist’s red deer are wild, genetically pure Scottish stock, and they grow some of the heaviest trophy stag heads anywhere in the country. The ground is open and rolling, so it’s far easier going than most mainland hill, and the stalking is every bit as good.
Stags are stalked from mid-August to 20 October, hinds from 21 October to 31 January, with Niall and Rory guiding throughout. Weeks run Monday to Friday. Most guests bring their own rifle (.243 calibre or above); you can hire the Estate’s Tikka by the day, and we help overseas visitors apply for a Visitor Firearm Permit. Accommodation isn’t included, but Lochmaddy Hotel and Langass Lodge both make a comfortable base for stalking parties.
Your guides
Niall and Rory guide every stalking day on the Estate. They know the ground and the deer, so you spend your day stalking, not searching.
Seasons & booking
How stalking is let
Stag Stalking
A week per guest, Monday to Friday
Up to five stags of up to nine points
Additional stags and trophy heads
Stags of ten points or more carry a trophy charge
Single days
Sometimes let, by arrangement with the Estate Factor
Accompanying guests
Welcome on the hill, at a daily charge
Stag season: mid-August to 20 October. The Estate's rifle can be hired by the day.
Hind Stalking
A week per rifle, Monday to Friday
The chance of up to ten hinds, weather permitting
Additional hinds
By arrangement with the Estate Factor
Single days
Up to two hinds a day, by arrangement with the Estate Factor
Accompanying guests
Welcome on the hill, at a daily charge
Hind season: 21 October to 31 January.
For prices and availability, send an enquiry or call the Estate Office on 01876 500329. A 50% non-refundable deposit confirms a booking; the balance is due 60 days before arrival, and extras are settled at the end of the week. You’ll sign the Estate’s terms for your sport when you book.
The accuracy test
Five shots in a five-inch circle
Before any stalking, you’ll be asked to put five shots inside a five-inch circle on the practice target at 100 yards. Here’s a feel for it.
Press and hold the scope to steady your breath, and let go to squeeze the trigger. Hold it too long and the crosshairs start to wander again.
Press and hold the scope to steady your breath. Let go to fire.
Stalking terms
Rules on the hill
The Estate’s terms for every rifle, stag or hind.
Your rifle
Bring your own rifle, .243 calibre or above, as the Deer (Firearms etc.) (Scotland) Order requires, with bullets of 100 to 150 grain. If you have your own, please bring it with you to the island: the Estate has only one Tikka rifle to hire by the day, and ammunition is charged by the round used.
Accuracy test
Before any stalking takes place, you'll be asked to put five shots inside a five-inch circle on the practice target at 100 yards.
The stalker's word is final
You're accompanied at all times by the Estate stalker, who alone decides which animal may be shot. Shoot the wrong one and consent for further stalking is withdrawn; for a stag, the trophy is also confiscated and a penalty charged.
Wounded deer
A wounded animal must be followed until it's recovered, the next day if need be. Charges apply for one that isn't recovered, and for venison spoiled by a shot that isn't clean. There's no penalty for a miss.
Permits for overseas guests
Overseas guests may need a Visitor Firearm Permit. The Estate can apply for you if it has your details at least two months before you arrive: ask the Estate Office for the form, with copies of your European Firearm Pass, firearm certificate and domestic hunting permit.
Insurance
The Estate provides personal liability insurance. Insure your own rifle and equipment.
Venison and trophies
All venison stays with the Estate, though hind stalkers can arrange to buy some. The Estate can send your trophy to a mainland taxidermist if you cover the packing and carriage.
Weather
Every reasonable effort is made to give each rifle their full week, but there are no refunds for days lost to the weather, or for a stalk cut short after a miss.
Bring your own if you can
Your stalking packing list
Limited rifle hire
The Estate's Tikka rifle can be hired by the day for red deer stalking, with ammunition charged by the round used. Numbers are limited, so let us know when you enquire and we’ll hold one for you if we can.
Ask about rifle hireBringing your own
If you have your own rifle, please bring it with you to the island: the Estate has only one to hire. It should be .243 calibre or above, with 100 to 150 grain bullets; you'll shoot five rounds at a practice target before going out. Overseas guests may need a Visitor Firearm Permit: the Estate can apply for you with at least two months' notice.
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof walking boots with good ankle support
- Gaiters for wet heather and bog
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers in muted greens or browns
- Quiet fabrics that don't rustle as you crawl in to the deer
- Warm layers you can add or shed on the walk in
- Hat and gloves in drab colours
Accessories
- Binoculars
- Ammunition of 100 to 150 grain and a rifle slip, if bringing your own rifle
- Firearm certificate or Visitor Firearm Permit, if bringing your own rifle
- Midge repellent in August and September
- Small rucksack with water and a piece for the hill
FAQs
Stalking on North Uist: FAQs
Straight answers to what visitors ask us most. Open any question for the detail.
All questions about the EstateWhen are the stag and hind stalking seasons on North Uist?
Stags are stalked from mid-August to 20 October and hinds from 21 October to 31 January. Both seasons are guided throughout by the Estate's stalkers, Niall and Rory.
How much does red deer stalking cost on North Uist?
Stalking is let by the week, Monday to Friday: up to five stags of up to nine points per guest, or the chance of up to ten hinds per rifle. Additional beasts, trophy heads of ten points or more and single days are by arrangement with the Estate Factor. The Estate Office quotes prices and availability directly; send an enquiry or call 01876 500329. See how stalking is let.
Do I need to bring my own rifle?
Guests normally bring their own rifle of .243 calibre or above, with bullets of 100 to 150 grain, but the Estate's Tikka rifle can be hired by the day. Before stalking, everyone places five shots in a five-inch circle at 100 yards. The Estate can apply for a Visitor Firearm Permit for overseas guests with at least two months' notice.
Is North Uist good for a first-time stalker?
Yes. The open, rolling hill ground is markedly easier going than a typical mainland hill, and every day is guided by Niall or Rory, who read the ground and the deer so you spend your time stalking rather than searching.
Can a non-shooting guest come out on the hill?
Yes. A non-shooting partner or friend can join a stalking day, at a daily charge, so mixed parties can come out together. Ask the Estate Office when you book.
What makes North Uist's red deer different?
North Uist carries genetically pure wild Scottish red deer, and produces some of the heaviest trophy stag heads found anywhere in Scotland.
What deposit is needed to confirm a booking?
Stalking and wildfowling bookings are confirmed with a 50% non-refundable deposit, with the balance due 60 days before arrival. Fishing is booked by the day through the daily roster at Lochmaddy Hotel: there are no refunds for days lost to weather, and if you need to cancel for any other reason, tell the hotel as early as you can so your beat can be given out again.
Still have a question?
The Estate Office replies within one working day. Call, or email info@northuistestate.co.uk.
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- Run by the same family since 1961
- Local guides and keepers who know the ground
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