The Applecross Estate is traditionally thought to be 66,000 acres and until recently stalking took place over all the Estate. In 2000 the largest ever Landlord/Crofter initiative fenced off 23,000 acres of North Applecross for a joint forestry project and deer are no longer welcome in that part of the Estate.
The Estate aims to cull enough red deer to maintain a balance between them and their habitat so that it is not unduly degraded by too many animals, including sheep and cattle, grazing it too hard. Every year in the Spring we count the deer with the aid of binoculars so that we can adjust next autumn’s cull. Currently we have about 400 stags, 600 hinds [females], and 200 calves.
Stags are shot between August 1st and October 21st and hinds between October 22nd and February 28th. Within that policy we aim primarily to shoot those animals that are very old and which may not survive the winter. The reason for this is that as deer get older their teeth wear down so that they are unable to chew the cud and starve to death. We also shoot animals whatever their age that are not in sufficient physical condition to survive the winter. This leaves us with a healthy herd of deer in balance with their environment.
Calculating what needs to be culled closely follows a five-year plan drawn up in conjunction with Professor Rory Putman, whose experience is invaluable to the Estate. This plan forms part of the management of the South West Ross Deer Management Group, of which the Estate is a part, helping to manage 200,000 acres of Wester Ross.
Tradition is followed at Applecross wherever possible. After a preliminary session to check the rifle, a stalking party goes to the Hill in the morning led by a professional stalker whose job it is to select which animal should be shot. The party may walk up to 12 miles in a day over rough and steep terrain. Fitness is important as well as having the correct clothing to keep warm and to blend in with the Hill. The stalker will get the visiting Rifle to a suitable distance for his shot. Once taken, the stalker grallochs (cleans) the beast and summons the pony boy [or ghillie] by radio to come to collect it. The Estate still has Highland Ponies [or garrons] to help get the deer off the Hill. On ground that is too boggy for a horse to walk, Argocats are used for recovery of the deer carcass.
Deer are brought back to the Deer Larder as quickly as possible for processing and then are stored in a purpose-built chilling room prior to collection by the purchaser.
Venison is one of the leanest meats in the UK and is delicious. Apart from being totally wild and free from any form of chemical it is also very cheap compared to beef and mutton. Despite its ill-founded reputation for being a “strong” meat it can be very delicate in its flavour if well sourced. It can be acquired from any good butcher or by approaching an Estate near you and simply asking them if they have any!
Should you be interested in trying to learn more about stalking or taking part please contact the Trust Administrator.
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