Last updated: 2nd September 2026

These terms apply specifically to deer stalking undertaken on Glen Dessary Estate. Guests must read and understand the following conditions before taking part. General Estate terms and conditions also apply.

1. Rifles and Equipment

• Personal rifles may be brought to the estate only by prior approval.
• Guests bringing a personal rifle are responsible for ensuring it is held, transported and used lawfully at all times.
• The estate provides high quality, professionally maintained rifles equipped with excellent optics, selected specifically for safe and effective hill stalking.
• Estate rifles will be transported, carried and handled exclusively by the stalker until they consider it safe and appropriate to hand the rifle to the guest for the purpose of taking a shot.

2. Stalkers and Supervision

• All stalking is guided. Guests are not permitted to stalk without an Estate stalker present.
• The decision of the stalker in charge is final at all times. All instructions must be obeyed immediately for safety reasons.
• The Estate cannot be held liable for any incident occurring as a result of ignoring or disobeying a stalker’s instructions.

3. Group Size

• Maximum of four people per hunting party.
• A maximum of two hunting parties may operate on the Estate at any given time.
• The stalker may, at their discretion, reduce group size if conditions require it for safety or animal welfare.

4. Fitness and Physical Requirements

• Stalking is a strenuous activity and requires a reasonable level of fitness, balance and mobility.
• The stalker will pace the stalk to suit the guest’s ability, pausing where required.
• If, in the judgement of the stalker, a guest is unable to continue safely or complete the stalk, the stalk may be shortened or called off.
• Guests must inform the Estate in advance of any relevant medical conditions.
• There is no minimum age for stalking. Anyone going up the hill should be aware that stalking requires a level of fitness and skill, and the ability to remain still and silent at key moments.

5. Clothing and Personal Equipment

• The weather can change at a moment’s notice. Adequate clothing and footwear must be worn.
• Guests must bring their own suitable clothing and boots. The Estate cannot be expected to provide clothing to suit all sizes and ages.
• Waterproof layers, warm mid-layers and supportive boots are essential.

6. Shooting and Shot Placement

• Guests will be required to shoot on the Estate’s range. This allows the stalker to confirm safe firearm handling, suitable accuracy and confidence with the rifle.
• The guest must follow the stalker’s instructions for shot placement.
• Head shots are strictly prohibited unless expressly authorised by the stalker under exceptional circumstances.
• While the rifle is in their possession, the guest is fully responsible for its safe handling and muzzle discipline, and must follow all safety instructions given by the stalker at all times.
• If the guest is not fully confident in making a clean and ethical shot, they must refrain from firing.
• The utmost respect and dignity must be given to all deer on the Estate. Animal welfare is paramount.

7. Welfare, Carcass Handling and Recovery

• A clean, humane shot is the priority at all times.
• Guests should be aware that hind stalking may involve taking a calf when required for welfare and population management. If a guest is not comfortable with this, they must inform the stalker before the stalk begins. The stalker will guide any such decision during the outing and it must be followed for ethical and practical reasons.
• The guest may be asked to assist with tasks such as gralloching, dragging and loading the carcass into an Argocat.
• If a follow-up shot or tracking operation is required, only the stalker will make the decision on how to proceed.
• The stalker’s instructions during recovery must be followed precisely.
• Guests who wish to take the trophy head from their stalk may do so for an additional fee of £100. Trophy requests must be made to the stalker so the head can be set aside.
• Trophies cannot be posted. The Estate does not offer any postage, shipping or handling service for trophy heads. Guests are responsible for arranging and paying for all transport, packaging and any documentation required.

8. Confirming Numbers and Amendments

• The number of rifles, stalking days and stags or hinds to be taken must be finalised at least 30 days before arrival.
• These numbers cannot be reduced within 30 days of arrival.
• Stalking days and beasts confirmed will be charged in full, whether or not they are taken.
• Increases inside 30 days are subject to availability.
• Stalks cancelled by the Estate are not charged, and our liability to you is limited to that charge. Stalks lost to weather or safety are covered by clause 9.

9. Weather and Cancellation of a Stalk

• No stalk is guaranteed. Weather conditions can render the hill unsafe or unsuitable.
• The stalker may cancel, postpone or shorten a stalk if visibility, wind, terrain or welfare concerns require it.
• No compensation is offered for stalks abandoned or curtailed due to adverse weather or safety concerns.

10. Liability and Insurance

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud.

Deer stalking takes place in a remote Highland environment where terrain, weather and wildlife can be unpredictable. The Estate cannot be held liable for any incident or injury arising from conditions beyond its control, including but not limited to adverse weather, rough or uneven ground, slips, trips or falls, bites, stings, encounters with wildlife, or any injury resulting from a guest’s own negligence or failure to follow instructions given by the stalker.

Guests participate at their own risk and must accept responsibility for their personal safety while on the hill. Guests must hold personal insurance covering deer stalking and supervised firearm use, such as the cover provided with BASC membership, and must be able to confirm this on request. It is the responsibility of each guest to ensure their insurance covers outdoor activities, hill walking, supervised firearm handling and the inherent risks associated with deer stalking.