Combination hunt for sika deer and red deer in Scotland

We have access to fantastic Highland estates with very strong populations of both red deer and sika deer. Our hunting partner manages several estates located north of Inverness – a region renowned for some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland.

Here, we offer a highly attractive combination of red stag and sika stag hunting, with excellent chances of taking strong sika stags!

Red deer stalking in the Scottish Highlands during the rut in September–October is difficult to describe in words – it truly has to be experienced firsthand. It is no exaggeration to say that Highland deer stalking in Scotland is a true European hunting classic!

It is possible to combine red deer stalking with the elusive sika stag during the rut. However, one should expect additional driving during the hunt, as sika deer tend to inhabit the lowlands, while red deer are found in the Highlands. Therefore, it is not unusual to have between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours of travel time to the Highland hunting areas, depending on which estates are selected.

The Hunt
During red deer stalking in the Highlands, two hunters typically hunt together with a shared stalker – a highly experienced local guide who knows the terrain intimately. Hunters take turns shooting, allowing both participants to share the full experience. It is important to note that this is not trophy hunting as known from, for example, Eastern Europe. Instead, you take part in the estate’s selective culling program.

Sika deer hunting in Scotland offers an intense and exciting challenge, as the sika stag is known for its shy and highly alert behavior. Hunters often need to move carefully through rugged terrain, as the deer can quickly disappear into the landscape. Each year, more than 60 sika stags are harvested in the area, primarily representative 6–8 pointers, though a handful of impressive medal stags are also taken each season. This makes the hunt particularly attractive for those seeking an authentic and thrilling hunting experience.

Red deer stalking is typically conducted with a 2:1 guiding ratio, while sika deer hunting is usually conducted 1:1 or as self-guided stand hunting. During the rut and under normal weather conditions, you can generally expect around one red stag per hunter per day, while sika deer can be more challenging – though still with very good success rates.

A typical hunting day
When combined with sika deer hunting, the sika hunt will typically take place early in the morning and again in the afternoon/evening, when sika deer are most active. The experienced guides will aim to position hunters in areas with the highest activity during the rut. This may involve long stalks through dense woodland or stand hunting, where hunters attempt to lure sika stags using calls that imitate their characteristic whistle.

The Highland red deer hunt begins with the hunters meeting their experienced stalker at 9 a.m. at a pre-arranged meeting point on the estate. Here, you will be asked to check and test-fire your rifle before heading out into the Highlands.

The experienced stalker will guide the hunters throughout the hunt and knows where to locate the red deer based on wind and weather conditions. Once the deer have been spotted, the stalker will select a suitable stag for culling, after which the initial stalk begins. Once the stag has been taken, it is transported from the hill using an appropriate off-road vehicle.

Accommodation
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local partner, who will ensure that you are fully prepared for the upcoming days of hunting.

Accommodation is provided in cozy local hotels north of Inverness, approximately a 30-minute drive from the city. The hotels offer genuine Scottish charm and include a hearty “English breakfast,” often enough to keep you satisfied throughout the day. For larger groups, accommodation in a cottage or house with self-catering can be arranged.

Depending on the hunting area, you should expect driving times of approximately 15–30 minutes for sika deer hunting and 30–60 minutes for red deer hunting in the Highlands.