Increased deer stalking demand
Demand and prices for deer stalking on Scottish estates have increased despite the recession, according to research carried out by sales agents Savills.
The firm’s latest study, undertaken as the Scottish stag season closes and the hind season gets underway, looks at this year’s prices and demand for stalking on the 500,000 acres managed by Savills in Scotland, comparing this year’s season with last.
Alastair Gemmell of Savills said: “Prices increased by an average of 5% this year, with those in more accessible locations, where demand is greater, rising by 21% since the general economic downturn began”.
While Scotland is renowned for its stag stalking, the more affordable hind stalking is increasing in popularity. The cost per day is around £200, half that of shooting a single stag, and hind stalking can be let on a daily rather than weekly basis, with less need for clients to book accommodation.
Mr Gemmell continued: “Estates have been particularly successful at attracting stalkers from overseas, with around two thirds coming from outside Scotland. They come for the experience of stalking in the open hills here – it’s a very different landscape to the woodlands of Europe. Scottish stag stalking is very much seen as the holy grail of country sports throughout Europe.”
According to Savills, although the vast majority of stalkers are men, a growing number of women are becoming interested in the sport with women accounting for 10% of bookings last year.
