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Dalrachney Lodge

Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, PH23 3AT, Scotland
Telephone: +44 (0)1479 841252
Fax: +44 (0)1479 841383

Local Sporting Estate - 2km from Dalrachney

SPORT & COSTS IN OUR AREA

We are often asked to quote prices for Shooting and Stalking. The following cost indications are given for your budgetary purposes but are typical prices of local Estates. Should a firm package be prepared for you the Estates will require an initial deposit and usually payment prior to your sport. Costs are subject to 17.5% VAT (UK Tax). Should you have a serious interest we shall be happy to put you in touch with local Estates or Sporting Agents. As a "Sporting Tenant or Guest" you will be subject to the Estate or Agency contractual terms and conditions.

We offer secure gun storage facilities. Guns may be brought in to the UK subject to temporary certification but even then certain airlines will not carry them. The necessary paperwork will be arranged by your Estate or Agent as we are unable to perform this function. We will of course confirm to Authorities that you have a reservation here.

Room Reservations at Dalrachney - Many sporting guests enquire very early on in the season if we can provide a certain number of rooms on certain dates. We are happy to indicate availability at any time but only deposited reservations are guaranteed and must be in writing confirmed by us. "Provisional" reservations have no status with us and we would recommend that you book accommodation only when your sport is firmed up on a contractual basis with your chosen Estate or Sporting Agent

RED DEER STAGS - From 1 July to 20 October, £325 per Stag. Usually one or two Stags per day. Accompanied by Stalker. Mostly open Hill / Mountain, can be part wooded. Can bring own Rifle, minimum caliber 0.243", scope and fitted bi-pod. (Some Estates require 0.270") Subject to Firearms certification and £5m Public Liability Insurance (PLI). Stalker tip £25-£50. Trophy and preparation extra if required. It is sometimes possible to get a 2 for 1 offer on "cull" stags in early season, July.

RED DEER HINDS - From 20 October to Mid February. £100 per Hind. Up to 3 Hinds per day possible. Otherwise as STAGS above.

ROE BUCK - From 1 April to Mid October, but usually not in April in our area. Often over 3 days or so, say 5 bucks total £850. Otherwise as STAGS above. Differing costs for quality trophies. ROE DOE are generally not stalked by private guests in our area.

DRIVEN DEER and low ground Stalking - Usually later in season, November and December. Local arrangements may be possible.

DRIVEN GROUSE - From 12 August to 10 December, nominal. It is unlikely that Driven Grouse would go past September. To 8 - 10 Guns. Budget £1500/Gun/Day. Estate availability varies and is always taken up. Later season walked up Grouse possible at lower cost. Estate may require a 3 day minimum shoot to say 300 brace. Reconsider unless you can put together an 8 gun or so group with a sport budget of > £20,000 over 3 days. There is always the possibility of a single gun joining another group where Agency arranged.

DRIVEN PHEASANT - From 1 October to end January. To 6 - 9 Guns. £450/Gun/Day to £550. Usually own Shotgun, subject to Certification and Insurance. Often a Group and Syndicate activity. PARTRIDGE shoots are not so common in our area but can be found and tend to be more expensive than Pheasant shoots, to £750 per gun

BLACK GAME and PTARMIGAN - The Grouse cousins are in very short supply and many Estates will not shoot them. I know one Estate which has created a special habitat for the Black Cock and they are doing well at this time. The Grey Hen will flush with Peasants now and then and be shot. Similarly it will be difficult to impossible to locate an Estate where Ptarmigan will be shot. Normally they will be in winter white. This usually means late November and over 3000ft asl.

THE MacNAB - Not a great many sportsmen have achieved this and the probability of arranging and achieving it is low unless you spend some time in the area. Within a day you must catch a Salmon, stalk a Stag and shoot a brace of Grouse. The day usually starts at first light with the fishing. This is the hardest part; then for the Stag and there is a good chance of walking up Grouse during the stalk. I know of one successful Guest who started with the Stag at dawn, then the Grouse and caught the Salmon by midday. Take the Stalker's advice. Late August through September is the typical time-frame in the Highlands.

ROUGH SHOOTING - Season to fit in with other activity as above but usually as Pheasant. Walked-up Hares and Rabbits also Pheasant. With Dogs. To 6 - 8 Guns. £120+/Gun/Day. Otherwise as Pheasant above.

With the exception of Rough Shoots, if you are able to put together the number of Guns, the remainder of Sport as outlined above would normally be arranged up to a year in advance. Please advise if we can be of any further assistance. We host many shoots per year, I shoot and Stalk myself and we are experienced in the needs of the Sportsperson. Keep in mind that the Stalker is King. Take and seek his advice. He will recall every single Guest he has worked with over the years. Tip him above average and you will be remembered. I have known a low or no tip to result in a bar to that Estate.

Many of our sporting guests bring their own dogs and use our Victorian Kennels building which is the size of a small cottage. Suitable for up to 9 dogs it is offered at no extra cost on a DIY basis but is adequate enough with fenced runs. Only Gun/Kennel trained dogs will be happy here.

The Kennels - in our grounds

Any sporting arrangements you make with Estates or Agents will be the subject of a contract between the Estate or Agent and yourself. You must be a license / certificate holder and have PLI to £5m from BASC for example. We provide accommodation and meals only, under direct arrangements with yourself. Please email us with your detailed requirements or for any further information.

See below for recommended Sporting Agencies

For our local Estate contact via weblink below

www.strathspey-estate.co.uk

Location Map, 57deg 17.03N, 003deg 48.66W, 850ft asl