Last updated: September 2026

These Deer Stalking Terms & Conditions apply specifically to deer stalking undertaken on Glen Dessary Estate and are supplementary to the Glen Dessary Estate Terms & Conditions.

By making a stalking booking, paying a deposit, or participating in a stalk, the client and all members of their stalking party confirm that they have read, understood and agreed to these Stalking Terms & Conditions and the Estate's main Terms & Conditions.

Where there is any inconsistency between these Stalking Terms & Conditions and the main Estate Terms & Conditions, these Stalking Terms & Conditions shall apply in relation to the deer stalking booking and activity.

1. Booking and Payment

• A 20% deposit is required to confirm a stalking booking. The booking is not confirmed until the required deposit has been received.
• The remaining balance of the stalking booking fee is due 30 days before the scheduled arrival date.
• For bookings made within 30 days of the scheduled arrival date, the full booking fee is payable at the time of booking.
• Payment of the deposit or full booking fee constitutes acceptance of these Stalking Terms & Conditions.

2. Cancellation by the Client

More than 30 days before arrival

• If a stalking booking is cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival date, the deposit will be refunded less an administration fee of £250.

30 days or less before arrival

• If a stalking booking is cancelled 30 days or less before the scheduled arrival date, the booking is non-refundable.
• The client remains liable for the full booking fee applicable to the confirmed booking, whether or not the balance has already been paid.
• Where any balance remains outstanding at the time of cancellation, the outstanding amount becomes immediately due and payable.
• Clients are therefore advised to ensure that they have appropriate cancellation and travel insurance.

3. Reduction in the Number of Stags or Hinds

• The number of stags or hinds confirmed at the time of booking forms part of the booking commitment.
• Any reduction in the number of stags or hinds within 30 days of the scheduled arrival date will not be accepted and will not result in any reduction in the booking fee.
• The client will remain liable for the booking fee based on the number of stags or hinds originally confirmed.
• Any request to reduce the number of stags or hinds more than 30 days before arrival is subject to the Estate's agreement and may be subject to a revised price.

4. Additional Day

• Clients may consider booking an additional day at a charge of £500. Stalking is a hunting activity with the standard risks involved in having a blank day due to weather and general deer herd movements. This applies particularly to pre-rut stag stalking in late August and most of September; stags move to higher ground which, in bad weather, can make it challenging. Estate stalkers are usually successful, but this can’t be guaranteed.
• An additional day provides greater flexibility where weather, ground conditions or an unsuccessful stalk affect the opportunity to complete the intended stalking.
• The additional day does not constitute a second stalk and does not guarantee an additional stalking opportunity, the sighting of an animal or the taking of an animal.
• The Estate and stalker will determine how and when any additional day is used, having regard to weather, ground conditions, animal welfare, safety and the proper conduct of the stalking.
• The £500 additional-day charge does not alter or override the cancellation provisions contained in these Terms & Conditions.

5. Weather, Ground Conditions and Circumstances Beyond the Estate's Control

• Deer stalking takes place in a remote Highland environment and is dependent upon weather, ground conditions, visibility, wind, animal welfare, safety and other factors.
• The stalker may cancel, postpone, curtail or alter a stalk where, in their reasonable judgement, conditions are unsuitable or proceeding would compromise safety, animal welfare or the proper conduct of the stalk.
• No refund or reduction in the stalking booking fee will be payable where a stalk is cancelled, postponed, curtailed or otherwise cannot proceed because of adverse weather, unsuitable ground conditions, safety or animal welfare considerations, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Estate.

6. Unsuccessful Stalks

• Deer stalking is a sporting activity and no guarantee is given that an animal will be located, successfully stalked or taken.
• The Estate and stalker will make reasonable efforts to provide a suitable stalking opportunity, but the outcome of a stalk cannot be guaranteed.
• No refund or reduction in the stalking booking fee will be payable where, despite the reasonable best efforts of the stalker and the Estate, the stalk is unsuccessful or no animal is taken.

7. Stalkers and Supervision

• All stalking is guided. Guests are not permitted to stalk without an Estate stalker present.
• The stalker in charge is responsible for the conduct and safety of the stalk and their instructions must be followed immediately.
• The stalker may alter, shorten, postpone or terminate a stalk where they reasonably consider this necessary for safety, animal welfare, weather, ground conditions or the proper conduct of the stalk.

8. Group Size

• A maximum of four people may form a hunting party.
• A maximum of two hunting parties may operate on the Estate at any one time.
• The stalker may, at their discretion, reduce the size of a party where required for safety, animal welfare or the proper conduct of the stalk.
• Any such reduction at the direction of the stalker does not constitute a cancellation by the Estate and does not create an entitlement to a refund.

9. Fitness and Physical Requirements

• Deer stalking is a strenuous outdoor activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness, balance and mobility.
• The stalker will endeavour to pace the stalk appropriately to the guest's ability, including taking appropriate pauses 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 terminated.
• Guests should notify the Estate in advance of any relevant medical or mobility considerations that may affect their ability to participate safely.

10. Clothing and Personal Equipment

• The weather in the Highlands can change rapidly and conditions on the hill can be challenging.
• Guests must bring suitable waterproof clothing, warm layers and supportive, waterproof footwear appropriate for strenuous hill stalking.
• Guests are responsible for ensuring that they are appropriately equipped for the conditions.

11. Rifles and Equipment

• Personal rifles may only be brought onto the Estate with prior approval.
• Estate rifles are professionally maintained and equipped with suitable optics.
• Estate rifles will be transported, carried and handled exclusively by the stalker until the stalker considers it safe and appropriate to hand the rifle to the guest for the purpose of taking a shot.

12. Shooting and Shot Placement

• All guests using an Estate rifle will be required to shoot on the Estate's range before stalking. This allows the stalker to assess safe firearm handling, accuracy and confidence with the rifle.
• Guests must follow the stalker's instructions regarding shot placement.
• Head shots are strictly prohibited unless expressly authorised by the stalker in exceptional circumstances.
• While a rifle is in their possession, the guest is responsible for its safe handling and muzzle discipline and must follow all instructions given by the stalker.
• If a guest is not fully confident of making a clean and ethical shot, they must refrain from firing.
• Animal welfare is paramount.

13. Welfare, Carcass Handling and Recovery

• A clean and humane shot is the priority at all times.
• Guests should be aware that hind stalking may involve taking a calf where required for welfare and population management. Any such decision will be made by the stalker and must be followed for ethical and practical reasons.
• Guests may be asked to assist with gralloching, dragging and loading the carcass into an Argocat.
• If a follow-up shot or tracking operation is required, the stalker will determine how the situation is handled and their instructions must be followed.
• Guests who wish to retain the trophy head from their stalk may do so for an additional fee of £50, excluding postage or courier costs. Requests should be made to the stalker so that the head can be set aside.

14. Liability and Insurance

• Deer stalking takes place in a remote Highland environment where terrain, weather and wildlife can be unpredictable.
• Guests participate at their own risk and are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own safety and for following all instructions given by the stalker.
• Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
• Guests are strongly advised to obtain appropriate personal and travel insurance covering deer stalking, outdoor activities, supervised firearm handling, cancellation, travel disruption and other relevant risks.

15. Client Cancellation, Illness and Travel Disruption

• Illness, injury, travel disruption, transport difficulties, personal circumstances or any other reason preventing a client from attending does not, in itself, alter the cancellation provisions set out in Section 2.
• Clients are strongly advised to obtain suitable cancellation and travel insurance.

16. Changes to Bookings

• Requests to change the dates, number of stags or hinds, stalking arrangements or other material details of a confirmed booking are subject to the Estate's agreement and availability.
• A requested change does not automatically entitle the client to a refund or reduction in the booking fee.

17. Conduct and Compliance

• All guests participating in deer stalking must comply with the instructions of the stalker and all applicable Estate rules, firearms requirements and relevant laws.
• Any guest who behaves in a manner that, in the reasonable judgement of the stalker or Estate, creates a safety risk, compromises animal welfare or materially interferes with the proper conduct of the stalk may be removed from the activity without refund.

18. Acceptance of Terms

• By booking a deer stalking experience, paying the required deposit or participating in a stalk, the client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Stalking Terms & Conditions together with the Glen Dessary Estate's main Terms & Conditions.
• These terms form part of the contract between the Estate and the client.