Chesthill Estate

Red Deer Stalking Programme 2011-2012

We have started our deer management programme for this season which runs through to 14 Feb 2011, with the main period this year being shortened to 19 September September until 21 October 2009 when we stalk daily as well as at weekends. From 21 October there is continuing activity but on a less intense basis. We publish adjustments tyo the prograsmme on SNH’s web site-Going to the Scottish Hills.

The deer management programme here is very important to the livelihoods of local people and our employees and the welfare of the deer herd, so we would ask you to respect the guidance we offer, and ask you to use abundant alternative walking areas available to you over this relatively short, but important period. We actively manage the situation by providing information at Invervar with daily notices indicating whether we are out or not.

To avoid disappointment we also suggest you telephone in advance and we will give you as up to date information as we can.

We would like to thank all those members of the hill walking fraternity who helped us during the last year and during last season by working sensibly and in a balanced fashion, heeding general advice on access, remaining on recognized routes, especially during deer calving in May and June; and by not going into corries and keeping dogs under control. This allowed the deer herd respite from continual disturbance which is driving them off the ground; and during the stalking season to allow us to complete our work and to continue to provide local employment.

By sticking with the recommended route on the high tops so as to minimise disturbance to game and animals and ground nesting birds, who tend to be present in and live in the corries, you have helped preserve a small bit of wilderness, but it is should be noted that the continual human pressure is now beginning to adversely affect a wide range of habitats, animals, and birds.

Uncontrolled dogs cause disturbance and damage to wildlife and great stress to deer and their young. We have also had several bad cases of sheep worrying this year, incidents that resulted in sheep suffering quite unnecessarily. Dogs must be kept on leads.

Please see our Information on Chesthill Leaflet. Again, thank you for your help during the season and going forward. Please contact us if you would like more advice.