Red Deer Rut in Scotland

TheSeagull · #1 (**permalink**) 29-09-2009, 07:32 PM

May I ask what is the best place in Scotland to witness and photograph the Red Deer Rut, I was thinking Glen Affric but this might not be the case. Any other suggestions?

camo · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 07:41 AM

Hi Seagull

Glen affric is a beuatiful valley but i would not think it is a great place to guarantee a good and close view of the rut. I will assume you are travelling from South and am happy to give you soem indicators.

The isle of Arran will be fabulous, is easy and very accessible. On Arran i would suggest concentrating on Lochranza golf course which although not the wildest of location allows you to get close to healthy stags.

My second choice would be the Glenlivet estate who do specific Landrover trips to soem very wild places.

I would also look at the Rothiemurcus estate and would either approach Keith at the fish farm who can guide you or the estate office as i think they do some limited trips.

The other option is to contact Speyside wildlife who can arrange a days guiding.

One note of caution with the exception of Arran you will have to work hard to get to a good location and you are likely to exposed to both weather and animal risks. Do not go on the hills unles well prepared and be awre that Red stags are very dangerous animals and will attack you if you are not careful.

Whilst maybe not so impressive scenary but more muscular animals with larger antlers and much safer viewing try Woburn or one of the accesible deer parks and use your car to protect you.

Good luck

Roy

tibbenham · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 10:28 PM

hi seagull

a good place to see red deer rut in the comfort of your car, where the stand is only meters away from your car is the highland wildlife park near kincraig avimore. i'v been there three time's in october and sat in my car for hours photographing the stags ruting.

TheSeagull · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibbenham

hi seagull

a good place to see red deer rut in the comfort of your car, where the stand is only meters away from your car is the highland wildlife park near kincraig avimore. i'v been there three time's in october and sat in my car for hours photographing the stags ruting.

Isn't that in captivity though? I can't stand seeing animals in captivity that have no conservation concern, sorry. Is there any other place I could observe it safely, like on Skye?