The darkness above Loch Ness hides more than mythical monsters. In this adventure, I discover firsthand the surprising reality of wild boar in modern Scotland – creatures many believe vanished centuries ago.

My journey begins with careful preparation: mounting my thermal scope on a .308 rifle and zeroing it with 180-grain rounds before making the two-hour drive north to Inverness. What follows is a masterclass in nocturnal hunting as my guide Grant leads me through pitch-black terrain to a simple hide overlooking a hillside scarred by boar activity.

The thermal world reveals itself gradually – first a few deer, then a stag, before the unmistakable heat signature of our quarry appears. The anticipation builds as we track the animal through the scope, waiting for the perfect broadside shot. When it comes, the 180-grain bullet does its job perfectly, dropping a substantial sow where she stands.

But the real work begins after the shot. We cross the churned earth to discover a much larger animal than expected. Two grown men struggle for thirty minutes to drag 150kg of wild pork uphill through rough terrain before finally reaching our vehicle. The adventure continues back home with proper processing and mandatory testing for Trichinella – a parasitic disease that requires special handling of wild boar meat.

Beyond the hunting narrative lies a fascinating ecological story. These animals, extinct in Britain since the 13th century, have returned through farm escapes and illegal releases. They now thrive across the country, creating both wildlife management challenges and unique hunting opportunities. Their environmental impact is astonishing – entire hillsides plowed up overnight as they search for roots and invertebrates.

Whether you're a dedicated hunter seeking a new challenge or simply curious about wildlife conservation issues, this tale of prehistoric beasts returning to modern Britain offers both practical insights and an unforgettable adventure in the Scottish highlands.

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