There's something magical about the Scottish Highlands that captures the imagination of outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. When Alex from Hunter Gatherer Cooking reached out about wanting to learn deer stalking, I knew exactly where to take him – to experience both walked-up grouse shooting on the Glorious 12th of August and the chance to stalk his first red stag.

This special podcast episode captures our conversation two weeks after the hunt, as we reflect on an adventure that took us through the full spectrum of Highland weather and emotions. From torrential rain and punishing winds during our grouse day to perfect stalking conditions the following morning, we experienced it all. Alex recounts the nerve-wracking 12.5 minutes waiting for the perfect shot on "Nigel," his first red stag, taken cleanly at 230 yards after just two practice shots at the range earlier that day.

We dive deep into the ethical aspects of field-to-fork hunting, discussing the importance of proper shot placement, the respect given to the harvested animal, and the stark contrast between this type of hunting and industrial meat production. For Alex, this experience marked just the beginning of his journey – with plans to return to Scotland to learn grallocking (field dressing) and butchery skills to complete the full field-to-fork experience.

For listeners interested in experiencing Scottish Highland stalking themselves, we share information about Tom's Wells Sporting, which offers guided stalking trips, walked-up grouse shooting, and even wildlife photography opportunities for non-hunters who want to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Join us for this candid conversation about hunting traditions, ethical harvesting, and the special connection that forms when you truly participate in sourcing your own food. Watch for Alex's upcoming videos documenting the entire experience, from the Highlands to the dinner table.
 
 There is a video available of this podcast and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/live/j9o4HcH6Hrg?si=y7lLUojw8Bs1eVYp

Remember to subscribe so when the videos are released you can see the full days on the hill.

Also check out Tom Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/wells_sporting_and_country/

He can also be found on facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wells%20sporting%20and%20country%20pursuits

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The magnetic pull of innovation meets wild adventure in this captivating conversation with Rob Gearing, the visionary founder of Spartan Precision Equipment. From the jungles of Bolivia to the frozen expanses of the Arctic, Rob's globe-trotting tales provide the perfect backdrop for understanding how real-world experience shapes exceptional hunting gear.

Rob reveals how a chance encounter with rare earth magnets used on Concorde parts sparked the idea for his revolutionary bipod system—a moment of inspiration that transformed hunting equipment design. With disarming honesty, he shares how Spartan evolved from a simple concept into an internationally recognized brand now embraced by major rifle manufacturers worldwide, including those in the previously skeptical German market.

Beyond gear talk, this episode delves into the profound disconnect between modern society and food sources. Rob articulates the challenges faced by ethical hunters in an increasingly urbanized world, questioning why vegans reject game meat while happily consuming factory-farmed alternatives. His passionate defense of trophy hunting's crucial role in conservation and community support challenges mainstream narratives with firsthand observations from Africa and beyond.

The conversation takes exciting turns as Rob previews upcoming Spartan innovations, including a groundbreaking quad stick system that promises to solve the age-old problem of shooting from uneven terrain. His enthusiasm for upcoming expeditions to Mongolia and New Zealand reflects the adventure-driven spirit that continues to fuel product development.

Whether you're a dedicated hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of innovation and adventure, this episode offers refreshing perspective from someone who's truly lived the experiences that inform his craft. Subscribe now to catch future conversations with outdoor pioneers who are reshaping how we connect with wild places.

Here is a link to there website https://javelinbipod.com/

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Ever felt that deer stalking qualifications were inaccessible due to time constraints or location? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation with Peter Jones—founder of County Deer Stalking, the Capriolus Club, and creator of the revolutionary PDS certification system—reveals how field sports education is evolving to meet modern needs.

After ten years in the Metropolitan Police specializing in firearms legislation, Peter established businesses that bridge the gap between urban professionals and countryside pursuits. His innovative approach recognizes a fundamental challenge: many city dwellers love field sports but lack the rural connections traditionally needed to participate. Through County Deer Stalking and the Capriolus Club, he's created pathways for these enthusiasts to access quality stalking experiences while building a community around what's typically a solitary pursuit.

The conversation centers on the Proficient Deer Stalker (PDS) qualification system—a Lantra-approved alternative to traditional certifications that leverages e-learning technology. While respecting the long-established DSC route, Peter explains how PDS allows busy professionals to study at their own pace rather than committing to multi-day residential courses. The newly launched PDS-2 requires demonstrating competence twice in the field, striking what he considers an ideal balance between thoroughness and accessibility.

Perhaps most fascinating is the shifting motivation behind hunting participation. Peter notes a significant increase in people seeking to harvest their own sustainable wild meat as an ethical alternative to intensively farmed options. This trend completes a meaningful circle: urbanites reconnecting with food sources, learning essential skills, and bringing clean protein directly to their family tables.

Whether you're a seasoned stalker or curious about getting started, this discussion offers valuable insights into how education in field sports is adapting to contemporary lifestyles while maintaining rigorous standards and sustainability principles. Search "PDS-1" online to learn more about this qualification pathway.

He's created a new deerstalking qualification called the PDS1 and PDS2 very similar to the DSC1 and DSC2. His course is approved by Lantra https://www.lantra.co.uk/

Link to the sites discussed in the pod cast
https://www.countydeerstalking.co.uk/go-stalking
https://www.capreolusclub.co.uk/

The quote you will hear in the podcast is by  Martin Luther King, Jr., “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” 

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The sweltering heat of summer provides the backdrop for our seventh episode, where we pause to reflect on recent adventures and look ahead to the sporting calendar now unfolding before us. The timing couldn't be more significant—just four days after the Glorious Twelfth has ushered in the grouse season, with partridge and pheasant seasons standing ready in the wings for their September and October debuts.

Against this seasonal transition, I'm celebrating a personal milestone: harvesting my first fallow deer during a whistle-stop tour to southern England. Though the stalk itself was straightforward—more about patience in a high seat than challenging terrain—it represents another step toward completing my collection of British deer species. With only Chinese water deer remaining unchecked, plans are already forming for that final pursuit. This exchange of hunting opportunities extends both ways, as I prepare to host several visitors eager to experience their first Scottish deer stalks, embodying the belief that shared adventures create stronger bonds than solitary pursuits.

The countryside pulses with summer activity—the Scottish roebuck rut is tapering off after an active period, while harvest operations clear fields to create perfect conditions for predator control. Our pheasant rearing fields remain busy as birds move to their new homes, thankfully unaffected by the bird flu challenges plaguing many game farms. Our foresight in maintaining a closed flock with on-site incubation capabilities has proven invaluable, allowing us to continue operations while others dependent on French imports have struggled. Join us as we navigate this rich period between seasons, where every day brings new opportunities for those connected to the land and its rhythms.

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Ton Jones, renowned from Auction Hunters and currently serving as Research and Destruction Director for Air Force Airguns, brings his wealth of hunting expertise and outdoor wisdom to this rich conversation about ethical hunting practices, firearms education, and the joys of harvesting wild game.

Beginning with stories of his childhood introduction to shooting—starting with air rifles at just three years old—Ton paints a vivid picture of America's traditional approach to teaching firearms safety as a foundational skill. This early education created respect for weapons and established crucial safety practices that become second nature. His perspective offers a stark contrast to countries where firearms education is often avoided entirely, creating fear rather than responsibility.

The discussion delves into the troubling disconnect between modern society and food sources. "People don't put two and two together that that chicken nugget probably had eyes less than 60 days ago," Ton observes, highlighting how hunters maintain a more honest relationship with their food. This awareness extends to conservation, where Ton passionately explains that "the most money put into land and wildlife conservation comes from hunters"—challenging media narratives that often paint hunters in a negative light.

Ton shares fascinating insights about Air Force Airguns' innovative technologies, including the development of arrow guns and large-caliber air rifles capable of ethically harvesting substantial game. His stories of hunting exotic species in Texas and encounters with wildlife in Australia reveal his deep connection to nature and understanding of animal behavior.

Perhaps most compelling is Ton's call for unity among hunters across different disciplines: "Has anybody ever thought of what the common denominator is? We're all out in the wild, we're all hunting." This sentiment of community and shared purpose exemplifies the true spirit of ethical hunting that transcends method or technique.

Join us for this authentic, unfiltered conversation that captures the essence of hunting as both practical food harvesting and a meaningful way to connect with our natural world. Whether you're an experienced hunter or simply curious about where your food comes from, Ton's perspective will challenge you to think differently about our relationship with wildlife and conservation.

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Many of you will have seen Scott MacKenzie on social media as The Skye Gamekeeper. He is the winner of the Game Keeper of the Year award 2019 and 2022.
He is the Head Keeper at Fearann Eilean Iarmain on the Isle of Skye

Website link here worth a look
http://scottmackenzie-skyegamekeeper.co.uk

I must apologise for the sound quality now it was a wet rainy day and Scott was recording in is truck and I think his device was not working correctly. However, the recording was too good not to use.
 
Hope you enjoy  

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A craft born from curiosity and nurtured through pandemic isolation, my journey into knife making reveals the deeply satisfying process of transforming industrial scrap into functional art. What began with childhood fascination – my grandfather's pipe knife and treasured Swiss Army knife – evolved decades later when I recognized the potential in high-quality spring steel from biomass boiler components at work.

The transformation from materials to finished blade follows no fancy blueprint. With my makeshift backyard forge, a basic belt sander, and techniques learned through trial and error, each knife bears the unmistakable mark of handcrafted uniqueness. These aren't pristine display pieces destined for glass cases – they're working tools designed to perform in the field, with high-carbon steel edges that maintain sharpness through multiple deer processing sessions with just occasional stropping.

My knife making philosophy challenges the common collector's paradox: why own beautiful tools you're afraid to use? After six successful blades and growing interest from potential buyers, I'm considering small-batch production while remaining committed to the approachable craftsmanship that makes each knife special. The high-carbon steel requires more care than stainless alternatives but rewards users with superior performance. Beyond the functionality, these knives represent something increasingly rare – skills worth passing down, tangible creations in a digital world, and the quiet satisfaction of using something shaped by your own hands. Whether crafting custom sheaths next or attempting true forge work in the future, this evolving hobby connects me to ancient traditions while creating potential heirlooms for future generations.

Join our outdoor community by following along on social media where I share images of completed knives and adventures in the field. Your feedback and questions about this craft are always welcome as we celebrate a year of podcast storytelling together.

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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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Ever wondered what it's like to hunt at the edge of what's physically possible in the UK? The Scottish Highlands hide terrain challenges that rival the most extreme hunting destinations worldwide, and Glen Clover stands as testament to that fact.

My final stag of the season came on the very last day possible, in a U-shaped glacial valley that demands as much from your mountaineering skills as it does your marksmanship. After a bone-jarring journey by Argo up steep tracks, we navigated through pea-soup mist across a high plateau, working our way toward dramatic corries carved by ancient ice.

When the mist finally lifted, we found ourselves perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking an almost vertical drop. Below us, scattered across impossibly steep slopes, dozens of deer moved about their daily lives, unaware of our presence. Finding a shooting position meant carefully navigating treacherous ledges until we reached a small pinnacle jutting from the hillside.

Lying awkwardly with my rifle balanced and aimed 45 degrees downhill at a mature 13-point stag nearly 200 yards away required every bit of shooting discipline I could muster. When the bullet found its mark and the stag dropped cleanly, the real work began – a precarious descent down near-vertical terrain followed by dragging a full-grown red deer across boggy ground.

Head stalker Tom shared stories of even more extreme shots taken here, where he literally holds clients' feet while they shoot at 80-degree angles downhill. It's no wonder Glen Clover attracts repeat bookings from hunters worldwide seeking terrain challenges that push boundaries.

For those who think extreme hunting only happens in far-flung destinations, the Scottish Highlands offer adventure that will test both your nerve and skill. Looking forward to sharing more adventures in 2023, including an upcoming episode on wild boar hunting in Inverness Shire that promises yet another unique Highland experience.

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The hunting apparel landscape has transformed dramatically since the days when a wax jacket was your only option for staying dry in the field. In this eye-opening conversation with Simon from Outfit International (the UK distributors for Harkila), we journey from the origins of a hunting brand born from necessity in the Swedish wilderness to the cutting-edge technical gear available today.

Did you know Harkila began in 1976 when the Lennertson family—breeders of champion Swedish elk hounds—couldn't find clothing suitable for hunting in temperatures that regularly plummeted to minus 25°C? From these humble beginnings in a small Swedish village, we trace how a family's passion for hunting in extreme conditions sparked innovations that would eventually revolutionize field sports clothing worldwide.

Simon pulls back the curtain on the meticulous two-to-three-year product development cycle that ensures every jacket, pair of trousers, and boot works flawlessly in real-world hunting scenarios. We tackle the elephant in the room—past boot quality issues—and learn how manufacturing relocation to Italy and design improvements like triple-stitched rands have transformed their footwear reputation.

The conversation explores fascinating cultural differences between UK and European hunting traditions, explaining how Harkila has adapted its Scandinavian rifle-hunting DNA to embrace British driven shooting with authentic wool tweed from northern mills while maintaining technical performance. Looking forward, Simon shares exciting developments including heated gloves coming this winter and the return of the popular Move jacket.

Whether you're a seasoned stalker, driven game enthusiast, or someone curious about the technology behind modern outdoor clothing, this episode offers valuable insights into how hunting apparel continues to evolve. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss future episodes, and join our community of discerning outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best from their gear.

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