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Slipping through the Scottish Highlands in search of a red stag is a primal experience that tests both hunter and quarry. When an unexpected opportunity arose to stalk in Pitlochery, Perthshire, I jumped at the chance—with barely a week's notice and a 2.5-hour drive ahead.

The morning began with meeting Ben the keeper and his ghillie Gary, before loading into an Argo to navigate the rugged terrain. Typical Scottish weather accompanied us—one minute relatively clear, the next "chucking it down" with sideways rain that stung exposed skin. As we climbed higher through forestry tracks into open moorland, the distinctive roar of stags echoed across the valleys, signaling the rut was underway.

What followed was an exhilarating dance across multiple hills, constantly adjusting our route based on wind direction and deer movement. The terrain demanded respect—thick heather concealing peaty holes and boggy patches that required careful navigation. We observed fascinating social dynamics among the red deer, with mature stags behaving unusually, grazing together rather than fighting for territory as expected during the rut.

The moment of truth came after hours of patient stalking. As we crawled through heather to within shooting range, I experienced something remarkable—instead of the typical adrenaline rush, an unusual calm descended as the 13-point stag presented a perfect broadside shot. The 308 rifle performed flawlessly, and the magnificent animal, later weighing in at 113kg, traveled barely 10 yards after the shot.

What makes Scottish stalking special isn't just the harvest but the entire immersive journey—the challenging terrain, the unpredictable weather, the traditions of Highland stalking, and those rare moments when everything aligns perfectly in the field. Join us for more adventures and enter our upcoming social media competition for a chance to experience a Scottish roe deer hunt yourself!

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From product design engineer to shotgun cartridge innovator, Andrew's journey building Empire Cartridges reveals the perfect blend of engineering expertise and shooting passion. What began as a father-son project in 2017 has evolved into a thriving business proudly serving enthusiast shooters who value personal connection with manufacturers.

The road wasn't easy. Andrew describes the 18-month process of securing explosive manufacturing licenses from the Health and Safety Executive—where specific building distances and strict regulations create the primary barrier to entry in this industry. Rather than competing directly with industry giants, Empire carved its own path as a grassroots brand offering flexibility and customization that larger manufacturers simply can't provide.

Despite launching commercially just three years ago—with two of those during pandemic restrictions—Empire has thrived through automation innovation. Andrew's engineering background shines through their custom packaging systems, reflecting a core philosophy: "We don't want to be employing people on minimum wage. We'll employ people on good money for doing valuable tasks." This mindset extends to their forward-thinking approach to the looming lead ban.

While some manufacturers fear the transition away from lead, Empire embraces it. By mid-2023, they plan to be "wholly a steel shotgun or non-toxic manufacturer," already developing clay loads 30-40% cheaper than lead equivalents. Their most exciting innovation? A partnership producing patented biodegradable wads that naturally decompose within six months while remaining stable in shooting conditions—technology they plan to offer to home loaders and other manufacturers.

Try Empire Cartridges for yourself and experience the difference personal attention to manufacturing makes. Available in slabs of 250 or by the thousand, with competitive pricing that improves with volume, these cartridges represent the future of sustainable, high-quality shooting supplies from a company that genuinely understands what shooters need.

Check out https://www.empirecartridges.com/ 

Don't for get to mention that The Outdoor Gibbon podcast when you come to purchase 

They are well worth a look and great for the up and coming game season 

Enjoy

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That moment when crosshairs steady on a deer and your finger prepares to squeeze the trigger unleashes a cascade of emotions few non-hunters understand. Your heartbeat quickens, breathing shifts, and time seems to stretch—then compress into that split-second decision.

Episode 8 of the Outdoor Gibbon podcast explores the psychological landscape of hunting that's rarely discussed publicly. Having guided countless first-timers through their inaugural harvest, I've witnessed the full spectrum of human reactions: tears streaming down faces, uncontainable excitement, quiet reverence, and sometimes an urgent need to process physically (including those awkward "I need to find a tree to hide behind right now" moments). Men often experience classic "buck fever" with shaking hands and racing hearts, while women typically remain calmer during the shot but process more intensely afterward.

This emotional complexity extends into how we share—or don't share—hunting experiences with family members. My eight-year-old daughter happily plucks away with an air rifle but believes everything's "cute and fluffy" and isn't ready to witness a harvest. My wife joined me once to understand where our table meat comes from, watched the entire process from shot to field dressing, then simply said, "I've seen it. I now know where all the meat comes from on our table. It doesn't interest me." Both perspectives deserve respect. The relationship between hunting and conservation requires similar nuance. Not every fox needs shooting, not every predator represents a problem, and ethical hunters constantly evaluate necessity rather than killing indiscriminately. 

Want to share your thoughts about the emotional side of hunting? Drop a message or comment about your experiences. The more we openly discuss these deeper aspects of hunting, the better we bridge divides with those who view our traditions from the outside looking in.

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What happens when an expert airgun shooter faces the challenge of his first deer stalk? Lee Perryman, pro staff for Harkila and Pulsar, travels eight hours from England to the rugged Scottish Highlands seeking not an easy trophy, but a genuine challenge.

"I want something that's a challenge," Lee told host Peter before arriving. And challenging it was—navigating the treacherous terrain of clear-fell forestry, crawling through thick undergrowth, and confronting the emotional weight of taking a larger animal for the first time. This episode captures the raw, unfiltered experience of crossing that threshold from small game to deer stalking.

The conversation takes us through every aspect of Lee's journey: from test-firing unfamiliar rifles on quad sticks to the heart-pounding moment when a perfect roe buck presented itself at 158 yards. You'll feel the tension as Lee steadies himself for the shot, the mixed emotions after the successful harvest, and his thoughtful reflections on the difference between taking a squirrel and a deer. As he admits, "On the drive up here I was thinking about it, and the thought was lingering in my head if I could even pull the trigger."

Beyond the stalk itself, we dive deep into the gear that works across hunting disciplines, the importance of proper field craft, and the complete field-to-freezer process. Unlike many commercial stalks where clients are spared the details, Lee experiences it all—tracking the blood trail, field dressing the buck, and learning to properly butcher his harvest. The discovery of the buck's broken tine and chipped teeth adds another dimension to the story, suggesting this was an animal that may not have survived the coming winter.

Whether you're contemplating your first deer stalk or simply curious about the emotional and practical aspects of transitioning to larger game, this episode offers authentic insights rarely captured in hunting media. Listen in as two passionate outdoorsmen discuss not just the how, but the why of ethical, challenging field sports.

What will your first deer stalk be like? Or if you've already crossed that threshold, how did your experience compare to Lee's? Join the conversation on our social media channels and share your thoughts.

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Ever wondered about the ethics and reality behind bow hunting? This episode dives deep into a practice that dates back 60,000-72,000 years yet remains controversial today.

From ancient origins in South Africa's Sabudu cave to modern compound technology, bow hunting has evolved dramatically while maintaining its core principles. We explore how this method compares to rifle hunting, addressing misconceptions head-on. The truth might surprise you – ethical bow hunting requires extraordinary dedication to practice, physical conditioning, and fieldcraft that many rifle hunters never achieve.

The legal landscape varies dramatically worldwide. While banned in the UK since 1965, bow hunting remains legal across most of Europe and North America, often with rigorous education requirements that the UK firearm system lacks entirely. The British Bow Hunting Association continues working to demonstrate modern bow hunting's viability and ethics, potentially opening doors for future legalization.

Modern broadhead technology creates clean wound channels causing rapid blood loss, while compound bows with precision sights offer accuracy comparable to rifles. Traditional recurve bows maintain the ancestral connection, requiring intuitive skill and offering deeper satisfaction. Both approaches demand the same fundamental respect for quarry through disciplined practice and responsible shot selection.

Whether you're curious about taking up bow hunting, wondering about its ethics, or simply interested in traditional outdoor skills, this episode offers valuable insights into an ancient practice finding its place in the modern world. Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with an experienced bow hunter who'll answer more of your questions!

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From air rifle shooting in his backyard to creating a groundbreaking hunting competition business, Ashley's journey as founder of The Lucky Hunter reveals how passion and innovation can transform an industry.

Ashley's story begins like many hunters - plinking with an air rifle as a youngster before gradually progressing to larger calibers and more serious hunting pursuits. His pivotal moment came during a memorable muntjac stalk in Herefordshire, where that first successful deer hunt sparked what would become a lifelong obsession with stalking. After forming a small syndicate with friends and gaining experience across multiple deer species, Ashley found himself watching hunting shows during lockdown, wondering how average people could ever afford the dream expeditions he saw on screen.

Drawing inspiration from the American tag lottery system, he conceived a business model that would democratize access to premium hunting experiences. The Lucky Hunter was born - a competition platform where enthusiasts can purchase affordable tickets (typically £10-15) for a chance to win all-inclusive stalking packages worth thousands. Unlike standard competitions, these prizes cover everything from guide fees and accommodation to rifle hire and spending money, ensuring winners truly experience a no-cost adventure.

What makes The Lucky Hunter special is Ashley's commitment to quality and authenticity. Every hunt package is one he'd want to experience himself, and he rigorously vets outfitters to ensure winners receive exceptional experiences. This approach has created remarkable opportunities for hunters who might otherwise never afford such trips, while simultaneously introducing newcomers to the sport without the intimidating initial investment.

Looking ahead, Ashley plans to expand into international hunting destinations like New Zealand, Norway, and South Africa, maintaining the same all-inclusive approach that has made his UK competitions so popular. Whether you're an experienced stalker dreaming of exotic hunts or a curious newcomer wanting to try deer stalking without the financial commitment, The Lucky Hunter offers a revolutionary path to experiences that might otherwise remain just dreams.

Ready to transform your hunting aspirations from fantasy to reality? Visit www.luckyhunter.co.uk and see what adventure might be waiting for the price of a movie ticket.

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Every seasoned stalker dreams of pursuing all six deer species found across the UK. From the indigenous red and roe to the introduced sika, fallow, muntjac, and Chinese water deer, each offers unique challenges and rewards. Having successfully stalked four of these magnificent creatures, I'm eager to share the memorable hunts that have defined my journey.

Venture with me into the frozen woods of Southern Ireland where an unexpected encounter with a massive eight-point sika stag led to one of my most thrilling stalks. Feel the tension as I spotted him in the dawn light, forced to improvise a shooting position from my belly on the frosty ground. The satisfaction of finding this dark-coated beast hidden in a ditch after a challenging tracking job remains unmatched.

My pursuit of a roe buck across a steep valley delivers another unforgettable tale. Picture the scene: a vigilant doe watching my every move while the buck I sought remained oblivious on the opposite hillside. The patience required during that half-hour standoff eventually yielded not just a successful stalk, but what would later be measured as a gold medal head.

The Scottish Highlands provided perhaps the most physically demanding adventure - scaling near-vertical terrain in pursuit of red deer. The adrenaline of watching multiple stags appear at the edge of a corrie, taking the shot just before they crossed onto neighboring land, followed by an extraction so grueling that even the experienced guides acknowledged its difficulty.

Most recently, adding muntjac to my collection in Leicestershire demonstrated how understanding deer behavior can lead to successful stalking. After days of observation, positioning myself perfectly for that brief moment when the small buck presented himself through a window in the silver birch trees felt like the culmination of all my stalking knowledge.

These aren't just hunting stories - they're personal memories etched into my experience as deeply as the antlers mounted on my wall. Each represents not merely a trophy, but a moment in time, a challenge overcome, and a deepening connection to the natural world. With Chinese water deer and fallow remaining on my list, the journey continues.

What's your most memorable stalk? Share your experiences and join me next time for more adventures from the field.

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Generosity in the field takes center stage as we explore the powerful impact of offering free deer stalking opportunities to newcomers. This episode dives into the philosophy and practical experiences of providing complimentary hunts to those curious about field sports but lacking access or experience.

From the initial social media invitation that brought a friend's sister and her partner to Scotland for a comprehensive stalking weekend, we journey through the entire process – range practice with .223 rifles, approaching deer through woodland edges, the successful harvest, and hands-on butchery instruction. The nervous anticipation of first-time hunters transforms into confidence and appreciation for the field-to-table experience. A later Instagram competition expanded these opportunities, bringing another newcomer into the fold despite challenging Scottish weather conditions.

Beyond adult education, the episode explores how youth engagement through Scouting creates lasting impact. Scouts eagerly consuming venison stews and pheasant fajitas learn not just where their food comes from, but become advocates themselves, explaining ethical hunting to their peers. This ripple effect of knowledge sharing stands in stark contrast to today's "take, take, take" society. Some skills simply cannot be gleaned from YouTube or Google – they require hands-on transmission from experienced mentors.

Whether you're curious about stalking, interested in mentoring others, or simply appreciate the ethics of wild meat harvesting, this episode illuminates how sharing access and knowledge ensures these traditions continue. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast platform to join our journey through the countryside traditions that connect us to our food and the natural world.

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Catching COVID after two years of avoiding it gave me unexpected time to reflect on my deer stalking journey - from the uncertain moments of owning my first deer-legal rifle to becoming a confident and competent stalker in the Scottish highlands.

The transition from classroom knowledge to field mastery represents a profound learning curve. While my Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 provided essential information about species identification, legal requirements, and basic field dressing, it didn't magically transform me into a stalker. The certificate confirms you understand deer management principles and can shoot accurately, but the confidence to ethically stalk, shoot, and process deer only comes through guided field experience.

My breakthrough came through mentorship during Irish stalking trips pursuing the elusive Sika deer. That first successful stalk hunting "the ghosts of the forest" changed everything - from the heart-pounding moment of squeezing the trigger on my first stag to the humbling experience of blood tracking on hands and knees through dense forestry. The lesson of "never shoot a deer at the bottom of a hill" was learned the hard way when my mentor deliberately left me to drag the entire ungutted animal uphill alone. These formative experiences taught what no classroom could.

Years and hundreds of deer later, I finally completed my DSC-2 certification, validating skills developed through countless stalks across varied terrain. The documentation increasingly matters for accessing stalking opportunities and firearm renewals, but the true value lies in the accumulated field wisdom. Whether you're just starting or considering advancing your credentials, remember that papers prove knowledge, but experience builds the stalker. Every day in the field remains a learning opportunity, regardless of how many deer you've harvested.

What was your most transformative hunting experience? Share your story or questions in the comments, and subscribe for more authentic outdoor insights coming soon!

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Meet Peter, the outdoor enthusiast behind The Outdoor Gibbon podcast who takes us on his remarkable journey from schoolboy shooter to countryside steward. Hailing from northeast Scotland, Peter's passion for shooting began at just ten years old with school-supervised .22LR practice sessions—an experience that sparked a lifelong connection to field sports.

Through vivid storytelling, Peter traces his evolution from casual plinker with springers and air pistols to accomplished stalker managing multiple forestry blocks. The podcast reveals how pivotal moments—acquiring his first pre-charged pneumatic air rifle, completing his Deer Stalking Certificate, and chance meetings with like-minded enthusiasts—transformed his recreational interest into expertise. What stands out is how these encounters led to decade-long hunting friendships and opportunities that shaped his approach to field sports.

What makes Peter's perspective valuable is his commitment to authenticity and giving back. While modern hunting increasingly relies on technology, he emphasizes fieldcraft fundamentals and the complete experience—from stalk to table. Rather than monetizing every aspect of his knowledge, he offers newcomers genuine opportunities to learn proper stalking, shooting, and butchery skills. This debut episode sets the stage for future content covering conservation, shooting experiences, and interviews with field sports experts. Subscribe to join this journey through the British countryside with a knowledgeable and down-to-earth guide who believes in sharing not just the shot, but the entire, rewarding process behind ethical field sports.

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