The Outdoor Gibbon

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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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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