Page 76 - RSDG Year of 2023

74 EAGLE AND CARBINE
everyone involved returned to the College valley, slightly bedraggled to drink beers and discuss which group had experienced the wettest rain and coldest wind.
Following two brilliant days of stalking Northumbrian Roe deer and Cheviot goats, thanks to the generosity of all the landowners and keepers who gave their time, game and land, we then packed up and headed straight to Glen Lyon for another four days of equally Wonderful stalking for Red Hinds.
With a slightly different cohort of people, we all bomb-burst early on Wednesday morning, with groups heading out to stalk on South Chesthill, Easter Logie and Blackmount estates. This day of stalking resulted in Tprs Haigh, Low, Scott and Berrow all bagging their first deer as well as SSM Grieve, a seasoned shot, adding another to his extensive tally.
The next day, with the arrival of the Col Parkyn, Maj Anderson and Maj Marjoriebanks and having had a particularly jolly night in the wonderful lodge at South Chesthill, we headed out feeling slightly worse for wear but no less determined to fulfil our duties in the cull! Those stalking at South Chesthill and Easter Logie all came home having culled multiple old Hinds after a particu- larly arduous walk on the hill. Keeping up with Ainster at South Chesthill takes some concentration! Those of us who had the pleasure of stalking Blackmount estate had an extraordinary time under the guidance of Callum, the head stalker. With some incredible views and plenty of deer we managed to cull 8 animals with well placed shots, helping to relieve the pressure on both the botany and the deer herd itself.
With another two days of spectacular stalking under the guidance of Ainster at South Chesthill and Jimmy from Easter Logie, we managed to cull a further 6 deer. A wonderful way to end a particularly special week. It is so exceptionally kind of Charlie Ramsay, the Flemming Family and Brigadier Sir Mel Jameson to continue to support the regiment year on year and allow soldiers an incredible opportunity to stalk deer in the highlands.