
Scotland’s recreational deer stalkers left out in the cold
Scotland’s deer population is estimated to be in excess of one million, but many trained recreational deer stalkers in Scotland struggle to access deer management opportunities.
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A new partnership between BASC and the Gleneagles Hotel has seen professional shotgun coaches presented with awards for excellence in their field.
BASC chief executive Ian Bell presented awards to coaches at the Gleneagles Shooting and Fishing School after the association partnered with the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
BASC was appointed to deliver a top tier and in-depth Shotgun Coaching Award programme to all full-time coaches at the school.
The award programme is a cornerstone of BASC’s commitment to promoting excellence and professionalism within the shooting sector. It provides coaches with comprehensive training and certification, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to nurture the next generation and uphold the highest standards of safety and proficiency.
Participants must first complete a BASC Shotgun Safe Shot Assessment which has been designed to give people the chance to demonstrate a confident and safe use of shotguns in a field-based situation.
The next step is then to move onto a BASC Shotgun Coach Foundation Day. This introduces participants to the world of coaching, from the kit that is required, to eye dominance and stance, gun fit and shooting skills and techniques, before they complete a three-day workshop, working closely with BASC Shotgun Coach Mentors and Assessors.
BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “The Shotgun Coaching Award emphasises our dedication to providing coaches with the training and support they need to excel in their roles and demonstrate best practice.
“Gleneagles is renowned for its world-class facilities and at BASC we pride ourselves on providing world-class training. We are proud to partner with Gleneagles, thereby enriching the shooting experience for their guests and shooting enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.”
Jane Hatton from BASC’s training and education team said: “We are extremely proud to have this relationship with Gleneagles and it is a great example of how our robust training programme is suitable for all levels of coaches.”
Gleneagles shooting and fishing manager David Harris said: “It has been great working with BASC over the past year and I hope we can continue to work together in running courses and BASC events into the future.”
If you are interested in becoming a BASC shotgun coach, find out more here.

Scotland’s deer population is estimated to be in excess of one million, but many trained recreational deer stalkers in Scotland struggle to access deer management opportunities.

The proposals relate to the use of night shooting equipment, minimum bullet weights and the removal of the close seasons for male deer.

More than 140 youngsters took part in the Junior Macnab Challenge at the Scottish Game Fair.
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