HARTWOODMYRES, on the Bowhill Estate, near Selkirk, hosted a major national event, attracting deer management interests from across the UK.
Stalkers and gamekeepers mingled with dog handlers and estate owners in a special 'best practice' weekend, organised by the Deer Commission for Scotland.
Held on Friday and Saturday, and featuring a range of marquee workshops and outdoor demonstrations, it had the blessing of various organisations committed to effective management of wild red deer, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
These agencies, represented at Bowhill, included the Forestry Commission (Scotland), the Scottish Gamekeepers' Association, the British Deer Society, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the land-based training agency Lantra.
Since its inception, this group has worked to develop a set of best practice guides for people working in the deer management industry. These cover a range of issues, from shot placement to the inspection of carcasses, as well as the techniques required to produce top quality venison.
The workshop on firearms techniques was well supported despite the inclement weather of the weekend. A number of stalking scenarios were set up, including how to despatch deer at close range and the use of aids such as high seats and stalking sticks.
Other issues covered were range judging, target identification, rifle calibre, bullet weight combinations and the use of moderated rifles. Another popular aspect of the event demonstrated the use of dogs in woodland, and deer management with the focus on deer welfare.
On the eve of the event, a debate was held in Bowhill House with the audience discussing and evaluating the differences between the professional and recreational stalker.
"The weekend was a huge success, showing a commitment of everyone who attended to share their experiences and extend the message of good practice across all aspects of the deer management industry," said Erlend Barclay, communications officer of the Deer Commission for Scotland. "We are very grateful to the Duke of Buccleuch for allowing us to stage this important event."
He said red deer in Scotland were not owned by anyone, but required to be managed by various organisations to meet different aims, from landowners who see them as a hunting asset to farmers who need to protect crops.
Management is also required to stop the animals straying onto public roads and to ensure they do not have an adverse effect on sights of special scientific interest.
"The Bowhill event and the best practice it promoted, means these requirements can be met without compromising the welfare of deer," said Mr Barclay.