In Search Of A Macnab!

Reliving an experience from September 2012

Before we could go, we had to visit the Emirates to watch our team and then a 648 mile journey commenced to Dunbeath, which is 38 miles south of John O'Groats. We were joining others as I bought these guns through a classified advert on GunsOnPegs. I had endeavoured to meet others in the team, but the cancellation of the CLA had scuppered these plans, so there was an element of uncertainty about whom we would meet and share a lodge for 6 nights.
 
As has been my experience with all shooting trips booked through GunsOnPegs I needn't have been concerned about the new faces. We were met by the larger than life Mike Troy who quickly answered any question on every aspect of the impending weeks activity. Also present was the highly knowledgeable and great supporter of GunsOnPegs Graham Tweed, so there was no shortage of experience within the group.

 
Food and meals are a vital part of any shoot party and we were blessed with a fantastic 26 year old cook called Carina Mclauchlan. Any cook that turns up with both rifle and shotgun has to be respected! It wasn't long before she had bagged a couple of rabbits that were swiftly turned into pâté. Carina and Charlie then began a week long duel to see who could kill more vermin.
 
The first morning of Salmon fishing reminded us of one of the worst features of Scotland. Midges by the gerzillion! They were truly horrendous, even my Labrador changed colour. To get a Macnab under these conditions would require Dunkirk spirit. As the river is a spate river, a good deal of skill and luck would also be required.

 
After a hearty breakfast including the regulatory porridge we were off on the hills. With 46,000 acres, no day would cover the same beat. This was my first experience of shooting over Pointers and for those that haven't done it before, this has to be one of the ultimate and purest of shooting experiences. Whilst the grouse were far from plentiful and there was no way our bag was ever going to be achieved, it did not really matter.
 
Walking over the most beautiful Sutherland country watching the Pointers covering enormous areas of ground and then suddenly freezing "on the point" was stunning. Suddenly our party switched from appearing to have been on a jolly walk to being hunters. Guns were removed from slips and we advanced slowly to the dog standing stock still. Very often we could see the grouse, but one still had to be quick. In a flash the grouse were up and heading swiftly away. With a team of good guns we were successful on most occasions.

 
The Pointers are the centre stage of this type of shooting, with an Argocat following discretely behind towing a trailer with a team of dogs, Billy the head keeper, rotated them regularly. The guns with their Labradors and spaniel had little difficulty in controlling their dogs as it appeared our dogs quickly came to respect the role and work of the Pointer.
 
Each day we covered 8 to 10 miles over difficult terrain. Michael, with one leg showed true Paralympic spirit, managing the walk each day. This Summer has shown those unfit and able bodied people up I think!

 
The salmon fishing was challenging, with a series of beautiful pools over several miles, one quickly realises fishing and indeed shooting is not just about the hunt, but savouring the surroundings. Certainly as I reflect on the trip whilst writing this blog, these pictures are the memories, and oh… those midges. I have to admit that they got the better of me, an extra hour in bed was more appealing.
 
We saw a large number of stags, so as ever the challenge was the salmon. We were beaten on the Macnab but this did not make any difference to the enjoyment. With lively discussions at night and Carina's wonderful meals, the trip became a holiday.

 
I have hardly mentioned the weather...for Scotland that's most unusual! We were blessed with fine weather all week apart from some showers. When it rained it did so properly and this is when you are reminded to take the best lightweight gear available. My Barbour Linhope was amazing and even after my Meindl boots were soaked and I wore some Hunter wellies, I was surprised how comfortable they were across rough ground.
 
Did we get what was expected? Well not quite, but it didn't matter at all. We were blessed with good company, a great cook, a comfortable lodge, marvellous scenery and some shooting and fishing. What more can one want?!
 
Would I recommend shooting over pointers? Absolutely, I think it is something every shooting person should try and do and it’s not too expensive either!