Shooting and stalking essentials from The House of Bruar
George Browne - GunsOnPegs · 14 Oct 2020 · 10 min read
Every year my family head from Hampshire to the banks of the River Spey to bother the salmon therein. As anyone who has made the pilgrimage north for shooting, stalking or fishing will know, there are certain waymarkers and pit stops that break up the journey, and there’s one that stands out.
The House of Bruar. The name sounds like something from Game of Thrones; it has a near mythical ring to it. But in the community of anglers, stalkers and game shots the foodhall/restaurant/art gallery/outfitter has a quasi-religious feel - a visit is as much part of the ritual of a trip as the dram after a successful (or unsuccessful) day on the hill, peg or riverbank. As well as being a great place to stretch one’s legs before the final push on to the lodge, a place to stock the larder for the week or, as in my case, somewhere to panic-buy fishing clobber that I’ve inexplicably left at home, The House of Bruar is often the first place where the entire party meet ahead of a week’s fun in the countryside.
But this year, so many of us have been denied this pilgrimage to Scotland’s sporting Mecca that we thought it might be a balm to the wound to take a look at some of the products that you can snaffle from their online shop: if the sportsman can’t go to the Highlands, the Highlands must come to the sportsman! An addition to the The House of Bruar experience that we’ve missed this year is their new stalking section, so as well as five pieces of shooting kit, we’ve picked five stalking essentials as well.
If there is one piece of kit that all game shots should own (apart from a shotgun, of course), it's a good pair or breeks. I’m now on my second pair of The House of Bruar breeks , lockdown having had a significant impact on my waistline, and I can’t fault them. The House of Bruar’s Saxony tweeds are traditionally cut, made from 100% wool woven in Britain, and are available in a nice range of patterns. The 500g pressed Shetland tweed is heavy-duty enough to withstand the rigours of walked-up shooting on thorny groud. In addition to the plus twos, the full range of tweed patterns are used in a variety of other products, from hacking jackets to shooting waistcoats and plus fours. I’ve opted for the plus fours in the moorland heather windowpane check, but I very nearly went for this blue-green style instead. At under £130 they represent pretty good value too.
The subject of matching one's breeks and shooting coats is a thorny one, but we have a ‘you do you’ policy here at GunsOnPegs, and if that’s your bag then there are few finer tweed patterns to play this game with than The House of Bruar’s Saxony Tweeds. Alternatively, you can mix and match to your heart’s desire, and create some truly eye-catching combinations.
Crafted from 100% wool on the outer and with a quilted branded lining on the inner it will keep you warm on chilly shoot days, while the internal waterproof drip strip keeps you dry when perched on wet ground, as may well be the case this season as shoots turn to al fresco dining and elevenses. But, as with so many shooting products, its the details that make this coat stand out: real alcantara leather trims and the high quality Austrian loden felt on the collar.
With the recent somewhat dramatic change in the weather it's clear that Autumn is here and that ‘winter is coming’ (sorry), so having a good midlayer is going to be important very soon. This reversable gilet is made from the finest merino wool mixed with finest quality cashmere to bring you warmth without being too bulky, allowing for a free swing of the gun. If purple isn't your thing there are two further colour options available, a lovely bright rust/blue combo or a more muted navy/oatmeal.
“Never leave the house without a hat” is a maxim that is particularly important for game shots. A great hat not only keeps off the worst of the weather and keeps one's head nice and warm, but shades the eyes from low winter sun and, of course, completes one’s outfit. Once again, this ‘Bond’ flat cap is available in the same tweeds as the plus twos and the shooting coat, so you can mix or match as is your wont.
No self-respecting game shot would be seen dead without a tie, and we really like this one. Shooting ties frequently feature game bird patterns, but we seldom see any with dogs, so this makes a refreshing change. This tie is also available in a range of other colours and with alternative motifs including partridges and pheasants.
A well-made leather gunslip is a thing of beauty, and this one certainly ticks that box. Made from Dakota leather with a fleece lining and a reinforced end block to keep your gun safe and secure. The leather is made from carefully selected hides to ensure a top quality product. The House of Bruar also sell a matching cartridge bag and cartridge belt, so you can get the complete set.
Here at GunsOnPegs we're fond of saying that the food and company is as much a part of shooting as pulling the trigger. In this most unusal of years, shoot lunches and elevenses look a bit different, and a hamper from The House of Bruar's legendary food hall would make for a great shoot lunch taken in the field, or a fantastic gift for your host.
Stalking, especially in Scotland, means long days on the hill and tackling tough terrain. Meindl have a reputation for making some of the best boots for stalking that you’ll find anywhere. Equipped with a Vibram rubber sole you’ll be as sure footed as a mountain goat, while the GoreTex lining is both breathable and waterproof.
Sometimes, however, even the most high-tech footwear isn’t enough to get you up that hill, and a good stalking stick has many uses besides: you can use it to keep your optics steady as you glass the landscape, you can use it as an extra limb to drive you up steep slopes or for extra stability as you descend, and, of course, you can lean on it to catch your breath or gaze, windswept and interesting, into the middle distance. Handmade from hazel and horn not far from The House of Bruar itself, this stalking stick is not only useful, but rather gorgeous.
Swedish hunting brand Harkila know a thing or two about making clothes that will stand up to the elements. This stalking smock is designed for exertion at high altitude, and can withstand even the most changeable weather conditions thanks to the built-in GORE-TEX membrane, which keeps out the wind and rain, and the extra length (it falls well below the waist) helps to keep you dry and comfortable, even if you have to sit or lie down to glass or take your shot.
Another Harkila product, this time for the lower half - these leather gaiters are perfect for keeping ticks off your "lower legs, or for an extra layer of protection against the elements in wetter months or on boggy ground. Made from nubuck leather, they're hardwearing and stylish.
Stalking in the Highlands, or indeed, anywhere in the UK, can sometimes see you dealing with inclement weather as well as tough conditions underfoot, so it is important to be able to keep your extremities warm. This is also true if you're spending a chilly evening in the high-seat. These gloves are waterproof, windproof and breathable and they have a magnetic fold back trigger finger. The fleece patch on the thumb for drying/cleaning your eyewear or phone screen is a great touch.
Finally, if you’re yomping up and down glens you’re going to need an energy boost at some point, and what better than a pork pie or two from The House of Bruar’s Food Hall? The pies are made from lean British pork encased in a hot water crust pastry. A pack of four fits nicely in a day pack, and will give you and your stalking guide a tasty treat to enjoy on the hill.
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