Scotland’s native Caledonian pine forests have been reduced to just 1% of their original range, and one of the key challenges to their recovery is high deer numbers. With natural predators missing from the landscape, deer populations have grown to levels where their browsing prevents young trees from establishing, holding back woodland expansion. Managing deer numbers is essential to allowing forests to regenerate, creating space for a richer, more diverse ecosystem.
At Cairngorms Connect, deer management is already having a visible impact—young trees are beginning to establish along the forest edge, and native woodlands are slowly returning to the slopes of the Cairngorms. This work not only supports habitat recovery but also produces high-quality, sustainable venison, which connects local communities with conservation in a meaningful way.
This is the context in which Florence Hole began her paid traineeship as a deer stalker for Cairngorms Connect. A year on, and now employed as part of the deer stalking team, Flo reflects on what she’s learned and the benefits of traineeships.
My year as a trainee deer stalker
My year has almost exclusively been focused on learning how to stalk. This year, I managed to achieve my DSC (Deer Stalking Certification) Levels 1 and 2. Since January, I have been out stalking independently. There is a lot to learn, and I still have a long way to go!
The process of stalking involves learning how to safely use a rifle; find and approach deer without being detected; shoot deer safely and effectively; gralloch in the field (the process of removing the internal organs of the deer); and transport the carcass to the larder—this isn’t always possible in very remote areas and can require quad bikes. I have also learned how to process deer for collection by the game dealer and skin them for private sales.
As part of my training, I have completed my traumatic injury first aid course and gained my quad bike, 4×4, and Argo (all-terrain vehicle) tickets, as well as my firearms licence.
Not every day is spent stalking. The job also involves more general landscape restoration work. This has been anything from planting trees in Strathnethy, tree seed collection and helping carry trees to Loch A’an. I also get the opportunity to talk to community groups about stalking and do larder demonstrations, most recently at the last Cairngorms Connect Venison Masterclass.
I’ve been able to work on sites across the partnership. I stalk regularly on RSPB Scotland Abernethy and Insh Marshes reserves and on NatureScot’s Invereshie reserve. I have also had the opportunity to go out with the stalkers at Wildland Cairngorms a couple of times. It was great hosting the Wildland deer management team at Abernethy to share knowledge across the partnership.
I’ve loved every minute and get to work with a great team in a stunning landscape. The joy of getting to stalk here is even if you don’t see deer, you often get to encounter incredible wildlife. Just last month while out on Invereshie, after hours stalking in the midges and only seeing female deer (which were out of season), pausing for a break at Allt A’Mharcaidh we got to see a golden eagle pair rising from the glen on their first thermal of the day.
Highlights of the year
There are so many highlights, it is hard to choose one to share!
- It’s always great being rewarded with a beautiful sunrise after having to get up at 4am.
- Some days have involved some good adventures, for example having to use the rowboat at RSPB Scotland Insh Marshes to bring deer back from the marsh.
- I get to work with some very adorable but highly trained dogs!
- Finding new patches of dwarf birch on Abernethy where they have been able to grow above the heather again.
- Reuniting a lost gosling on Insh Marshes with its family.
- An amazing trip to Norway to learn what we are aiming for here in the Cairngorms. What a beautiful place and lovely group of people.
Looking ahead
This traineeship has been the most incredible chance for me to work in a part of the conservation industry that I don’t think I would have had access to otherwise, and I am extremely grateful for the effort everyone has put in to make it work.
Training someone up requires a lot of time and investment, but this is needed to ensure young people can get their foot in the door. It is great to now be employed in a position where I can start giving back and being useful!
My vision for this landscape in 200 years is to see the regeneration that’s coming up now, as a result of reducing deer numbers and targeted planting, evolve into established forest with mature trees veteranising and new saplings continuing to grow in the understory.
Words by Florence Hole, Cairngorms Connect Trainee Deer Stalker. To find out more about Cairngorms Connect, visit their project page. Cairngorms Connect is committed to creating opportunities for people to develop knowledge and skills in the conservation industry and receive on-the-job training. Sign up to their newsletter to find out about future opportunities.
