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Bringing in a sporting rifle in to the UK is no problem, although there is a bit of paperwork that needs to be done ahead of time.

Visitors require a temporary or visitors firearm cirtificate and should have a sponsor here in the UK...that usually takes the form of the people you book with. You will need to supply details of the rifle you are bringing over and some Police Forces ask for a letter from your local Sherriffs Dept saying you've got no serious convictions. No photos are required and the fee is about $20 for one so up to a maximum of about $85 if the host is applying for a group.

Once you have nominated a rifle, you can't change it without notifing the Police to amend the Certificate.

We tend to use rifles in the .243 to 30-06 class with the .270win being particularly popular up in Scotland. No need to bring a magnum or anything too exoctic as should you need to buy ammo locally it may be a problem.

Ranges will generally be in the 100 to 200 yard bracket with 250yards considered a long shot. The whole idea of the game is to stalk in as close as feasible.

Bring a decent set of binos (8x30 or 7x42 are ideal) but don't bother with a spotting scope...your Stalker will probably have a telescope you can borrow if required. In addition to your rifles hard case, bring a decent slip as well, as rifles must be in a slip when driving on public roads ect.

You will need a small bag to carry your lunch in and any other bits and bobs you feel you may require. Don't bring a rucksack as you will be crawling a fair bit and don't want to stick out like a snail. Most of the locals will use a small canvas side/shoulder bag and it will also double up as a rest when shooting prone.

Some Estates carry out most of the stalk with the rifle still in its slip- its a throw back to when keeping your black powder rifle dry and functional as important..you might want to discuss this ahead of time so you can take over a slip with a decent shoulder strap if needed.

Most of us use shooting sticks of one sort or another and you should consider them too. Bipods are useful alternatives but sometimes the heather is just a bit too high for a prone shot...again discuss this a head of time with the people your are going out with if you think it may be an issue.

Even if you don't use them to shoot with, a decent walking stick is virutally essential on the hill as a third leg. "Normal" size walking sticks are ok but tall head height thumb sticks are better and can also be used to steady your bino's. If you don't want to bring one over, they are sold in lots of places in the Highlands; just make sure they are strong..if you are taking your wife on the hill, don't forget one for her either!

Decent 9" or 10" high well broken in boots are what I use...they need to be waterproof, & a little insulation will not harm as temps will probably be around freezing first thing in the morning.

Quite, waterproof gaiters are also another good idea as are some warm gloves and of course a suitable hat.

If you really want to impress your stalker, get your self an 8' length of 1" nylon webbing. Fold back each end and sew to form a loop/handle at each end. These are better than rope when dragging out a beast and roll up virtually flat in your pocket. The stalker will will probably have a length of rope, but two people on two ropes make the work much easier and the help, or at least the offer, will greatly be appriicated.

The stag and the grouse will be the easiest, the tricky one will be the Salmon...good luck and I hope you have a great time!

Regards,

Pete

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