“One has to have a good and detailed map of Scotland to find Kinlochewe. Located in the Highlands at the shores of Loch Maree, I usually arrive there from Inverness after driving for approximately one and a half hours in a north westerly direction towards to seaside town of Gairloch at the other side of Scotland.

The place is tiny and carries the foggy mystique that signifies the Scottish Highlands. From the village of Kinlochewe, containing a cosy hotel and convenient shop and garage, it is less than a mile to the house of professional stalker and proud Scotsman, Norman. Here the real adventure begins …

True to his roots, Norman is not an man of many words but of action. Within less than half an hour the gates of the famous Scottish highlands, currently ‘looked after’ by Allt Power, are reached. The cars are swapped for the ‘Argo’ an 8×8 (or tracked) vehicle made in Canada. However, first the prospective hunter and his rifle have to prove their salt; a surprisingly small target must be hit from at least 100 meters.

Once this test of equipment and necessary marksmanship has met with positive results, the ‘Argo’ provides a ride to the first upper plateau. There this machine is parked and Norman performs his first real magic. With a telescope dating from the nineteen hundreds, he peruses the stunning landscape. A few remarks only directed for himself can be heard. Wind, weather and the other relevant meteorological parameters are already know by Norman. These are now combined with the actual situation to form a stalking strategy. He points out where the deer are (although my expensive German telescopic equipment has not been able to determine anything), where they will go and consequently which direction wind and weather dictate the stalk.

Norman takes the lead and carries the rifle. My fitness then dictates how often during the next 3 to 10 kilometre stalk Norman has to wait for me, so I can catch my breath. This is when he explains the latest updates on the hunting strategy. The weather can take any form. Wind, rain, wind plus rain, storm, cold, warm, beautiful sunshine or miserable fog. All is possible. Nothing can be guaranteed. Except the fact that the stags are always higher up than I thought and the going is tough, but the scenery is one of the most spectacular I can ever imagine – regardless of the prevailing weather.

At a certain point in time I too spot the deer Norman saw miles before. The intensity of the hunt now translates in to an even higher heartbeat. Norman literally knows all the details of the terrain. Sometimes a crawl is required to reach the next stage of the stalk. Any company, if still around, now has to stay behind. The final stage is an exclusive two man affair. Walking up straight is now forbidden. Communication is by hand signal or whisper. Perhaps other (more experienced) hunters truly understand the rationale behind the final details of the stalk. My orientation and situational awareness has invariably left me, by then.

Norman scouts ahead for around 100 meters. Sometimes lifting his head ever so slightly. Then he signals for me to come over …

While still in full cover, Norman explains the actual situation visible just over the next small ridge. Sometimes it is an ‘ambush’ and we have to lay in wait for the earmarked stag to follow the path predicted. Alternatively, an immediate opportunity may present itself. Whatever the situation, clear and unambiguous instructions are provided by Norman, which I memorise verbatim and follow to the letter.

The rifle is then placed in a prone position, Norman does a final check. I cycle the round and reconnoitre the actual situation. Depending on the circumstances, but always after my breathing and heartbeat have stabilised, the crosshairs are firmly fixed at the spot just behind or at the scapula of the stag – the stag Norman had already chosen at the place the ‘Argo’ is parked. Then with the utmost concentration and a slight pull with my right index finger the shot is fired.

To date I have always been fortunate. Stags invariably freeze and never take more than one or two steps before collapsing. Hunters that boast they never miss are all liars. We all miss. Nobody is perfect. But so far, my luck has held.

Norman is the first to speak and congratulates me. The normal waiting period is preserved before walking up to the animal. A ‘field-dress’ is performed by Norman so quickly and efficiently that once I almost missed it. Norman inspects the animal and from its physical condition gains further information about the state of the herd.

Norman casually jogs back to the ‘Argo’ in order to retrieve the animal. I am left in solitude to quietly enjoy the success of my hunt. I marvel at the physique of the stag and how he has grown so large in such difficult terrain. Inevitably, a sense of sorrow follows.

But always, before Norman and the ‘Argo’ get back, I decide to return the next year. Twelve months to look forward to another magical experience.”

Dr. J.E. Eikelaar

The Netherlands