Douglas Shooting
Douglas was historically renowned for its grouse shooting on the heather moorlands of Parisholm, Shawhead, Glentaggart, and Roberton. Until the 1980s, 1,500 brace of grouse would be regularly shot “year in year out” between the middle of August and the middle of September, but climate change, Heather Beetle, predation and afforestation has impacted on grouse numbers which are now only shot in years when there is a shoot able surplus. Significant work and investment goes into Heather restoration and habitat improvement each year in order to try to bring the grouse numbers back up to their former numbers.
Whilst no compensation for the reduced numbers of grouse, hill partridges now fill the gap and provide very sporting early season shooting on both the Douglas and the Roberton Moors.
As Autumn turns to Winter, wildfowl and pheasants take over from the partridges, with spectacular pheasants shot from the Crawfordjohn coverts being a true test for any sportsman!
Shooting is let as either formal driven days (for 8 guns), or more casual rough days (for 4 to 5 guns). Shooting is let by the day from the middle of September through to the end of January.
Accommodation is provided in the Estates (serviced) holiday cottages at Mountherrick, which sleep up to 16 people. All three cottages have gun safes, and kennels for guests wishing to bring their own dogs.
Shoot lunches and catering arrangements are provided to suit clients’ individual requirements.
Stalking, accompanied by the Estate’s Keepers, in the Estate’s woodlands, can also be arranged.
Enquiries about shooting at Douglas should be made to Grant Conchie at the Douglas Estate Office (01555 851536) or by email to grant.conchie@daestates.co.uk