Independent writer recounts stag stalking experience

Stag parties looking for an alternative way to celebrate a weekend may be interested in a recent newspaper article.

The Independent's Jamie Merrill recounted his experience of deer stalking in Perthshire, Scotland.

He explained how his day began with a journey in a Land Rover, followed by one in an Arco - an eight-wheeled amphibious vehicle.

When Ally McNaughton, the Ardeonaig Hotel's head deer stalker, spotted a herd in the distance, the two left the Arco and made off on foot in search of a good shooting position.

A long trek later and Mr Merrill was given the chance to kill a stag for his supper later that night.

The writer explained how, despite his mixed emotions after the act and animal welfare groups condemning such activities, deer populations are spiralling out of control.

The animals can cause damage to crops and woodland and it is estimated that there are between 1.5 million and two million throughout the UK.

Those who would rather avoid actually killing something on their stag weekend, but still want to fire a gun could opt for clay pigeon shooting or paintball instead.