Near the summit we heard some stags roaring.
Then we heard a shot. Or was it two?
Later, as we descended we noticed fresh blood on the path.
And then in front we spotted a well camouflaged party leading two ponies.
Readers of a sensitive disposition may wish to stop here.
A member of the group came over to Gail and asked very politely if she could "hang back" as one of their ponies was apparently frightened of dogs. (Perhaps this pony had once had a run in with the Queen's corgis?)
So we stayed behind the deer stalking party even though they were descending the steep slope by the waterfalls very slowly indeed. The black pony seemed to be struggling with his burden.
Eventually a young man, who was casually swinging a dripping stag's head (which had very recently belonged to the animal on the back of the 'grey' pony) in his right hand, told us we could pass,
And we continued on down and back to the car without further bloody encounters.
What an encounter!
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteYearly cull? Army survival training?? Poachers??? I had my heart in my for your safety darling Bertie - and Gail of course! They might not have liked their photos taken if the latter two so am thinking the first. Whilst not a fan of such action, I also acknowledge the management aspect. But oh those mighty beasts... Bertie, you sure do have adventures on tham thar hills!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
...mouth... the missing word is mouth...
DeleteIt was deer stalking for sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGPUAxjy8jE
DeleteWhat an adventure Bertie!! What a mix beauty and gory-ness!
ReplyDeleteOh Bertie...while I like killing the occasional mouse or even ratty, our deer friends are just so beautiful. It's deer season here, too. Bow season just ended and rifle season starts in a week or so. I only know this cuz I have to wear my orange collar! Otherwise, it looks like you had a great hike!!
ReplyDelete-Otto
Perhaps the black pony objected to carrying a bleeding carcass. We probably would have been VERY interested and not hung back.
ReplyDeleteit was probably no wonder that the black poney felt uncomfy.... horses are very sensitive. but I wonder that they were calm while they heard the shots... the pawlice horses need years of training for that... maybe the pawlice should work with penys too? btw: Bertie your country is super beautiful.... we love it !!! like mary todd lincoln said: beautiful scotland has spoilt me for every other country :o)
ReplyDeleteOMCs shots would have made me hit the ground... I too wondered why the pony was afraid of bouncing Bertie but not shots? Interesting about using ponies for deer hunting. They are not used around our area for hunting but could be they are used in our mountains. I tell you one thing those are some mighty pretty craggy hills you and Gail are getting in shape for Switzerland. When do you leave
ReplyDelete.
Hugs
Madi your bffff
Like a scene out of that movie about the death of Diana. ... was it 'The Queen ' with Helen Mirren ?
ReplyDeleteExactly.
DeleteWow, they sure were having a successful hunt. Having said that it makes mom sad.
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Mama had to quick scroll thru cause her is of the sensitive natures ;) I fink Mama would have given those guys the whatfur if she had stumbled upon them. BOL
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Matt (& Matilda)
Around our parts the deer are attached to top of cars. Interesting to see the ponies. I can't imagine why they were scared of you.
ReplyDeleteHi bertie, been meaning to post for a while but couldn't for the life of me remember your name, sorry, I'm the soldier who was carrying the stags head, just wanted to clarify what we we're doing, being the queens soldiers it is 1 of our duties to take the queens guest out stalking when she comes to visit balmoral castle, being an animal lover myself this isnt my favourite duty but 1 I must do, the black pony (fling) is young and new to the stalks, so we cut the head of the stag (after it was killed with 1 shot to the heart) incase the pony got frightened and hurt it's self on 1 of the antlers, thanks for holding back though bertie and I hope we didn't cause you any stress.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and clarification. Bertie was not stressed at all, but a bit tired by the time we got back to the car park!
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