Alvie moorlands are dedicated to grouse shooting between 12th August and the first week in September.
Red grouse, and occasionally blue hare, are in abundance over much of the moorland but population sizes are dependant on winter mortality and breeding success in the spring. As a result numbers are subject to dramatic fluctuations. Expected daily bags are normally in the region of 40 brace (80 birds) for 8-9 guns but have been known to fluctuate between 15 and over 100 brace (200 birds).
Grouse shooting can be adversely affected by inclement weather. Both sleet and snow have been known on Alvie's moors even in August. Shooting clients and their guests are expected to be attired in clothing that will blend in with the surroundings suitable for inclement weather.
For walking up grouse participants should be fit enough to walk up to 5 miles over rough terrain carrying a gun safely.
For driven grouse participants should be capable of walking up to 2 miles. Blue Hare may be shot during grouse shooting days at the discretion of the Head Gamekeeper. There is a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 shooting participants per day.
Low Ground Shooting
On the lower ground, the lochans attract a variety of duck while the surrounding farm land and forestry is home to rabbits, brown hares, woodpigeon plus the occasional partridge. Pheasants are sometimes put down to supplement the rough shooting bags from November to February.
Duck Shooting
Duck Flighting takes place on ponds, rivers and lochs on the Estate low ground. The open season for duck from 1st September to the end of January. On Alvie we prefer to finish duck shooting when the open water freezes over normally around the end of December. Duck are shot at dusk from mixed stances.
Rough Shooting
On the lower ground, the lochs attract a variety of duck while the surrounding farm land and forestry is home to rabbits, brown hares, wood pigeon plus the occasional partridge.
The emphasis on rough shooting is to provide a chance to shoot a wide variety of game. Rough shooting is normally offered on Alvie during the months of November, December and January when maximum number of quarry species are in season. Rabbits and hares are always plentiful, in addition pheasant, pigeon and partridge can also be expected in the bag.
Maximum 5 shooting participants per session or day.
Shooting With Shotguns
Shooting clients are normally expected to be experienced in shooting and to provide their own shotgun which must not be automatic or semi-automatic, and with a bore not less than .410 or with a barrel which has an internal diameter of more than 1.75" (4.5cm) at the muzzle. The Estate must be informed on booking if any of the shooting party is not experienced.
The Head Gamekeeper will give a short talk on the safe use of shotguns at the beginning of the day or session and anyone, who in opinion of the Head Gamekeeper is considered to be transgressing these rules or a danger to others, will be asked to stop shooting with the immediate effect. The Head Gamekeeper's decision will be final.
A maximum of 2 guests will normally be allowed to accompany each shooting client with a maximum of 10 guests per shooting party for lunch by prior arrangement.
The Head Gamekeeper will determine the ground to be covered and the game to be shot.
Blue Hare
Depending on hare numbers, driven or walked up blue hare shooting can sometimes be arranged in early September, and late October to January.
The success of the shoot can be dependant on the weather and the Estate will cancel the shoot and refund the money less a handling charge in the event of adverse weather conditions. In the event of the hill road being blocked with snow, participants should be prepared to walk up to 10 miles in the day.
Maximum 9 shooting participants.