SAC Sporting – 4 nights included

About 

Saplinbrae was built in 1756, and was originally a coaching inn, before becoming a rectory, a country house, and, finally, a hotel in the 20th century. Scott has been a hunting guide in Aberdeenshire, Scotland for 20+ years. Specialising in wildfowl, pigeons, game shooting and deer stalking. Scott has guests all year round who come out shooting and come back year after year and also brings on young shots into the industry too.  Mintlaw has a wide variety of wildlife but geese being the main species, who come in to graze over the farm land.  Mintlaw is 30 miles from Aberdeen, with the airport being a little further, roughly taking 36 minutes.  Scott has also been in the line of chef work since leaving school & makes lorne sausage, haggis, burgers & mince with all that is shot throughout his work.

Itinerary

Arrive Wednesday 13^th December, check-in any time after 3pm. The first night’s dinner can be arranged through our WhatsApp group to suit everyone’s arrival time. There are plenty of local takeaway options nearby or the hotel’s food is fabulous.

Thursday 14^th, 5.30am start – Everyone helps set up the geese’ decoys and make the hides, we then sit and wait as the sun rises for the geese to arrive. Once the shooting has finished we will all gather up the decoys and head back to the hotel for a full breakfast between 9-10 am depending on how quickly the geese come in.

Afternoon – Weather-dependent we shall go out with the opportunity to walk up through marshland for snipe or stand within the woodland for pigeons & pheasants.  If the weather is not on our side, Scott will be able to use the time to show us how to prepare birds.

Evening – an hour before dark we shall head out to the duck ponds and sit in a hide until the ducks arrive. There will be a chance for 2/3 ladies to go out stalking for roe, those who don’t get on the first night will have a chance the following evening.  Once we finish we shall head back to our accommodation & decide whether we go to the hotel for a meal or get a takeaway.

Friday 15^th – 5.30 am start – Everyone helps set up the geese decoys and make the hides, we then sit and wait as the sun rises for the geese to arrive. One shooting has finished we will all gather up decoys and head back to the hotel for a full breakfast between 9-10 am depending on how quickly the geese come in.

Afternoon –  We will head out to high seats where we will be take turns with a 22. rifle. There will be multiple targets, that will be changed regularly to test your accuracy. (A small fun competition will be included for those who wish to take part)

Evening – An hour before dark we shall head out to the duck ponds and sit in a hide until the ducks arrive. Those who didn’t get stalking the previous night will have a chance to go out.  When finished we shall head back to the accommodation to make plans for dinner.

Saturday 16th – 5.30 am start – Geese shooting similar to the previous mornings followed by breakfast.

Afternoon – Weather-dependent we shall go out with the opportunity to walk up through marshland for snipe or stand within the woodland for pigeons. Scott will also do a butchery session where you can watch if you wish, all the meat he is butchering is what our ladies will be taking home.

Evening – an hour before dark we shall head out to the duck ponds and wait for ducks to arrive.  Those who never got stalking previously will head out to try and successfully get a roe. Finishing with our last evening meal whether it be in the hotel or chill out with a takeaway at the accommodation.

Sunday 17th – Depart at your own leisure, check out is 11 am.  Each lady will go home with produce that they have shot themselves. Breakfast is not included on the final morning but the option for ladies to book their own is available.