The future of shooting in Scotland is dependent upon both grouse and politicians.

At this time of year tension mounts amongst those with an interest in grouse. Will it be a good year, an acceptable year or a disaster? Many pundits also claim inside knowledge and are willing to state an opinion about how the grouse are doing. We admire their bravery, but question their accuracy. There are many imponderables that may cause a good population of chicks on the nest to disappear by the time the ‘glorious’ 12th comes round.

But what can grouse moor managers do to improve their chances of getting the elusive large bag? We suggest that there are four key factors that need to be considered: habitat management, grazing management, predator control, and grouse health. The first three of these issues will have a direct benefit for all animals and birds that live in our upland areas and there are also direct landscape benefits.

For the habitat, the key issue is the application of a balanced burning regime, but control of invasive species such as bracken and purple moor-grass can be important in some areas. Grazing animals are the ultimate managers of moorland and their presence is important; no grazing is not an option on a well-managed moor.

Well executed, legal predator control is an essential part of good moorland management that has benefits well beyond the grouse interest. Grouse health is affected to a large extent by the presence of an adequate and balanced food supply. Young heather shoots and a good supply of invertebrates play an important part in this.

Shooting in the uplands can generate large amounts of income but in the expectation of this income arguably more is invested than generated. From an uplands point of view it is a win, win situation. Shooting, and the associated income for Scotland, is at risk if grouse cannot be produced in sufficient numbers to satisfy the

SEE AUGUST 2005 EDITION OF SCOTTISH FIELD TO READ FULL STORY

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