A presentation on the history and methodology involved in CIC head measuring was given by Alisdair Troup of Bushwear.

30 members attended the Meet which also included a very informative presentation on the history and policy for Inchrory by Graham Ormerod. Members visited the hill to view the regeneration work and some fine stags. The winter of 2009/10 had resulted in significant deaths of hinds and calves.

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE ELECTED AT AGM:

Chairman: Fergus Laing.

Vice Chair: Roger Knight

Secretary: Mike Cottam

Treasurer: Simon Jackson

Committee: Ian Davidson, Mike Payne, Chris Lycett, Hilary Lamont, John Kennedy.

Branch will be present at Moy as usual, with butchery demonstrations and head measuring service.

We are also hoping to improve the visibility and presence of the stand.

Any suggestions as to how to improve our stand will be gratefully received. Please contact the Chairman, Fergus Laing, at fhglaing@btopenworld if you have any thoughts. 

AUTUMN MEET: 24 OCTOBER 2010, 11am

Precision Rifle Services Ltd., Strathavon Lodge, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch. By kind invitation of Callum Ferguson.

Callum has agreed to give us a talk on the making of a precision stalking rifle and development of home loaded ammunition for a bespoke weapon.

CAWDOR RIFLE RANGE- DATES 2010:

Sat  5th June Summer Shoot;

Sat 19^th June Practice: Team selection for Inter Branch Shoot (IBS);

Sat 31^st Team Practice I.B.S.;

Sat 21^st Aug team practice I.B.S.;

Sun 31^st Oct Practice;

Sat 6th Nov Winter shoot. 

Please note, due to weather and demand the range practice days may be cancelled. Anyone planning to attend these dates should phone Ian Davidson 01463751214, Ron Taylor. 01463798435, or Andrew Yool 01343890304 to check if shoot is on. Any other information regarding the shoot may also be obtained from these members.

DSC LEVEL 1 COURSE IN HIGHLANDS:

DSC Level 1 course, 10-13th June 2010 based at Crubenmore Lodge, by Dalwhinnie, further details from BDS Training Dept (see: www.bds.org.uk).

AGM/SPRING MEET, MARCH 2011 (provisional)

Glenfeshie Estate, by Kingussie.

AUTUMN MEET, OCTOBER 2011 (provisional)

BraeRoy Estate, by Roy Bridge

Glenfeshie and BraeRoy are under the same ownership. Glenfeshie has been high profile in recent times due to designation as Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under European legislation. This has resulted in a significant reduction in deer numbers in an attempt to regenerate Caledonian Pines. The visit will provide the opportunity to see the results of such a policy; to hear at first hand the strategy going forward; and review the impact on sporting red deer returns.

BraeRoy employs a more traditional approach. The visit should provide the opportunity to understand the owner's wider strategy on deer management.