Linda talks to deer stalker Bill Cowie

In this episode of the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust Podcast, host Linda Mellor speaks with Bill Cowie, a seasoned deer stalker based on the remote Isle of Rona. Bill offers a vivid and heartfelt insight into his life on the island, sharing how his journey into stalking began not through family tradition, but through sheer curiosity, encounters with wildlife, and an enduring love of the land.

Bill discusses the practicalities of remote island living, from unusual transport challenges and deer retrieval by boat, to the practical limits of machinery in wild terrain. He shares how he built a deer population from scratch on Rona after initially arriving to put up a fence, eventually developing a sustainable venison operation.

Their conversation explores deep themes: the changing nature of gamekeeping, the importance of craft over modern convenience, and the need for more respectful deer management in commercial forestry. Bill’s reflections are rich with personal stories, humour, and no-nonsense wisdom, including his views on venison markets, guest stalkers, and the challenges of balancing conservation with commercial pressure.

From wild beginnings to heartfelt memories and practical advice, this is a captivating portrait of a life devoted to the land, and its animals.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.