Experts are predicting the grouse shooting season, which got under way on the “Glorious Twelfth”, could be the strongest for years.
Tim Baynes, of the Scottish Land and Estates Moorland Group, joined the shoot at the Rottal Estate on Glen Clova, near Kirriemuir.
He said the season got off to a “great start, with good weather and lots of grouse around”.
He added: “It is great to see people getting out on to moorland on the Glorious Twelfth in a time-honoured tradition and also supporting all of the positives that go with modern country sports, such as the income for rural communities and looking after other moorland wildlife”.
Bad weather has blighted the last two shooting seasons but hopes are high this could be a stellar year as a result of the recent warmth and sunshine.
Robert Rattray, of rural property and sporting let agents CKD Galbraith, said: “Grouse shooting on average generates around £30 million for the Scottish economy.
“But I would imagine figures this year will be much higher, with all the knock-on benefits of seasonal employment in local communities.”
This year VisitScotland has been promoting Scotland as a country sports destination to a wider audience in the UK and Northern Europe.
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said, “The Glorious Twelfth is a renowned date and marks the start of what will undoubtedly be a good season for this important tourism sector.
“Country sports operate year-round and therefore, provide a valuable extension to the season for accommodation providers, restaurants, retail outlets and other activity providers and attractions.
“It provides Scotland with a great opportunity to showcase our country sports credentials to wealthy visitors from around the world ahead of 2014, which marks an incredible year for Scotland through major events such as the Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games and Homecoming.
“Our ability to host such a diverse range of events and activities ensure Scotland continues to have something for every visitor.”
The estimated overall value of all types of shooting, stalking and fishing to the Scottish economy is in the region of £350 million per year.
Grouse shooting contributes around 10% of that figure, much of which is recycled back into protecting Scottish moorland for tourists to enjoy all year round.
As red grouse and deer are not artificially reared, external factors, including the weather and predators have a huge impact on the success of a sporting season.
This year’s dry summer will mean healthier game stocks, which translate to a bigger boost for country sports enterprises.