Getting started hunting deer

gofaster_s13

How do I go about getting started deer hunting, I am after getting permission to shoot accross around 200 acres in the Wicklow mountains:D so is it a matter of just applying for a deer license or is their training courses etc to be done

meathshooter

gofaster_s13 wrote: »

How do I go about getting started deer hunting, I am after getting permission to shoot accross around 200 acres in the Wicklow mountains:D so is it a matter of just applying for a deer license or is their training courses etc to be done

once you have a suitable land and rifle ,eg .243 .270 ect there are many calibers.fill in the application for a licence to hunt deer available from the npws website and send it off

gofaster_s13

How much land is classed as been suitable? And do I have to have the gun license before I can get the deer license as I thought the guards wouldnt give the license for heavier calibres without the deer license.

Vegeta

generally the route is deer license which is then justification for a larger caliber rifle

There's a lot to learn though so I would not just rush into it willy nilly, you could do the HCAP which would teach you a nice bit.

gofaster_s13

HCAP ???

Vegeta

Yes HCAP

E. Fudd

Go and put a deposit on a suitable rifle.

Then fill out your deer hunting license application which will ask you for the calibre and serial number of the rifle you're going to use, along with what size bullet you will use (eg. 100 grain). The local ranger will most likely visit the farmer who gave you permission to make sure he did actually give you permission.

When you receive your hunting license (matter of weeks), you then go your local f.o. with your firearms application, hunting permissions and also your hunting license and apply for your firearms certificate.

I'd recommend asking your f.o. if he would mind if you gave him copies of your hunting permissions and hunting license, as sometimes they tend not to be returned, in my local station anyway! (don't tell him/her that though! )

Forgot to mention, you will also need the folio number of the lands on which you have permission.

And here's the link to the deer hunting license application form:

http://www.npws.ie/en/media/Media,3684,en.pdf

Sika_Stalker

+1 for E. Fudd
that is the way to do it
but do apply for the HCAP it will show you how to identify diseases
it will also teach you about the tech part of hunting deer

clivej

Vegeta wrote: »

generally the route is deer license which is then justification for a larger caliber rifle

There's a lot to learn though so I would not just rush into it willy nilly, you could do the HCAP which would teach you a nice bit.

Silly question maybe but do you need to have the HCAP done to get a deer license? Or is is HCAP only needed to shoot on colite owned land??

I'm thinking ahead here, maybe next year for the bigger gun, 65x55, 308. I need to gain shooting time before then, I'm only just going up to a 223 now.
I've been invited to go along with some friends, not to shoot, to stalk deer with them this season, so I'm looking forward to that.

Sika_Stalker

i believe that they are thinking of having it in for 2010 but that info may have changed.

Vegeta

clivej wrote: »

Silly question maybe but do you need to have the HCAP done to get a deer license? Or is is HCAP only needed to shoot on colite owned land??

the latter afaik

personally have not done the HCAP (don't have a deer license either, brother does) but its on the list of things to do next year

dsaint1

You don't need HCAP to get a deer hunting permit (thats on private land not colite land)

Tackleberry.

clivej wrote: »

Silly question maybe but do you need to have the HCAP done to get a deer license? Or is is HCAP only needed to shoot on colite owned land??

I'm thinking ahead here, maybe next year for the bigger gun, 65x55, 308. I need to gain shooting time before then, I'm only just going up to a 223 now.
I've been invited to go along with some friends, not to shoot, to stalk deer with them this season, so I'm looking forward to that.

You are not allowed to shoot deer with a 223 cal and you won't get a deer hunting licence for it. if your shooting reds buy a 25-06 or 308(25-06 is best all rounder my friend has one) i've a 243 i used for fallow and new 308 i've yet to use i'll keep the 243 for fox'n now and the 308 for the deer as there are a few big reds about.
But no need for HCAP right now but buy the deer stalkers manuel from them 25euro it will get you up to speed with the irish deer hunting secne, also a good DVD on deer butchering will sort you out i recommend this dvd at this link

http://www.wildharvestvideos.com/videos/wildgame_dvd.html

all the best Tac

clivej

Tackleberry. wrote: »

You are not allowed to shoot deer with a 223 cal and you won't get a deer hunting licence for it. if your shooting reds buy a 25-06 or 308(25-06 is best all rounder my friend has one) i've a 243 i used for fallow and new 308 i've yet to use i'll keep the 243 for fox'n now and the 308 for the deer as there are a few big reds about.
But no need for HCAP right now but buy the deer stalkers manuel from them 25euro it will get you up to speed with the irish deer hunting secne, also a good DVD on deer butchering will sort you out i recommend this dvd at this link

http://www.wildharvestvideos.com/videos/wildgame_dvd.html

all the best Tac

I know that the 223 is not big enough for deer. Looking to get my feet on the ground first. Then we'll see about something bigger next year.:rolleyes:

dwighet

clivej wrote: »

Silly question maybe but do you need to have the HCAP done to get a deer license? Or is is HCAP only needed to shoot on colite owned land??

I'm thinking ahead here, maybe next year for the bigger gun, 65x55, 308. I need to gain shooting time before then, I'm only just going up to a 223 now.
I've been invited to go along with some friends, not to shoot, to stalk deer with them this season, so I'm looking forward to that.

Not long now mate....My fittness isnt great at the moment so i hope your up for the drag...Ill supply the rope..LOL

clivej

dwighet wrote: »

Not long now mate....My fittness isnt great at the moment so i hope your up for the drag...Ill supply the rope..LOL

Your fittness

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I'm an old fart as you know. Just back from long weekend in Cork with the wife, Christ she walked the legs off me, only fit for the bed now.TO REST.......

Dwighet it can't come quick enough

E. Fudd

clivej wrote: »

Dwighet it can't come quick enough

You, the wife, or the first of September?????!!!:D

dwighet

E. Fudd wrote: »

You, the wife, or the first of September?????!!!:D

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Nice one!!

clivej

THAT'S IT.............
I'm not putting up with any more

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It's my ball and I'm going home.

lordarpad

OK, I gotta ask:

what is the HCAP?

jwshooter

google HCAP deer alliance, for your answer

Rovi

lordarpad wrote: »

OK, I gotta ask:

what is the HCAP?

Hunter Competence Assessment Programme