Deer stalking

José Alaninho

Hello all,

Looking to get into a bit of deer stalking in the coming year. Any info on how exactly one would go about it? Total noob in this area of hunting I'm afraid, most I've ever done is out after pheasants and rabbits with the shotgun.

For instance, does one require land permission to shoot deer? Or can a license be obtained to shoot them on state-owned property? Also, what are the seasons like for different species, etc.?

Any info would be great.

poulo6.5

José Alaninho wrote: »

Hello all,

Looking to get into a bit of deer stalking in the coming year. Any info on how exactly one would go about it? Total noob in this area of hunting I'm afraid, most I've ever done is out after pheasants and rabbits with the shotgun.

For instance, does one require land permission to shoot deer? Or can a license be obtained to shoot them on state-owned property? Also, what are the seasons like for different species, etc.?

Any info would be great.

1/you will need written permission from 2-3 farmers depending on the amount of land they have, they will have to sign it and put their folio number on it.
their land must hold deer or it would be no good

2/next you need to buy a deer caliber rifle, min 22-250.
you will need the serial number from it for your application.

3/apply for your hunting license to the npws. you will also need the information from part 1&2 for this.

4/ you will need a gun safe fixed securely to a wall it a safe part of your home. because the crime prevention officer will have to inspect it before you get the ok.

5/ apply for your license as soon as you can and then get to know your local super and if you can arrange a meeting with him so he can put a face to the name, makes it more personal,

6/ make regular phone calls to the district office to keep track of the application cos they WILL just leave it sitting there if you dont persist.

best of luck;)

José Alaninho

Cheers poulo

Now the only problem is to find farmland that holds deer. County Clare isn't exactly replete with it to the best of my knowledge.... my father always goes on about the culling of the deer in Wicklow being great, but that would be NPWS park rangers or something doing that, no?

Windigo

Hi, Im in the same situation as José Alaninho. Ive been shooting fox and vermin for years but I want to get into deer stalking this year. I can get permission to shoot from farmers in my area with no problem and I see deer in my area frequently.
Im worried my application for a licence would be refused for as you say the land 'not holding deer'.

I was just wondering how they know if there is deer on the land and it is suitable or not? Is there a record kept of farmers land which have deer on them and which a suitable or somthing like that?

And if that is the case would anyone know where I can find a list these areas so I can ask farmers in them for permission.

Steyr243Hunter

If you walk the land you will be able to tell if there is deer on it, droppings/ trails farmer will 95percent know. The NPWS will send local ranger to inspect if they aren't sure they are there. Look into doing a Hcap course a lot of information for new stalkers, well worth doing. It is said that all stalkers will need it anyway in the future not just coilte stalkers.

Windigo

Thanks for the advice. Ill look into doing the Hcap.

I know there are deer on some of the land as Ive seen them from time to time and farmers have told me of damage caused by them, not all that often but they are there. I was just wondering does there have to be permanently deer on the land or would deer coming onto land from time to time be sufficient? I only plan on shooting enough for the freezer so the odd wanderer onto farmers land would do me.

I suppose I might just be best sending in my appliction and let the NPWS or whoever the send out make a decision. All they can do is say no.

clivej

Get yourself a copy of the Best Practice Guide from the Deer Commission for Scotland, at £15 best buy you can get.

http://www.bestpracticeguides.org.uk/Default.aspx

download the subscription form below and return to DCS, along with a cheque or postal order.

http://www.bestpracticeguides.org.uk...ion%20Form.pdf

Tackleberrywho

poulo6.5 wrote: »

1/you will need written permission from 2-3
1 was enough for me, once acreage is over a couple of hundred.
farmers depending on the amount of land they have, they will have to sign it and put their folio number on it.
their land must hold deer or it would be no good. You can RENT a lease/letting from Coillte but you would be mad as the price is redic!!

2/next you need to buy a deer caliber rifle, min 22-250.
you will need the serial number from it for your application.
If you are after fallow deer .22/250 min but consider .243 .25/06 6.5x55 .270 or .308 are most common. If after big red perhaps a bit larger cal maybe .30/06 7mm mag etc. But for fallow between 50yd-200yd shots .243-.308 inclusive depending on personal pref(of course).
Use a ratio of approx 13-1. If foot pounds of energy at 200 yards is 13 times the weight of your quarry thats your ideal caliber . If you want to find this info it is readily available on hornady.com or Norma.cc they show rounds and all technical specifications.

3/apply for your hunting license to the npws. you will also need the information from part 1&2 for this. And the grain weight of thee round you are to use(mise .308 155gn)

4/ you will need a gun safe fixed securely to a wall it a safe part of your home. because the crime prevention officer will have to inspect it before you get the ok.

5/ apply for your license as soon as you can and then get to know your local super and if you can arrange a meeting with him so he can put a face to the name, makes it more personal,

6/ make regular phone calls to the district office to keep track of the application cos they WILL just leave it sitting there if you dont persist.

I actually go in for any applications as they sort you out to get rid of you

best of luck;)

I hope this helps.
It can be quick or slow, depends on who is processing your application.