Where to start

HarrisonLennon

Hi All,

I'm a 29 yr old chap from Co. Dublin.

My goal is to be able to go out on a hunt, be successful and eat the meat.

Now, where to begin?

Maybe start clay pigeon shooting for practice, or is there special gun ranges?

Eventually I'd like to go hunting with family in Canada who live there. They're pretty dam wilderness folk, so I'd like to be able to at least not slow them down, and maybe impress a little.

Any advice given i appreciate it.

are you serious

I started out just about 16mibths ago or so.

If you know anyone who shoots go out for a day with them and see how you like it.

After that head up to courtlough or another gun range and har a go to see what you prefer either shotgun or rifle.

I didn't go to the range for that I was lucky enough that I've friends with both shotgun and rifle.

juice1304

I would go to a range first if you have never handled a firearm you need to learn how to handle it in a safe environment and if you plan on killing an animal you would want to be sure you are going to kill it and not injure it. If you want to go hunting you will need your own firearm or know someone with one who will allow you to get a licence on theirs. you can't borrow or use someone elses firearm outside a range legally, You would be in possession of an unlicended firearm and whoever gave it to would have been providing it to an unlicenced person, People still do it but that is the law.
If you plan on getting a firearm you will either need to be a member of a range or have permission to shoot on farmers land. You will need to do a safety course, Have a deposit on the firearm you wish to buy so you have the serial number when applying and you will need a safe. You don't need a safe by law for one unrestricted shotgun but from my experience you need one in Co. Dublin.You will need two character referee's and allow the superintendent to contact your doctor if he wishes to do so. [I have never heard of this happening] And a clean record of course. It's all better explained if you click the red banner at the top of the page. you could also contact your local game club. you can get their contact details from the nargc.

HarrisonLennon

juice1304 wrote: »

I would go to a range first if you have never handled a firearm you need to learn how to handle it in a safe environment and if you plan on killing an animal you would want to be sure you are going to kill it and not injure it. If you want to go hunting you will need your own firearm or know someone with one who will allow you to get a licence on theirs. you can't borrow or use someone elses firearm outside a range legally, You would be in possession of an unlicended firearm and whoever gave it to would have been providing it to an unlicenced person, People still do it but that is the law.
If you plan on getting a firearm you will either need to be a member of a range or have permission to shoot on farmers land. You will need to do a safety course, Have a deposit on the firearm you wish to buy so you have the serial number when applying and you will need a safe. You don't need a safe by law for one unrestricted shotgun but from my experience you need one in Co. Dublin.

That's good info, I've contacted the balbriggen range about prices for target practice with the rifle. Lets see how it goes.

RE: shooting an animal I definitely want to be doing so when I'm sure I can not only hit it, but kill it. I sure wont be coming at this willy nilly.

I doubt I'll ever want to own a fire arm. Is it not possible to hire one from hunting locations?

wexfordman

HarrisonLennon wrote: »

That's good info, I've contacted the balbriggen range about prices for target practice with the rifle. Lets see how it goes.

RE: shooting an animal I definitely want to be doing so when I'm sure I can not only hit it, but kill it. I sure wont be coming at this willy nilly.

I doubt I'll ever want to own a fire arm. Is it not possible to hire one from hunting locations?

I'd say for hunting you would want to own one. Your firearm should fit you, and you should be used to using it, not something you would get from hiring one. And in any case, I don't think you can rent them in Ireland in that respect.

If your serious about hunting, your medium term aim should be to aquire a suitable firearm for whatever hunting you plan on doing.

tac foley

There ARE companies - one in Wicklow - that arrange shoots for foreigners - I have no reason to assume that the deal is not open to citizens. It was highlighted on a recent thread by a lady poster only last week. However, most of these companies asume that the paying guest has already got experience in shooting wild game, and, in addition, it is unlikely that the would entertain somebody who has never picked up a gun in their life going on such a shoot.

However, if you don't ask, then you'll never know.

Give 'em a call - they can only say bugger off, now can't they?

http://irishdeerservices.com

Good luck, I know for a fact that it would never happen in yUK - perhaps the RoI is different?

tac

wexfordman

tac foley wrote: »

There ARE companies - one in Wicklow - that arrange shoots for foreigners - I have no reason to assume that the deal is not open to citizens. It was highlighted on a recent thread by a lady poster only last week. However, most of these companies asume that the paying guest has already got experience in shooting wild game, and, in addition, it is unlikely that the would entertain somebody who has never picked up a gun in their life going on such a shoot.

However, if you don't ask, then you'll never know.

Give 'em a call - they can only say bugger off, now can't they?

http://irishdeerservices.com

Good luck, I know for a fact that it would never happen in yUK - perhaps the RoI is different?

tac

I stand corrected :-)

Although an expensive way to do it!!

Thanks tac, apologies op!

tac foley

HarrisonLennon wrote: »

Hi All,

I'm a 29 yr old chap from Co. Dublin.

My goal is to be able to go out on a hunt, be successful and eat the meat.

Now, where to begin?

Maybe start clay pigeon shooting for practice, or is there special gun ranges?

Eventually I'd like to go hunting with family in Canada who live there. They're pretty dam wilderness folk, so I'd like to be able to at least not slow them down, and maybe impress a little.

Any advice given i appreciate it.

Unless your family are Unuit, I'd check the provincial hunting regulations VERY closely before you pick up ANY firearm in Canada. I live there for part of the year, and I've never heard of any foreigner walking around Ontario or Québec, for instance, with a firearm. Do not bet on remoteness to cover any illegal activity either, and remember that trangression to do with hunting all over the country are Federal offences, the very least of which is confiscation of everything you have, on the spot, including your vehicle and its contents, leaving you only with the clothes you are standing up in, and the piece of paper in your hand that advises you that you have seven days to pay the rest of the fine not covered by the sale of your former possessions.

Just saying.

tac

tac foley

wexfordman wrote: »

I stand corrected :-)

Although an expensive way to do it!!

Thanks tac, apologies op!

It's a bit like yachting - expensive to start, and then gets more expensive as you progress.

There are NO short cuts in this kind of sport - you can't buy experience of doing it, you have to do it, to experience it.

tac

clivej

HarrisonLennon wrote: »

Hi All,

I'm a 29 yr old chap from Co. Dublin.

My goal is to be able to go out on a hunt, be successful and eat the meat.

Now, where to begin?

Maybe start clay pigeon shooting for practice, or is there special gun ranges?

Eventually I'd like to go hunting with family in Canada who live there. They're pretty dam wilderness folk, so I'd like to be able to at least not slow them down, and maybe impress a little.

Any advice given i appreciate it.

HarrisonLennon wrote: »

That's good info, I've contacted the balbriggen range about prices for target practice with the rifle. Lets see how it goes.

RE: shooting an animal I definitely want to be doing so when I'm sure I can not only hit it, but kill it. I sure wont be coming at this willy nilly.

I doubt I'll ever want to own a fire arm. Is it not possible to hire one from hunting locations?

From reading what you have already posted my thoughs are:

You will need to go out with someone that has a firearm to hunt with. I'm not sure on the legal side but I think you would be able to shoot the other persons firearm as long as they are with you. This may be correct or only apply when at a range or club.

You can't rent any firearm to use you must have a license on the firearm to use one. You can duel license a firearm to use with another person.

What side of Dublin are you?? Do you have transport???
On the southern side there are ranges that you could go to to see rifles in action and shoot some clays with a shotgun.

You never know you may catch the bug and look to get your own firearm later on.

cookimonster

HarrisonLennon wrote: »

My goal is to be able to go out on a hunt, be successful and eat the meat......Eventually I'd like to go hunting with family in Canada who live there........

To be honest and brutly frank I think your up against it here. Obviously you know no one who shoots what so ever. This is a big disadvantage, unless you are introduced to a hunter by someone deemed reliable you aren't going to get an invite, gun owners tend to be a bit wary of the unkown.
Altough I advocate safety courses and range time you will still need time in the field for hunting. Most of us get into shooting / hunting through family or friends and it entails time and effort on behave of all those involved.
To say you want to hunt, is a very general statement, the prospects for hunting in this country range from feather to fur, game to vermin using either shotguns, rifles, traps,animals or birds of prey . Each hunter has a preference but many are involved in multiple disiplines.
It is admirable to venture forth and to inquire, but with our laws and your reluctance to own a firearm you may find it hard to engage in hunting.
Although I do not want to contradict the venerated Tac, it would probably be a much richer and open experience if you engauge in hunting opportunities with your family in Canada.
Anyway enough preaching, good luck in your venture (by the way there is one other form of 'hunting' that is satisfying in that effort and time is paid off with bounty that can be consummed that is fishing. Many a gun is rested up and the rod taken down in those off season months.)

tac foley

OK , I guess the point was missed here - I'm getting just a hint that I might be trying to knot fog with my responses to the OP. Let's just look at my home province, Ontario, and see what is MANDATORY before you can go for a walk in the woods and slaughter Canada's native wildlife of any kind - BTW, apart from Nunavut, where the indigenous population actually hunt to survive, these laws are pretty much repeated all over the rest of Canada -

Regulating Hunting

Strict laws regulate when, where, what and how a person can hunt. In Ontario, each gun hunter must pass both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course exam and the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam. These education programs and regulations contribute to a safe recreational activity. Stay on top of new or changing regulations by visiting our Information Updates for Hunters page.

Hunting and Wildlife Populations

Legal hunting does not endanger wildlife populations. In fact, it can play an important role in maintaining an abundant population within the carrying capacity of its habitat. Those species that are hunted are managed sustainably. This management is based on sound science and long-term monitoring. The pressures on our wildlife populations today include habitat fragmentation and destruction, pollution, invasive species and unsustainable use.

The Importance of Hunting

Hunters contribute a great deal of time, money, and effort to wildlife management. Hunters are involved in a variety of volunteer programs that help maintain and enhance wildlife and their habitat. In Ontario, the money from hunter licence fees contributes to monitoring and protecting wildlife. The funds raised with the Waterfowl Stamp on the federal Migratory Bird Hunting Permit support habitat protection programs that benefit all wildlife that depend on wetlands.

Hunter Education

If you decide hunting in Ontario is for you, your first step is to complete Ontario's Hunter Education Program. The program covers topics such as firearm safety, hunting laws and wildlife identification. The program is administered by the MNR in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. [Off-site linky - Tell me more about what I need to know to hunt in Ontario.]

Outdoors Card and Licences

Ontario Outdoors Card - hunting version
The hunting version of the Ontario Outdoors Card proves a person's eligibility to purchase hunting licences and tags.
To hunt in Ontario, most residents need a hunting version Outdoors Card and the applicable licence tags or licences.

Ontario recognizes two types of resident hunters: gun hunters and non-gun hunters.

Gun Hunting - The Class H1 Outdoors Card allows hunting with all the methods permitted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (guns, archery and falconry). To qualify for a H1 Outdoors Card, the applicant must provide proof of passing both the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course exam.

Non-Gun Hunting - The Class H2 Outdoors Card allows hunting with all the methods permitted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act except guns (primarily archery and falconry). To qualify for a H2 Outdoors Card, the applicant must provide proof of passing the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam.

Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program

Ontario's Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program offers practical training for new hunters. Under this program hunters can safely develop their hunting skills under the supervision of a qualified Mentor - a licensed and experienced hunter. Two classes of Ontario Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Cards are available - one for gun hunters and one for non-gun hunters.

Know the Regulations

Hunting regulations are in place to ensure your safety and the well-being of others, wildlife and the environment. Each spring, Ontario publishes a summary of the hunting regulations.

Hunters can get a copy of the Hunting Regulations Summary from licence issuers, ServiceOntario offices or online. Each hunter has a responsibility to read and understand the regulations before hunting.

There's lots more........................but I'm sure that you get the idea. All this is from the 'hunting in Ontario website' NO BS, just facts.

You'll notice the part that I have put in red - likely the only way that you'll get near any kind of a firearm, legally, in Ontario, probably Canada [minus Nunavut]. Remember that much of the RoI's version of firearms law is derived, for reasons I've never figured out, from previous and now-outdated Canadian gun law. Penalties are draconian, to say the least, as I pointed out in my last thread but one.

So who can shoot in Canada, apart from those who have gone through all this? Well, you have to a legal resident in Canada, or a citizen of the US, or a Canadian. Furriners going to Canada to shoot its game must provide documentary evidence from their own country's game shooting association/federation or whatever [here in UK it would be the British Deer Society] that they are competent shots and after-kill managers, conversant with the laws and regulations of Canada, and in particular the province in which they will be shooting.

Arriving in Canada without any knowledge of this kind, and going out with your relative to kill something and getting caught by the Rangers with a gun of any kind in your hands, might just lead to the longest vacation you've ever had, as well as the most expensive.

Feel free to ask any more questions - the answers, however, will be the same.

tac

tac foley

cookimonster wrote: »

...the venerated Tac...

'Venerated'?

Do I owe you money or something?

Makes a change from 'tac the ranter' and 'tac the PITA'.

Not certain I like it, me

tac, veneered.

PS - WHOOOOHOOOOOOO! 2000 posts without getting banned! Yet.

clivej

tac foley wrote: »

Arriving in Canada without any knowledge of this kind, and going out with your relative to kill something and getting caught by the Rangers with a gun of any kind in your hands, might just lead to the longest vacation you've ever had, as well as the most expensive.


tac

"might just lead to the longest vacation you've ever had, as well as the most expensive."

I'd take it that the 'Hotel' is free for this type of vacation :eek::eek::eek:

HarrisonLennon

Wow ok, a lot of information here. Thanks for the effort people have put into researching some topics that have arisen here. And the concern for my well being.

My family have lived on a huge property for generations. (Without going into to much detail) they own a great deal of land. As a child remembering it was bigger then any park/forest I'd ever been in, in Ireland. They hunt their own animals, within their own grounds.

I can assure you everyone is above board as regards licences etc. And nothing is outside the law. No ranger is allowed on the land for a start.

But thanks to all. Worry no more.

tac foley

A park ranger is a federal officer, they can go anywhere on the ground in Canada.

You, Sir, have missed the point entirely. YOU are NOT licensed to pull a trigger on live game in Canada.

Seeing what Canadian citizens have to go through to do it legally, and the knowledge they have to prove they have to get a hunting permit, are you honestly going to post here that you are going to break the law?

I'm gone from this conversation.

tac

HarrisonLennon

tac foley wrote: »

A park ranger is a federal officer, they can go anywhere on the ground in Canada.

You, Sir, have missed the point entirely. YOU are NOT licensed to pull a trigger on live game in Canada.

Seeing what Canadian citizens have to go through to do it legally, and the knowledge they have to prove they have to get a hunting permit, are you honestly going to post here that you are going to break the law?

I'm gone from this conversation.

tac

I think you've missed the point with all respect.

Of course a ranger can go anywhere. My point was its not "the wild" my family hunts. It's fenced private property. I meant there is no park authority on the land. I can assure my family are legally entitled to do what they do.

After reading your information I realised I would not be allowed fire a weapon which I respect. At no point in this conversation did I say I would illegally.

I asked for honest information on the right way to go about things here, and have taken all the advice given to be truth.

So again, with all respect, do not speak on my behave or claim I'm going to break the law when that has never been stated.

Please close thread mods.

tac foley

Post #1 - Quote - Eventually I'd like to go hunting with family in Canada who live there. They're pretty dam wilderness folk, so I'd like to be able to at least not slow them down, and maybe impress a little. End quote.

tac

HarrisonLennon

tac foley wrote: »

Post #1 - Quote - Eventually I'd like to go hunting with family in Canada who live there. They're pretty dam wilderness folk, so I'd like to be able to at least not slow them down, and maybe impress a little. End quote.

tac

Ok Tac, I've privately addressed you in your inbox to make my intentions clear. I have no idea why your bringing it into forum again. You stated in your last post, you were gone from this conversation which is why we are conversing privately.

You've now quoted something I've said before the law was made clear. I've already stated, now I know the law I intend not to break it. That is after why people ask questions no? To come from the dark into the light.

So if you wish to continue a show of sorts, I'm playing no part.

Cass

Lads can we leave the inter personal quips out of it. This is a place for discussion, not picking points apart on inference.

I believe what is trying to be conveyed here is, like Ireland, irrespective of the status of ownership of the lands each countries laws on game shooting apply regardless. So in order to hunt game you must have a valid firearms license and game license relevant to the species you intend to hunt.

@HarrisonLennon. Not sure how it stands in other countries, but in Ireland you need a firearms license (whether a full license of training license) to use someone else's gun outside of an authorised range. However this should not stop you from trying to meet up with someone and go out on a few trips, stalks, etc. to get the basic idea of stalking/hunting.

For the purpose of learning to shoot the only place you ca do this is on an authorised range. There are a couple around Dublin that cater to both rifle, and shotgun shooting. This would suit you to learn the basics of firearm safety and handling.

With regard to becoming competent. You can learn the basics, but lads that are shooting for years still learn new "tricks" so it's a continuing process.

I would suggest the following;

• Try find out the name and address of a few game clubs, and arrange to meet the secretary, chairman, etc. and have a chat to see if they would be willing to allow you to accompany one of them on a hunt/stalk.
• Go to a range, and see about taking some lessons, practice, and getting both competent and proficient with a firearm.
• If you have a friend or family member willing to help then apply for a full license or training license on their firearm. Then accompany them whenever they go out to get some practical experience.

Nothing related to firearms happens overnight so this will be a marathon not a sprint, and an ongoing process.

HarrisonLennon

Cass wrote: »

Lads can we leave the inter personal quips out of it. This is a place for discussion, not picking points apart on inference.

I believe what is trying to be conveyed here is, like Ireland, irrespective of the status of ownership of the lands each countries laws on game shooting apply regardless. So in order to hunt game you must have a valid firearms license and game license relevant to the species you intend to hunt.

@HarrisonLennon. Not sure how it stands in other countries, but in Ireland you need a firearms license (whether a full license of training license) to use someone else's gun outside of an authorised range. However this should not stop you from trying to meet up with someone and go out on a few trips, stalks, etc. to get the basic idea of stalking/hunting.

For the purpose of learning to shoot the only place you ca do this is on an authorised range. There are a couple around Dublin that cater to both rifle, and shotgun shooting. This would suit you to learn the basics of firearm safety and handling.

With regard to becoming competent. You can learn the basics, but lads that are shooting for years still learn new "tricks" so it's a continuing process.

I would suggest the following;

• Try find out the name and address of a few game clubs, and arrange to meet the secretary, chairman, etc. and have a chat to see if they would be willing to allow you to accompany one of them on a hunt/stalk.
• Go to a range, and see about taking some lessons, practice, and getting both competent and proficient with a firearm.
• If you have a friend or family member willing to help then apply for a full license or training license on their firearm. Then accompany them whenever they go out to get some practical experience.

Nothing related to firearms happens overnight so this will be a marathon not a sprint, and an ongoing process.

Thank you Cass, that's sound advice.
I'll do exactly as you've mentioned.

I'm booked in to a lesson on a Rifle Range, and will ask there about hunts, clubs etc.
I'll see if I can shadow a group. (I don't need to be holding a gun to feel I'm hunting).

After that session I'll know which way to go. As you say it's not a sprint, I'm 29. And intend to make it a marathon indeed.