How to get started with Hunting.

MartyMcFly84

Hi, I am looking for advise into how to get started with hunting.

I don't come from a hunting background or know any hunters. But I have always been interested in it, and I enjoy eating game.

I have done some Google searches but there does not seem to be many locally based website for clubs.

I don't own a gun, so I would need to go down this process also at some stage.

I own two dogs which are hunting breeds but they are just pets right now. I would also like to see if I could train them to be hunting dogs also.

Any advice or steps to follow would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Cass

Welcome to the forum, assuming its your first visit. I'll list some helpful tips and the process to get started, but leave it to the lads to go into details on types/makes of guns and any discussion on gun dogs as its not my thing.

First thing you need to do is get out and get familiar with the sport. Try tag along with someone that shoots and even visits a rifle range to get a look at how shooting is done. Also look into local shooting clubs (hunting) and try meet up with some people involved.

You will need to be a member of a hunting club or have your own, individual, permissions for land so as to apply for your license. This requires knocking on doors and unfortunately you will get turned down more than you will be granted permission, this is also a reason why getting to know locals that shoot can be a benefit.

Now onto the processes.

To apply for a firearm you need to fill in an FCA1 firearm application form. These can be found in your local Garda Station or downloaded, online. Here is what you need to do to fill it in. You want to be as detailed as possible, but without writing a novel.

For the following sections, just fill them in, but for the most part extra information is not necessary:

• Section 1 - Tick Firearm Certificate and in the box below tick "I have not held a certificate for this firearm in the previous three years".
• Section 2.1 - Fill in all the personal information stuff. Everything.
• Section 2.2 - Give name, address and phone number for your GP, and any other doctor you might be visiting.
• Section 2.3 - You need two people to vouch for you. Supply their name, address and details in this section.
• Section 2.4 - Tick the boxes as appropriate.
• Section 2.5 - Supply details of your competence, or if you've done the course just write "Copy of cert attached". Then attach a copy.
• Section 3.1 - Fill in the details of the gun you've bought here. All the info will be on the docket the dealer gives you.
• Section 3.3 - Write in the dealer PULSE ID. It'll be a 4 digit number that the dealer uses. Then his name.
• Section 3.5 - Tick "YES", and then "NO". Make sure you have at least a trigger lock bought for the gun. This is the minimu security needed.
• Section 4.1 - Tick English, and below that write in the amount of rounds you want. I'd apply for betwee 250 - 500 rounds.
• Section 4.2 - Tick Hunting. No need for target shooting and you might be required to show membership if you do. You can tick it if you want, it's your chice.
• Section
• Section 5.1 - Tick yes (no need for licenses as your firearms license covers you and you're not shooting deer, only pheasant)
• Sign it, and date it.

Ignore sections:

• 3.4
• 4.3
• 4.4
• 5.2

You need to provide more information for some sections on a separate piece of paper, labelled "Additional Information". See which sections apply to you, and fill in the following for those sections (examples):

1. Section 2.1 - Previous Address: If you have lived elsewhere provide thos addresses.
2. Section 2.5 - Proof of Competence: Supply copy of your competence certificate.
3. Section 3.5 - Secure Storage: List your security measures as you have done. For a shotgun its a trigger lock and stored in three pieces around the house. You may be asked for a safe, but the Super will let you know.
4. Section 4.1 - Amount of Ammo: I am requesting 250-500 (example) rounds of ammunition for the following reasons:
   • Empty (fired) casings are treated the same as live rounds as per the Firearms Act, 1925 where it states that "ammunition for a firearm is any ingredient or component part of any such ammunition", with component part being the bullet, the casing, the propellant or the primer. So my license must allow me to have a high enough limit to have both live and fired rounds in my possession.
   • I regularly take part in clay shoots and actively attend clay ranges for practice. As a result of this I can go through a large quantity of rounds in a short period of time.
   • Buying bulk rounds of ammunition to reduce trips to dealer and for cost implications.
   • Distance to dealer being excessive & inconvenient.
5. Section 4.2 - Reason for Gun:
   • Control of vermin on my lands
   • Control of vermin on lands nominated in my permissions
   • Clay pigeon shooting
   • Hunting of game during the open seasons.

Now onto the firearm.

You have two options. Rifle or Shotgun. For rifle I would recommend a .22lr for your first rifle. There are numerous reasons for this:

• It's a great rifle to learn the basics of shooting
• It's cheap to buy and cheap to run
• They resell quickly as it's a desirable caliber
• Applications for lower calibers are usually favoured for first time owners
• Not a huge investment if you find you don't like it
• It's good enough for hunting

 The limitations with a .22lr are range, and effectiveness on larger game. However if you have no experience with a rifle then i would not suggest jumping into a centrefire rifle. The differnce betwen a rimfire, and centrefire is based on the make up of the round used. See the picture below;

The round to the left being the rimfire meaning once the bottom/rim of the cartridge is struck by the firing pin the round is discharged. On a centrefire the primer (no 4 on right picture) must be struck which ignites the powder and fires the bullet.

Most rimfires have a range of between 0 - 125 yards, effective range. Centrefire rifles, depending on shooter ability have mush greater effective ranges, and hence need A LOT more experience to handle. Apart from the firearm you need to be aware of your environment, backstop (where the bullet will finish) shot placement, etc. Its not quite as easy as point and pull the trigger.

The best selling and most popular starter rifle is the CZ .22lr. 

 

Th setup above would cost, depending on scope choice, about €800 new or between €300 - €550 second hand. There are a fantastic gun, and if you asked i would say about 70% of rifle shooter either had one or have one.

 To find out which rifle you want or more importantly which suits your intended purpose then i would suggest visiting a few rifle ranges, and seeing what others are using, and what they have, use it for, how it works, how effective it is, cost, etc. Most ranges would welcome you, and freely show you around. Simply ring before traveling as some ranges need prior notification before you can turn up.

For a shotgun i'd look at an over/under. One of these:

They are cheap to buy, easy to license, and can easily accommodate most any type of shooting you could want in Ireland. Second hand you can buy from €300 up, and new from €550 up. The prices can go as high as a good second hand car (thousands) but we'll keep it sensible for the purpose of the thread.

Look at Baikal, Lanber, Yildiz for those in the €300 - €550 mark (second hand) or €550 - €750 new. Then if you want to go for something a little nicer look at Bettinsoli, Browning, Winchester for guns in the €450 - €850 mark (second hand) or €750 - €1,400 mark(new).

The most important part of picking a gun is fit. A shotgun must come up well with a good shoulder and be natural for your point of aim. Always bring someone with you that knows about the various guns. They'll keep you grounded and help you decide on something suitable rather than one that looks good, but doesn't really fit you. Nothing worse than buying a gun and it won't shoot right for you because it doesn't fit you right.

Once you have decided on the type of shooting you like, and a gun you want, you need to go out and find one. Go to as many registered firearm dealers (RFD) as you can. Do not rush the decision. It can be a long enough process to get the license so you cannot pick, choose, change your mind, pick, choose, change your mind once the license process has begun. 

Go out and try as many makes/models of the gun/caliber you would most like, but keep an open mind to others as sometimes you end up buying a gun you did not intend to buy.

A few tips:

• If you apply for the gun for shooting on a range you must be a member of that range beforehand.
• Any security measures must be in place before you apply as you must declare you have satisfied the minimum requirements on your FCA1.
• NEVER pay more than a deposit (10% or so) on a gun. Also make sure that this deposit is refundable should you be refused the license as some dealrs will simply keep your money. Its for this reason you never pay for the gun upfront. Also a dealer will not return any money for change of mind.
• Always take someone with you even if you think you know all you need. A second set of eyes can provide helpful information and temper any "new buyers" excitement as sometimes we see things through rose tinted glasses when we want it.
• Lastly don't be afraid to ask questions. Here, on a range, at the dealers, etc. Ask, ask and ask some more. Be 100% sure what you want and that you know what you need before committing to anything.

garrettod

Perhaps Marty might like to give a little more detail, such as what part of the country he's in, if he's got an interest in a particular type of hunting etc.

That may help with people suggesting clubs, gun shops, trainers to contact etc.

Feisar

As always Cass gave a great run down.

Go onto the NARGCs website, they'll be able to help with a gun club as it says on the website there are 965 clubs in the country. Most aren't going to have much of an online presence though.

What type of hunting are you after? A few rabbits of a Summer's evening is a far cry from tramping around fields on a wet November's day with your sock coming off at the end of your wellington after a cock pheasant.

https://www.nargc.ie/cpages/how-to-join-a-club

MartyMcFly84

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117699720#Comment_117699720

Thanks for the reply. I am based in Waterford. As to which type of hunting, anything that can be eaten 😀

MartyMcFly84

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117700275#Comment_117700275

Thanks for the reply. As to the type of hunting, I really don't know as I haven't tried any type. I would like to try any sort of game really, and I suppose at the point I will might find I like one type over the other. How did you decide yourself?

Feisar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117779293#Comment_117779293

I started off in a pair of blue wellies tramping after my Dad. I'd say I was about six, I remember being so excited about getting them as it meant going out hunting. I didn't have a gun at that age by the way! Must ask this weekend when that was, couldn't of been much younger as rough shooting after pheasants meant covering a lot of ground.

Anyway my point being it was always something I was part of.