Deer stalking course required

pbgt

Hi guys, a little confused. Do you need to complete a "deer stalking course" to shoot on private land?

Thanks in advance! 👍

Cass

Yes.

Became mandatory from this year onward to all persons new to the sport.

If you held a license previously there is no need to do it, it's for newcomers to show competence.

pbgt

Thanks for that Cass! Yes hope to get into deer hunting next year.

Will probably need the course to apply for a suitable rifle I presume?

Cheers

Cass

It's a convoluted circle of needs.

To get a deer legal caliber you need to be a deer stalker (or member of a range, but that is moot for the purpose of this conversation). To be a deer stalker you, now, need the course, land permissions and a suitable caliber rifle which you cannot license until you've gotten the deer license.

This is why it now works like so;

• Do the deer stalking course.
• Put a deposit on a suitable rifle and get the serial number.
• Apply for the deer license with this rifles details.
• Apply for the rifle license once you have the deer license.

Its possible to have multiple irons in the fire but you might need to do it in this order so as not to cause delays in one aspect, most likely the firearm application part.

pbgt

That's great information, thanks a million.

Could anyone recommend a suitable place to attend a course. Based in Leinster but happy to travel.

👍

Mississippi.

How does it work though if you do the deer stalking course first, how would you do the target bit of the course.

Would a . 223 or similar suffice if you didn't have the deer calibre rifle?

Or would it be at the discretion of the instructor

gapjnr

You can hire the rifle. I did when I did my stalking course but in hindsight I should have brought my 223 as they never checked. Would have saved me €60 I think I paid.

Cass

I suppose for the purpose of the test any centerfire caliber would suffice.

You have little options given you cannot get the actual deer rifle without the deer license and the deer license without the course. Hence my comment about it being a convoluted circle of needs.

Cass

Another option might be to bring along a friend with a suitable caliber if you have none yourself.

Remember once on the range you are able to use range laws (and I don't mean range rules, I mean laws that govern the running of a range) which state in section 2(d)(4)&(5), iirc, that use of a firearm (unrestricted only) is permissible without a license once done under supervision of an appropriate person (RO) etc.

It's why that law exists, so newcomers, etc. Can come to ranges, try it, and see what it's like before investing in a firearm and all the expenses that come with that.

kunekunesika

Quite a few used range rifles on the day of my course. Worked fine for them.

pbgt

Might chance my arm with the .223 😃

Any recommendations for a suitable deer stalking course ? Leinster region preferably but happy to travel.

Cheers

aWant4aNew

I’d recommend the CSI - Country Sports Ireland course run out of Midlands National Shooting Centre.

Great course and you can get it all done in one day.

Ronan, who runs (owns?) CSI is a nice chap and will see you right for the next course.

BSA International

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119850785#Comment_119850785

2 day course now.

richiedel123

Actually seen on facebook today that the nargc are running their deer stalking course in Kerry in early December. I seen the deer alliance were running their hcap in Carlow recently ,although I think it was happening the bank holiday weekend so it no use. They are all done over 2 days now.

pbgt

Brilliant, thanks for that 👍

itisnotgrand

Does range insurance cover you while out hunting or vermin controlling?

CharlieR

What are the test, distance and shooting position

BSA International

100 prone, 70 kneeling or sitting & 40 standing irrc. Rests allowed.

BSA International

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119892946#Comment_119892946

Depends on the insurance. NARGC & Country Sports Ireland are offered by some ranges and both will cover you for hunting & vermin control.