Getting into Deer Stalking

alan86

Hi all,

I hoping to get into a bit of deer stalking next year and looking for a bit of advice.

Rifle, scope etc. I know the answer to this might be how long is a piece of string but I will ask anyway. How much realistically could a fella get setup with a 2nd hand rifle, scope, mod? Is there any calibres you would advise to stay away from due to issues with getting ammo etc?

My understanding is I must do some form of training course. I see these are offered by a number of different companies is there any better than others? I also see that some courses offer the option of renting a rifle from them was thinking about getting course squared away early if possible. I'm wondering has anyone remted a rifle to do this course in the past?

With reagrds to species. Im living in north cork and local to myself would be sika but have also been told there's small numbers of fallow in location but have never seen any myself. I currently shoot pheasants/ woodcock on land bordering a mountin that holds deer and there's clear signs of deer moving around the farm land. One farmer has asked me to shoot a few for him so access to deer hopefully shouldn't be an issue. Not looking to shoot any mad numbers 1 or 2 would do me.

Is there any other advise that someone would give before starting down this journey?

Thanks,

Alan

Rob.blair84

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427240/getting-into-deer-stalking

i did the course with country sports Ireland and taught they where very good , 2 days well spent, the cost of the rifle was in the course but they also hold a pre course that cost about 75 euro or around and again rifle included.
as for what rifle and cal I’ll let all the lads advice you on that as the lads on here and amazingly helpful .

andydon

Completed the course with country sports ireland last weekend. I also done the practise shooting day,I own a .17hmr and wanted to try the larger caliber before the actual shooting day test. The practise day was €70 the 2 day course was €175 and the rifle hire for the shooting test was €75. If you go with them I would suggest you join country sports ireland it's €60 for the year this will get you insurance which is a requirement for getting a deer licence (open to correction on this, but better to have insurance either way) you will get €25 discount on the course for being a member also.

alex90

You're welcome to join me for a stalk some time, see how I go about it. I'm at it 2 years, shot my 22nd deer tonight. I'm no expert but buddies took me out to show me how it's done so I'd like pass the favour on. 2nd hand all the way I'd say, you could get a rifle and mod for 600 quid handy enough, and drop the same again on a decent 2nd hand scope.

TheEngineer1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427240/getting-into-deer-stalking

Avoid really cheap rifles. A higher end second hand rifle from a European maker is the way to go for sure. Anything from Tikka, Mauser, Bergara, Sauer, etc should shoot straight. As for calibre, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x55, .270 Winchester, and .308 Winchester are available all over the country. Personally I'd steer clear of the .243 as it might be on the way out if a lead ban comes as the replacement copper bullet won't make the 100gr minimum bullet weight that the deer shooting organisations here are pushing the government to adopt (it's currently 55 grain minimum weight). There is a lead ban incoming in the UK at the end of the decade and the future of the .243 there is in doubt over there.

Second hand scopes from European makers again can be had for reasonable money. Schmidt and Bender Hungarian models are great value second hand and will last a lifetime. You could a really good rifle and scope for under €1000 I would say.

Any of the deer courses are acceptable by the NPWS for the deer license. I did the HCAP but NARGC do one too as do other organisations. I had my own rifle but you can rent them. If you have a friend that shoots, see if you can practice on their gun before doing the shooting test as it will make a huge difference on the day. Practice getting a comfortable shooting position, breathing, and trigger pull. The targets at the shooting exam are smaller than you might expect.

My biggest advice is have a plan for what to do if you shoot a deer! Its a bit of work getting them butchered, it's very handy if you have a fridge to hang them and go it yourself. If you do the game meat handling course (different to the deer stalking course) then you can send the deer to a game dealer and get a few bob for it.

Good luck, it's an addiction!