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Shooting Forum - Firearms licencing information


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I am a new hunter and I've not shot a deer yet.

  • 15-12-2024 09:10PM
    #1
    yellaghbelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9 ✭


    I've been out to a leased coillte wood several times since October and i have seen some deer, but was unable to take a shot as they either moved or they were in an unsuitable location. some days i see nothing, I am finding it fairly frustrating at this stage, usually i will park at the gate and hike about the forest roads, i have gone into the woods but they are fairly thick spruce, yesterday i walked 8km and saw nothing. is this standard hunting? am I expecting too much? I am going to keep going back, but i am beginning to wonder is there something better i could be doing, (should i just pick a spot a wait or am i better to keep moving) I am getting guidance from 2 other experienced hunters who have years of experience, but i would like to hear from other hunters what they think



Comments

  • #2
    tikka646
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 96 ✭✭tikka646


    Dawn and dusk are generally the productive times. Pay very close attention to what the wind is doing. If the wind is wrong for the direction you're moving in you'll probably see little to nothing.



  • #3
    clivej
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,243 ✭✭✭clivej


    If you can look for droppings in a clearing. And places where you can see where deer have crossed a fire cut in the forest.

    Then get to these places we'll before dawn and sit it out. They usually use the same pathways at around the same times.



  • #4
    alex90
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭alex90


    How quickly are you walking and how much noise are you making? Is the wood heavily frequented by recreational users?



  • #5
    Squint.89
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35 ✭Squint.89


    I am returning Deer Stalker this year and at the start I was running into similar issues. Below are some points I have taken on board and starting to implement for myself,

    • Slow Down, I was hiking though an area way to quick and not really looking out ahead of myself properly. Was probably making a load of noise as well along the way
    • Go out with a plan or a route to cover in mind, I have started to have a look at maps before I head out and have an idea or a route to head along. I have stops for looking out and covering an area ahead and walk to the next stop. Follows on from the slow down point
    • Make notes on anything you see and learn the tracks and where you see deer movement etc. This will help pick spots to look out for deer moving early morning or evening as well.

    I have found I have got a lot more chances by using above simple points. They also helped me learn the land for next year as well if you plan on taking lease again.



  • #6
    Chiparus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭Chiparus


    What type of deer are you hunting?



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  • #7
    yellaghbelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9 ✭yellaghbelly


    Moving slow and quietly, as best I can, very little public in the wood, I hunted when I was younger, I’m just new to deer stalking



  • #8
    yellaghbelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9 ✭yellaghbelly


    sika in Wicklow



  • #9
    yellaghbelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9 ✭yellaghbelly


    aye, this comment is very much appreciated, I should be putting a bit of thought in to it and be a bit more systematic in my approach. I’ve probably spent October/ November learning the lay of the land, which I was happy to do, but now I’m getting anxious to get a shot, to get to the wood takes time, so I can’t get there every week, I’ll not get to go until after Stephen’s day, I’m also impressed with the level of responses on boards.ie, this thing still going strong



  • #10
    Rescueme0007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 158 ✭✭Rescueme0007


    I've found that going out on the ground during good light and reviewing the lay of the land is hugely beneficial. Try to identify the paths they use transiting from where they lie up, to the areas they feed in. Slot marks, fur tufts on barbed wire fences, the rub marks on boundary fences and scat can all assist in targeting areas to stalk. Finding sheltered areas they are likely to use for feeding in inclement weather is very helpful. Don't lose heart, even with doing everything in your power to increase your chances, they're still wild animals and will do what suits them, often for reasons we cannot fathom. If it were easy stalking wouldn't be half as much fun or so satisfying when successful! I wish you success soon.



  • #11
    Squint.89
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35 ✭Squint.89


    I don't shoot Sika but they are known to be one of the more elusive breeds, saying that none are easy ha! Agree with @Rescueme0007 , don't loose heart stay heart, you will get the experience in and find more as you go. Also wish you all the success soon.



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  • #12
    Chiparus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭Chiparus


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122963503#Comment_122963503

    I used to shoot Sika in Wicklow, I found them much more difficult to shoot compared t fallow.

    1 . The window to shoot them was much less, they are far more nocturnal and I found generally they did not move much after dawn.

    2. They whistle when there is danger and warn other deer.

    Get there well before dawn and move slowly is the only advice I can give.



  • #13
    alex90
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭alex90


    Niall rowantree did an interesting video recently where he stated that 8 to 10 hours stalking is needed to shoot sika versus 3 to 4 for red deer in Scotland. Hinds have been very elusive on my ground for 6 weeks, having been poping out reliably previously.



  • #14
    notAMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,777 ✭✭✭notAMember


    Deer are so movement sensitive, and in thick forest people are really noisy with every step. I used hides. Find a good spot a little bit elevated so you have a decent view, stay hidden. Across mainland europe and in parts of the US and canada there are whole networks of elevated hunters blinds in the forests, like mini tree-houses. Those are fantastic, but I don't know if you need permission in that coillte space.



  • #15
    steyrman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 602 ✭✭✭steyrman


    hi sika this time of year are tough to catch up on depending on how much pressure there on in the lease good vantage points are key to success. Wind direction will be a big factor sika like areas to move to feeding grounds with the least exposure imo getting out early and waiting for sika to make there way back to bed down would be my tip for you



  • #16
    Graces95
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 ✭Graces95


    Can I ask how one goes about getting permision to hunt on coillte land? looking to get into a bit of hunting myself soon and dont really have anyone to ask land permission from



  • #17
    Chiparus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭Chiparus


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122988440#Comment_122988440

    Most, if not all, Coillte land is leased to hunters. ie you have to pay.

    There is a leases sticky in Shooting For Sale & Wanted.



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