Stalking in northern ireland
- Thread starter sika_198
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Crowstalker
Well-Known Member
Following with interest, stalking in NI seems to be a big secret, unless I presume you know the right people. (I Don't)
Dunwaters
Well-Known Member
Most of the guys actively stalking deer resident in NI are doing their stalking in other places, primarily ROI.
We have 2 in our own Wicklow syndicate.
A lot of accessible stalking in NI a is in border areas, Donegal/Derry, Fermanagh/Sligo etc and freedom to operate in both jurisdictions along the long poorly defined border makes sense, regardless of which you actually live in.
There are a few areas in NI with deer, but they are few and far between, despite the best efforts of both sika and muntjac to fill the voids.
We have 2 in our own Wicklow syndicate.
A lot of accessible stalking in NI a is in border areas, Donegal/Derry, Fermanagh/Sligo etc and freedom to operate in both jurisdictions along the long poorly defined border makes sense, regardless of which you actually live in.
There are a few areas in NI with deer, but they are few and far between, despite the best efforts of both sika and muntjac to fill the voids.
sika_198
Well-Known Member
I live close to tge Derry, Donegal, and Tytone border. There's is loads of stalking ground within 30 mins of me but it's seems all ground is taken by stalkers with a reluctance to let anyone else on the ground. I'm itching to get out and shoot my first deer but I'm beginning to think I've just wasted time lol.
sika_198
Well-Known Member
I'm in the same boat as you pal.
Dunwaters
Well-Known Member
That’s just the way it is everywhere.
However there’s lots of access to stalking in Donegal and Sligo particularly if you’re prepared to go door knocking, your first permission will be the hardest, but there’s lots of ground out there, particularly in hard to reach rugged areas away from the roads.
Many of the locals aren’t arsed shooting anything that’s more than a few metres off piste.
Since they’re dealing with reds and fallow in very rugged terrain, they have a point.
Hook'N'Bullet
Well-Known Member
Same situation down here in Wicklow. Place is stitched up
CBH Australia
Well-Known Member
It sounds like it is two fold. Access is difficult to find but you don't know anyone in those circles.
With no deer down you don't really have experience in that space either. That may not help when you are new and seeking access.
You maybe need to consider a bigger range and consider travelling to meet up with other stalkers who are happy to help.
Maybe even pay to go Stalking on grounds where they have deer that don't command a high price for the deer taken.
My situation is different. As a potential visitor I dont really know what the DSC1 & 2 teach or allow. We have our permits or approval s that apply state to state but my progression into Hunting was shooting rabbits as a kid because we knew people on a property so you progress to a pig or a goat, learn to kill and dress a sheep and one-day I took my first Deer opportunistically because I was in an area that had them. The only thing that is widespread across Australia is Kangaroos in one species or another.
Fallow deer do well here and their range is spreading . It's taken a long time but as they gain ground the spread increases as the front widens and at first they are undetected then they build in numbers and take more area.
Don't lose heart, you need to put yourself out there, meet new people ask for help and on-time you will make new connections that will become friends because you have a similar interest.
With no deer down you don't really have experience in that space either. That may not help when you are new and seeking access.
You maybe need to consider a bigger range and consider travelling to meet up with other stalkers who are happy to help.
Maybe even pay to go Stalking on grounds where they have deer that don't command a high price for the deer taken.
My situation is different. As a potential visitor I dont really know what the DSC1 & 2 teach or allow. We have our permits or approval s that apply state to state but my progression into Hunting was shooting rabbits as a kid because we knew people on a property so you progress to a pig or a goat, learn to kill and dress a sheep and one-day I took my first Deer opportunistically because I was in an area that had them. The only thing that is widespread across Australia is Kangaroos in one species or another.
Fallow deer do well here and their range is spreading . It's taken a long time but as they gain ground the spread increases as the front widens and at first they are undetected then they build in numbers and take more area.
Don't lose heart, you need to put yourself out there, meet new people ask for help and on-time you will make new connections that will become friends because you have a similar interest.
You'll have to network and gain friends and then gain trust .
There's a lot of folk from NI who stalk in Scotland via syndicates.
I also know of Irish sika and red deer stalking leases taken up predominantly by English stalkers who travel over to wicklow.
I'd also bet if you went to wicklow and spoke to farmers you'd get something.
The whole thing is barmy.
There's a lot of folk from NI who stalk in Scotland via syndicates.
I also know of Irish sika and red deer stalking leases taken up predominantly by English stalkers who travel over to wicklow.
I'd also bet if you went to wicklow and spoke to farmers you'd get something.
The whole thing is barmy.
AndrewHamill
New Member
One avenue which hasn't been mentioned is to join a local rifle and pistol club. Quite a few members will be stalkers.
You'll get to know other shooters, get some rifle practise in, and after a while may be offered stalking.
Don't charge in and ask, let it come up in conversation then show an interest.
Nothing will happen quickly; the stalkers will want to sound you out for a while. Are you safe with a rifle, a competent shot, good company, going to cause any embarrassment, do you look like you can haul a carcass two miles cross country, etc.
Patience and persistence will get you there.
You'll get to know other shooters, get some rifle practise in, and after a while may be offered stalking.
Don't charge in and ask, let it come up in conversation then show an interest.
Nothing will happen quickly; the stalkers will want to sound you out for a while. Are you safe with a rifle, a competent shot, good company, going to cause any embarrassment, do you look like you can haul a carcass two miles cross country, etc.
Patience and persistence will get you there.
geordiemacatac
Well-Known Member
Go knocking on doors and get your first permission....Lot of small farm holdings in NI that'll have deer coming in to feed on. Try getting out and spotting in the dark. If you see any then Sus out the land owner. If you get in then sometimes the landowner knows somebody else and might give you a lead...keep trying
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