The emerald isle - Ireland is world famous for its warm, hospitable people, wonderful pubs, folk music and impressive, lush, scenery. Amongst passionate rifle hunters this island realm is also famous because of a very special inhabitant - the sika stag - good numbers of which can be found in many places in Ireland. Hunters who have tried the challenging hunt for sika stags are often smitten by the experience, and need to test themselves again and again against this animal. The stags are hunted during the rutting season in the autumn, in the heather clad highlands as well as densely wooded valleys, and you need to be in decent condition to do so. Sika stags can appear from nowhere and then simply just vanish again, earning them the name of “black phantoms” amongst the local hunters.
The rut, which occurs in September/October is longer than that of other deer species, and can give some really intense hunting experiences. Unlike other species of stag, sika stags don’t roar - they whistle. We can offer some of Irelands best, prime sika terrain.
Scientific Name: Lepus europaeus Subspecies: Up to 30 subspecies of hare have been described, but the number is disputed and the differences of little interest to hunters. Distribution: Native to much of Europe and part of west/central Asia. Introduced to many countries including England, Scotland, Sweden, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Habitat: Found in many types of habitats,...
Read moreScientific Name: Phasianus coachicus Subspecies: There are thought to be about 30 subspecies, divided into 5 groups: the Caucasus pheasants, White-winged pheasants, Mongolian ring-necked pheasants, Tarim pheasants and the Chinese ring-necked pheasants. Distribution: Native to Asia but widely introduced elsewhere. Common throughout much of Europe. Habitat: Ground dwelling bird of woods,...
Read moreScientific Name: Columba palumbus Subspecies: 6 subspecies are recognised: European wood pigeon (C. palumbus palumbus), Azores wood pigeon (C. palumbus azorica), Asian wood pigeon (C. palumbus casiotis), North African wood pigeon (C. palumbus excelsa), Iranian wood pigeon (C. palumbus iranica), Maderian wood pigeon (C. palumbus maderensis) Distribution: Abundant all year round in western...
Read moreScientific Name: Cervus nippon Subspecies: Manchurian Sika (Cervus n. manchuricus) Distribution: Ireland, England, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Russia. Habitat: Prefers dense woodland. Description: Medium sized der weighing around 100-130 kg and measuring up to110 cm over the shoulder. General colour brown with distinct white spots in summer, greyish...
Read moreScientific Name: Gallinago gallinago Subspecies: None Distribution: Breeds through most of temperate and northern Europe and into Asia. Habitat: Freshwater marshes, moors, fields Description: Small wading bird, well camouflaged and with a long bill. Mottled brown and black above, with bold, buff coloured stripes on the back forming a V. 25 - 27cm in size. Hunting method: Rough...
Read moreScientific Name: Scolopax rusticola Subspecies: None Distribution: Breeds through most of temperate and northern Europe and into Asia. Habitat: Forests and woods. Description: Bulky wading bird, well camouflaged by brown and buff barring, creating a “dead leaf” effect. Long down pointing bill. In flight its rounded wings are diagnostic. Size: 32 - 36cm Hunting method: Rough...
Read moreOur partner in Ireland has access to around 20,000 ha. of hunting in Co. Kerry, with a really good population of sika deer. In the higher parts of the district there is also a good population of wild goats, so if desired, it is possible to combine hunting for sika and goat. The wild goat hunts typically take place on the mountain-sides close to rocky caves. All the hunters that have hunted wild...
Read moreWe have worked together with are partner in Ireland for many years. Over this time we have seen our hunters achieve great results while hunting sika stags. Our partner provides a really great service! Generally our hunters have been deeply satisfied with the hunt and the hunt organization here. Our hunt manager has plenty of experience, having worked in the hunting business and arranged...
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