Deer Species of Ireland

There are four species of deer living wild in Ireland today, namely Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Sika Deer and the recently introduced Reeve's Muntjac which is becoming established.

Red Stag

Red stags are found across Ireland in both woodland and mountain side and on private estates. We have access to world class red stags on private estate. Our hunting range covers over 80,000 acres. We also have some of the best private estates to hunt world class trophy stags. Red deer cannot be hunted in County Kerry as they are the only true native herd(s) left in Ireland. The rest of the Red deer population across Ireland is of English park, German lowland and New Zealand descent that have interbred with the native reds. The red stags range from 8 points to 30 points. Estate stags are far superior over the wild red stags that range across Ireland in both body size and antler mass. The hunting season is September 1st to Feb 31st. The prime time or (rut) is the middle of September through to the end of October. There is nothing like the roar of the red stag and  to watch them challenge other stags in there territory on an early frosty mourning, it will send chills up your spine... The body size will vary from 400lbs to 600lbs. The females are called hinds which calve in mid May. Their diet consists of acorns, farmers crops and wild grasses. These majestic creatures are a trophy to be had!

Fallow Deer

Fallow deer are found throughout Ireland, they tend to be hardwood dwellers, and are found mostly in oak woodlands and on open hillside, they are the hardest of the  Irish deer to hunt being very elusive and cunning, it takes a good sportsman to hunt these fine animals.

They were introduced to Ireland around 150 years ago into large private estates and have escaped over time, establishing themselves in pockets across Ireland. They rut in mid October through to the end of November. A good mature fallow weighs up to 175 pounds, and the pelage ranges from cream to almost black. The doe usually calves in mid May, and generally have single calves although they have been known to have twins. The midlands and the south west of Ireland offer the best trophy bucks. We also have access to excellent fallow hunting in south west England, where we have taken many world class trophies

Sika Deer

Sika deer were introduced into Ireland over 150 years ago, through a private estate in County Wicklow. Since then they have escaped and spread all over the country. They are found in woodlands, bogland and mountain sides. They are very much like a miniature elk. The rut season which starts at the end of September and runs through the first week in November. A mature Sika stag is generally 8 points, although we have taken some that have 9 to 10 points. They are very elusive creatures and hard to hunt, the best times being early morning or late evening. Sika's on the hill can be taken anytime during the day. The size of a mature Sika stag is around 120lbs. They have superb eyes site and hearing, taking a mature Sika stag is a true accomplishment to any hunter!