Suggestions, Scotland/Ireland

[Tundra Tiger]

Greetings from Alaska.

I know that Scotland has a few threads on this site, and maybe I should be more diligent in searching. But let me share what I am seeking, and folks can either weigh in with their own experiences, or sharing links I may have missed.

I am dating someone. She missed out on a chance to go to Ireland with her mother and her sisters, and still wants to visit Ireland. I have always had an itch to hunt and sight-see Scotland. She also hunts, and was excited when I mentioned possibly putting together an Ireland/Scotland trip that would be maybe equal parts sight-seeing and hunting.

Questions...

Logistics. Did you use a service like Travel Express?
I am open-minded on species, but fallow deer and red stag come to mind. Anything else?
Can I take my own rifle? (some of you know how much I like my lever actions)
Best time of year?
Can fishing be incorporated?

I think probably I can come up with a sight-seeing list that appeals to us, but I am open to locations, and any logistics related to that: places to stay, means of transport. I like historical sorts of things, and I don't drink at all, so distilleries or famous pubs really hold no interest.

My only out of country experience so far has been my two trips to RSA.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Terry,

About 5 years ago, I met the owner of Royal Outfitters UK at the Houston Safari Club show. While I haven’t hunted with them yet, they look interesting. I am sure they can give you some advice on travel, guns, etc.

Dave

Hunting & Shooting Experiences | Royal Outfitters UK

Hunting & Shooting experience packages in England and Scotland. A small family run business dedicated to providing USA clients with tailor made hunting packages

www.royaloutfittersuk.com

 

[Sika98k]

Ireland, think of Guinness, Jameson, some fine hotels and good hunting.
Ok, @Tundra Tiger , I read ALL your post so we’ll pass on the Guinness and the Jameson.
Deer season is August 1st to May 31st for male deer and November 1st to March 31st for female deer. Red deer, fallow and sika are all here in Ireland. It is possible to hire a rifle but it’s an easy job for the outfitter to obtain a firearms license.
You can go fishing also. I don’t so have no idea of the seasons or license system.
Feel free to ask me any questions.

 

[Russ16]

I’ve not hunted Ireland but have golfed in both multiple times and done dedicated sight seeing trips in both. I will absolutely go back to Scotland and would love to hunt roe deer and red stag there. I’ve shot driven birds there twice.

Ireland I might go back if someone is arranging a golf or hunting trip and I want to hang out with the group going. But I won’t seek it out.

In Scotland Edinburgh is one of my favorite towns in Europe. Worth a couple of days. The ring road in the far north is worth the drive. Culloden battlefield is very cool if you’re into history.

 

[MontanaPat]

In Scotland you might want to consider Roe deer, they are hunted in the late spring into summer, think May/June time frame. Hunting Roe deer keeps you in the hunting off season for Alaska so you aren't competing for valuable time in the fall. You can also generally shoot 2 Roe deer bucks in Scotland. There are several outfitters who do trips there.

From my understanding taking your own rifle is a PIA, because you have to keep them stored in a locked up situation which would make traveling for sight seeing much more difficult. Probably better to rent an outfitter's rifle.

 

[375Fox]

There are a few countries in Europe I’d take my own rifles to but Scotland/UK won’t be one. If you are going on a dedicated European hunt it might be worth the trouble but if you want to combine some touring that really requires you to rent a rifle unfortunately. You might consider roe deer in Scotland. Season starts in April and rut is end July early August. You could even arrange it to only hunt in mornings or only evenings to do tourist activities during the day. Roe deer typically isn’t a stressful hunt and you get nice spring summer weather. If you hunt red deer or fallow deer I’d time to hunt with the rut in September or October based on the outfitter’s recommendation.

 

[375Fox]

In Scotland you might want to consider Roe deer, they are hunted in the late spring into summer, think May/June time frame. Hunting Roe deer keeps you in the hunting off season for Alaska so you aren't competing for valuable time in the fall. You can also generally shoot 2 Roe deer bucks in Scotland. There are several outfitters who do trips there.

From my understanding taking your own rifle is a PIA, because you have to keep them stored in a locked up situation which would make traveling for sight seeing much more difficult. Probably better to rent an outfitter's rifle.

Many roe deer hunts are designed around multiple bucks. I’d consider 2 the absolute minimum on a spring/summer hunt. Taking multiple bucks and very reasonable pricing is part of the fun of hunting them.

 

[R.N.L]

Greetings from Alaska.

I know that Scotland has a few threads on this site, and maybe I should be more diligent in searching. But let me share what I am seeking, and folks can either weigh in with their own experiences, or sharing links I may have missed.

I am dating someone. She missed out on a chance to go to Ireland with her mother and her sisters, and still wants to visit Ireland. I have always had an itch to hunt and sight-see Scotland. She also hunts, and was excited when I mentioned possibly putting together an Ireland/Scotland trip that would be maybe equal parts sight-seeing and hunting.

Questions...

Logistics. Did you use a service like Travel Express?
I am open-minded on species, but fallow deer and red stag come to mind. Anything else?
Can I take my own rifle? (some of you know how much I like my lever actions)
Best time of year?
Can fishing be incorporated?

I think probably I can come up with a sight-seeing list that appeals to us, but I am open to locations, and any logistics related to that: places to stay, means of transport. I like historical sorts of things, and I don't drink at all, so distilleries or famous pubs really hold no interest.

My only out of country experience so far has been my two trips to RSA.

There’s specific seasons for trout and salmon.Most sea fish are open season. I’d recommend heading to the west coast over to see the natural beauty of the country i.e cliffs of moher, skelligs ,the burren and or Aran Islands.