Irish Extra February 2021
Irish Extra February 2021
We have had a couple of days of light snow as I write and it has been very welcome. I find that snow brings a certain calm to the countryside and I always enjoy a roam about in it. I had the truck loaded up on Friday night and I set off early on Saturday morning with my bitch “Cider” for a rake about a few local spots. The week prior I had taken all the Teckels and pushed through some local places with heavy cover. We never saw anything aside from a few Woodcock and several Snipe, I shot one of each with Cider finding and retrieving both. I have always enjoyed an occasional day Snipe, but Woodcock strangely never held any interest for me. My pal Liam enjoys Woodcock and could sicken anyone as he is almost a human Spaniel that will face the hardest of cover himself and expects any guests to do the same, Kevin has refused ever to return after having a day which he likened to being in the jungles of Vietnam with his gun above his head! I can well agree with him and know only too well the struggle of being a guest on the odd occasion.
This week however Cider and I were out alone. Just the day prior I had received a German hunting rucksack or “Jagdrucksaken” in the post and there was no better time to try it out. We drove the pickup into quite a high and remote area and within a short space of time the snow was falling hard and getting heavy. I popped Cider into the bag we proceeded onwards to do our rounds without her having to deal with heavy snow the whole way, although she is more than capable for it. We were out for some hours and unfortunately didn’t see very much at all, although it mattered little as that time far in the hills in the calmness of a snowstorm does wonders for the mind. The next day I hadn’t planned on anything as it was my daughter’s birthday. Although around lunchtime I took my dog Oscar for a walk and took the gun for good measure. Oscar is a reliable little dog and if he speaks, there is always something there and today was no different. He hit on a scent a few hundred yards into a walk which is directly behind my house. He took off baying and after he sounded like he had stopped he then began moving again. I found him ten or so minutes later with a fox literally held at bay at the base of a tree, most likely the same one which has been causing havoc with the local poultry population. I had never saw such a situation and found it quite odd, needless to there will be no more trouble with it.
It is almost but not quite yet, Spring Time and with that comes always for me and many others a time for the Larsen Trap. I have noticed in my own area the last number of weeks a lot of Magpie activity and there will be plenty of work for the Trap. Running a Larsen is a great conservation tool and great for younger people to get involved and help with as it is very easy. My ferrets, especially any younger ones do well on the many Magpies and often squirrels that are trapped in the springtime. Another trap I have been meaning to build for many Spring times is a ladder trap, these too are very effective on the right ground and do great again for our song bird population. For NARGC members, there is some assistance available to clubs for Vermin Control. “It now time to start thinking about vermin control. In 4 weeks’, time your vermin control program needs to start, to lower the predator load in your club’s areas. Have you enough equipment – Do you need more or some other equipment? Now is the time to order it, to have it when you need it. Apart from the obvious vermin control equipment, trail cameras and dog collars are also eligible equipment. The NARGC give a grant to RGC’s who submitted vermin returns to the NARGC competition last year. Those RGC can claim up to €1,200 when €2,400 is spent. Check with your RGC if you wish to avail of this grant to defray some of the cost of your purchases”.
No Irish Salmon yet…
As of going to press, there has been no Irish Salmon recorded for 2021, which I report on annually. Circumstances being as they are, things have slowed down somewhat and it may take slightly longer although I have no doubt I will be back in February with details, stay tuned.
Northern Ireland Shots
This month we have Ruddi, Billy & Sam Ritchie doing a spot of ferreting during the holidays, well done lads, keep it up.
Well done Country Sports Ireland!
Its great to see our organisations working hard for their members and one such organisation deserves a mention this month – Country Sports Ireland who were quick to clarify regulations following updated restrictions due to Covid 19. Country Sports Ireland Confirms Shooting Can Continue, Country Sports Ireland has received confirmation from the NI Executive that shooting is permitted as a form of outdoor exercise under current Covid-19 measures provided the number of participants does not exceed two; or all of the participants are members of one household.
Following this clarification Country Sports Ireland is now able to advise members that shooting activities such as rough shooting, wildfowling and deer stalking are allowed provided that all other Covid-19 related measures are followed including staying within 10 miles of home.
Essential pest control to protect crops, livestock, or for conservation purposes and game management activities are also permitted under current Covid-19 regulations.
The NI Executive are responsible for all aspects of the Covid-19 regulations. PSNI Firearms Branch are also aware of the current legal position.
We thank members for their patience, support and understanding during what has been an uncertain time but know that members will feel the wait has been worthwhile now that official confirmation has been received. We know that you will enjoy what remains of the season and of course act responsibly.
Until the season ends…Good Hunting!