Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Ireland

[Roe]

Something a little different. I saw an episode on Meateater where they hunted sika in Maryland, but I reckon this deer is not so common in US. Fun hunt, this deer was certainly more into using cover and darkness than other species I've hunted...

 

[snert]

Love it! Well done and seeing the different landscape makes me realize how easily I can become "proud" without knowing what beauty other places hold. Stunning land

 

[Bill K]

Very nicely done. That old cartridge is very much under rated as a fine game cartridge. Nice looking country side to be hunting in.

 

[ckrifles]

Miniature Elk great little trophy. Native to east Asia. Never hunted them but several states Have huntable populations.

 

[Roe]

Yes it was quite lovely, the countryside was very much alive with both livestock and wildlife. Hopefully this year will offer new adventures, should be climbing mountains after goats and walking plains for pronghorn if 2022 works out.

 

[vonb]

Enjoyed the video Thomas. I'm always interested in the hunting clothing you guys wear. It looks much better than the Bass Pro offerings over here.

 

[762willdo]

I live in the San Juan islands in Washington state and those deer are everywhere here, they are bar none the best eating deer you will ever try, it’s like lamb, they only dress out at about 60lbs but who cares….
we hunt them with .223s

 

[Roe]

I'm always interested in the hunting clothing you guys wear. It looks much better than the Bass Pro offerings over here.

For the wet/windy/cold climate, I believe Norwegian/Swedish manufacturers are good. Simply because there is a very outdoorsy population and military tenders are relevant. To give an example, a few years back domestic Norrøna had $ profit that equalled Kuiu $ sales. Money talks and the market gives a real incentive to be good. In my opinion, the biggest differences can be found along the waist and neckline, if you pay attention to for example Kuiu and Sitka in various hunting films you'll quite often see exposure.

But other manufacturers are catching up, most noticable is perhaps the transition to wool which we never left. For me, clothing can be a little frustrating. My opinion is that there's been too much of a shift from function to fashion. Look at outfits in a frontier museum or WWII gear; with the limitations of their technology, they cracked the code of protection and pockets. Thankfully that pendulum is swinging somewhat back again, for example Arcteryx is now offering longer jackets.

All this bashing aside: It would be pretty daft picking a Scandinavian manufacturer for a hot and dry adventure. We are good at our local conditions because we live it and don't have to imagine it. The market is also fairly homogeneous and willing to spend $.

Next episode will detail how I dress. The layers are pretty straightforward year round:

1. Wool baselayer
2. Windbreaker
3. Insulation as needed
4. Shell if needed

Accessories can be a little different, hands can be glove+wristwarmer+mitten+shell or a simple utility glove in wet weather.

 

[vonb]

Excellent info on the clothing. Looking forward to your video on it.

 

[ChrisNZ]

I have a good friend in S. Ireland who shoots a lot of sika. Your video reminded me of how wet Ireland can be, not that it's particularly dry here in New Zealand in places. I recall him telling me he got drenched to the skin four weekends in a row, the last time within half an hour of heading out. Went back to the truck to change into dry clothes then managed to fall into a deep bog hole not two minutes later.

The comment about sika liking cover is correct- they are very wary and far more cunning than red deer. Most I shoot are on bush margins like in the video but I have shot them at less than 10yds in very thick cover. Always a challenge.

 

[Roe]

Excellent info on the clothing. Looking forward to your video on it.

Here's the film with the clothing layers detailed

 

[Roe]

Here's the winter edition of the same rifle and clothing for that.