HCAP Stalker Manual.

The Stalker Training Manual has been produced by the Deer Alliance HCAP Assessment Committee as the core text for candidates for assessment under the Hunter Competence Assessment Programme. The Manual can be obtained from the Deer Alliance, P.O. Box 1, Borris, Co. Carlow, cost €35.00 including postage & packaging. Allow 14 days for delivery.

The following is an indication of manual contents.

CHAPTER I: PRINCIPLES OF DEER MANAGEMENT:
Aims and objectives - Current problems facing deer in Ireland - Methods of population assessment - Breeding capacity and size of cull - Planning the Cull - Cull Selection - Shooting Calendar & shooting plan - Record keeping - Public Relations

Sika Deer
CHAPTER II: BASIC DEER BIOLOGY:
Pregnancy duration and demands. - Antler development, calcification and casting - Hormonal changes leading to rut – Predators - Recognition of poor calves - Recognition of adults in poor condition, sick or ailing - Normal life spans and diet affecting tooth wear - Coat changes

CHAPTER III: RED DEER:
Identification and Distribution: - History in Ireland – Distribution – Particulars of the rut - Kerry red deer

CHAPTER IV: SIKA DEER:
Identification and Distribution - History in Ireland – Distribution – Particulars of the rut - -Hybridisation - International importance of Kerry sika

CHAPTER V: FALLOW DEER:
Identification and Distribution - History in Ireland – Distribution - Different colour forms - Particulars of the rut

CHAPTER VI: DEER STALKING AIDS AND TECHNIQUES:
High seat design and use – Binoculars – Clothing – Knives - Dogs for deer stalking - Aiming points - Reaction to the shot - Dealing with a wounded animal

CHAPTER VII: RIFLES, BALLISTICS AND ZEROING:
Choosing your rifle – Ballistics (Internal, External, Terminal) - Rifle maintenance- Understanding component parts – Cleaning – Mounting the ' scope - Zeroing in theory and practice.

CHAPTER VIII: FIREARMS SAFETY:
Common reasons why accidents occur (in and around vehicles, loading and unloading, negotiating obstacles, crawling or stalking with loaded rifle) - Barrel obstruction - Storage of weapons (recommended security provisions at home and in transport) - Weapon proficiency - Steady shooting positions - Background to shot - Non-firearm risks (knives, weather, dragging) - Health and Safety Agency

CHAPTER IX: DEER HUNTING AND THE LAW:
Wildlife Act, 1976 – Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 – Firearms Acts, 1925 to 2000 – Control of Dogs Act, 1986 – Occupiers' Liability Act, 1995

CHAPTER X: CARCASE HANDLING:
Bleeding and field evisceration - Carcase examination and disease recognition (Veterinary aspects) - Game Meat Directive - Reasons for carcase condemnation - Larder requirements - Home Preparation of Venison, Joints etc. - Meat contamination prevention - Food Acts and FSA

CHAPTER XI: FORESTRY AND DEER:
Overview – Forestry Processes (Planning, Establishment, Maintenance, Inventory, Thinning, Harvesting) – Damaging Impacts from Deer – Reducing/Preventing Damage – Physical Protection – Habitat Management – Deer Control

CHAPTER XII: IMPACTS OF DEER ON NATURE CONSERVATION HABITATS:
National Heritage Areas – Special Areas of Conservation – Special Protection Areas – Grazing, Sporting and Turf-Cutting Rights – Conservation Planning

APPENDICES
I (ii): Current Open Seasons for Wild Deer (Republic of Ireland)
I (ii): Current Open Seasons for Wild Deer (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
II: Applying for a Deer Hunting Licence
III: Coillte Teoranta Licence Requirements
IV: 'Deer Cull in Progress' – Coillte's Prescribed Format for Warning Sign
V: 'Section 42' Licence Applications
VI: Age estimation by tooth wear
VII: Antler trophy preparation and measurement
VII: Planning the Cull: The Hoffman Pyramid, in Principle and in Practice
IX: Larder Record
X: Ballistics statistics for principle rifle calibres
XI: Other European deer species
XII: Outline of Range Test
XIII: The Country Code