Divide and conquer

As we persevere through another lockdown I’m looking back on a recent hunt with a friend, when such things as having friends and leaving the house was permitted…

As we bumbled our way through the byroads of Wicklow we discussed the plan. Stags were the focus of this mission and, while most people’s Instagram feeds are full of the biggest and oldest stags, our sights were set on cull stags – stags who are displaying poor genetics or are in poor order. The venue for this hunt was a vast area of open mountain that the stags favour as their wintering ground. Normally at this time of year I would be guiding visiting hunters. These hunters usually have their sights set on mature stags for themselves but also help us out with the cull plan as part of their hunt – circumstances permitting.

As I fasten my pack I stare skyward to the low clouds of dawn, they tell the tale of where the wind is headed. The forecast has promised me a clear sky but the clouds are slow to release their grip of the mountainside. Slinging rifles, we begin our journey upwards, halting periodically to glass likely spots. As we crest another small