What to Expect

Ireland: Brief Schedule overview

Our hunting experience hosts a fun, laid-back style! During the deer hunting season, after a light breakfast, expect to meet in the lobby 30 minutes before sunrise. The mountain is 10 minutes away. We hunt throughout the morning and return for a hot breakfast and to rest for a few hours. We head back out a few hours before dusk, hunt until dark, and then we go back to the lodge. Upon returning to the lodge, you will enjoy a three-course meal and meet some of the friendly people from the Glacial Valley Hunting team, Glenmalure Lodge, and the surrounding area.

Hunting during the non-deer season is a bit different, as the goats do not bed down during the day. We meet after breakfast and spend the morning and afternoons hunting, and return to the lodge at dark.

Terrain

Ireland

The hunting area is a mixture of open mountains and woodland. The woods consist of mostly Sitka Spruce timber. The area rises to a maximum altitude of 3,000 feet, but most of our hunting is done at between 800 to 2,000 feet. The open mountain is a mixture of heather and wild mountain grass. On the southern side, we have a slope with a mixture of small cliffs, boulder areas and holly trees. This is the most common area for goat species to live. We also have access by road to get us up to about 1,000 feet where we usually start our hunting. It is important to note that we do have such species as Gorse, Nettle, Thistle, and Raspberry, all which have thorns, spikes, or can cause irritation. It is important to have the proper, sturdy hunting gear, such as Gaiters and hardy hunting pants (See below).

Packing List

Ireland

Hunting Gear

MEDICATIONS (PLEASE, make us aware of any medical conditions)
Three clothing layers to consider (it is better to have too many layers than not enough):
- Base/inner layer as your dry layer (moisture control and warmth; wicks away sweat and dries fast): we recommend midweight base layers for our temperatures; think long-sleeve shirt, pants/tights.
- Mid layer as your thermal layer (insulation): think sweat shirt or fleece or synthetic insulated jacket or vest, pants, socks.
- Outer Layer as your shelter layer (weather protection): A hunting jacket that is waterproof and warm; think waterproof/quiet shell jacket, durable pants (waterproof) with pockets and belt loop; remember that outer layers should have some sort of abrasion resistance to thorns, spikes, etc.
Think Waterproof "Quiet", Warm Clothing
AVOID COTTON WHEN IT COMES TO HUNTING GEAR
Break-Up Camo (camo that blurs your outline) is best for Deer Hunting
Try to use scent-free washing liquid if you are going to wash your hunting gear before the hunt; some hunting gear has scent control built into it
Wool socks
Waterproof gloves or light hiking gloves that are warm; if picture-taking consider touch-screen compatible.
Facemask, Balaclava, or Neck Buff/Neck Gaiters
Lower-leg Gaiters
Waterproof Hiking boots, Gortex or the like
Ear Protection/Eye Protection
Day Pack or Rucksack--NOT BIG; meals are served at the lodge and most items while hunting can be left in the hunting vehicle if not necessary. A bag should only be as big as to carry your extra layers, snacks, and water.
Binoculars with a strap
Insect repellant (midges)
Sunscreen- You CAN get sunburnt in Ireland, do not let the clouds fool you!
Head Lamp/Torch or small FlashLight (with red light)
Water Bottle/ Water Bladder
If you plan on traveling before/after the hunt and are worried about luggage space, we recommend vacuum sealed bags (many come with a small pump that is travel size).

Optional

Personal Weapon- if interested in bringing own firearm, we have to get proper licenses/permits to do so
Personal Ammunition
Safety Items- Your own basic first aid
Camera
Power bank
Sunglasses
Walking Stick(s)
Snacks
Tisssues
Sanitizer