Meeting Jason Doyle feels like sitting down with an old friend who happens to know every secret about hunting Ireland's elusive sika deer. As a former professional hunter from the Emerald Isle, Jason brings a refreshing honesty to this conversation that cuts through the often-idealized portrayal of hunting in social media.

From his unexpected journey into deer stalking (which he initially dismissed as "crawling around a mountain for a day to shoot something the size of a horse with a rifle") to becoming one of Ireland's most respected hunters, Jason shares wisdom earned through decades of experience. His description of Wicklow as "a condensed version of Scotland" perfectly captures why Ireland offers such exceptional stalking opportunities—smaller mountains but more varied habitat that delivers in two days what might take a week in Scotland.

The conversation delves into practical matters that will fascinate hunters of all experience levels. Jason's techniques for handling Ireland's challenging winds (waiting for deer to be positioned with their backs to the wind before shooting), his thoughts on caliber selection (.270 remains his go-to), and his candid assessment of the shift toward non-toxic ammunition all provide valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their own hunting practice. His admission that "the more you shoot, the more you miss" serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the perfectionism often portrayed in hunting media.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Jason's passionate description of sika hunting during the rut—the magical experience of hearing stags whistling across misty valleys at dawn. As he puts it: "I just don't think there's anything to match it." After listening to his stories, you'll understand why Ireland deserves a place on every serious hunter's bucket list.

Whether you're planning your next hunting adventure, curious about conservation issues facing Irish deer populations, or simply enjoy authentic conversations about the hunting life, this episode delivers insights you won't find anywhere else. Subscribe now and join our growing community of thoughtful outdoor enthusiasts.

Support the show

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/the_outdoor_gibbon/