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Game Rearing

All pheasants have now been released into the wild. The birds were released over two consecutive Sundays. The first Sunday for release was not ideal as it rained heavily making life difficult for both birds and Club members who were involved. In this weather the birds tended to overheat very quickly in release boxes and become stressed. It was decided early on not to proceed with releasing all birds as some would no doubt have been lost. Those that were released quickly revived and were seen eating and scratching about in their new environment within minutes.

Almost two hundred birds were released on day one. The remaining pheasants were given their freedom the following Sunday when conditions were much more ideal and pleasant for all involved.

Over all three hundred and twenty pheasants have been released by the club this year which will add greatly to the wild bird population and improve the strain. This years birds have all been imported from France at one day old.
Our thanks to our gamekeeper who once again has done a fabulous job caring for the poults from a young age.

Duck Rearing.

Over one hundred duck were purchased and released onto our mill pond early in May. Problems arose quickly when we noticed ducks missing from day one. There were no visible signs as to how or where ducks were disappearing. Over three nights thirty ducks vanished. It was then decided that all remaining ducks would have to be re captured and removed to safer abodes. Since their removal the seventy ducks have thrived on three different release ponds having been fed daily since then. They have now taken to the skies and are a beautiful sight when seen in full flight each evening.
We have since realized that the thirty ducks fell prey to a pair of mink who had been resident on the pond. The mink have now been removed but it was a costly lesson for all concerned. It just goes to show that vermin, especially mink have to be controlled constantly in order to sustain any sort of game release program.



Vermin Control Programs

 

Red Fox	Mink	Hooded Crow

Mullinahone Gun Club has participated in all South Tipperary's vermin control competitions over the years, winning in 1979 having been second in 1978.The vermin trophy was held for three successive years. It is a pity that not all clubs take part annually as vermin control needs to be spread over a wide area for it to be effective.

Crop Protection

The club vermin competition runs until the end of September. All returns to the club vermin officer by that date. We would like to encourage more members to participate in vermin control in general. You can count on one hand the members who are active in this area.

Mink MGC operate a vermin control policy whereby all members are asked to assist the club in its efforts at vermin control. When we again started to rear duck in 2000 we quickly discovered that an effective mink trapping program was vital. traps were purchased and put to good use. Over twenty mink have now been trapped in one area of approx two acres. Having seen at first hand  what one mink can do over night I shudder to think what the outcome would be should these little monsters be allowed to multiply without control. I believe the mink problem is only just beginning and would urge all clubs to start some form of mink control immediately. Mink will kill indiscriminately, duck, pheasant, fish they are not particular...

Magpies are another vermin that cause much damage especially during the egg laying season. They will feast incessantly on eggs and are highly adapt at discovering where birds have laid their eggs.  If as a club you are encouraging pheasant breeding in the wild you would be well advised to control magpie numbers in your area. Our cities are becoming almost destitute of song birds due to the alarming numbers of magpies now resident. Easy pickings with very few natural enemies. Mullinahone utilise larsen traps with a call bird very effectively. Members will work their own areas for a number of weeks with a larsen trap and then pass in on to another member who does likewise. I have been amazed at how quickly magpies will return to an area despite constant trapping.


" Magpies can be controlled efficiently using a call bird"

Grey Crow The grey crow is another bird that requires attention in culling its numbers. These birds are numerous in our area. trapping, shooting, use of alphachlorolose can all be highly effective. I have shot a good number of grey crows while shooting pigeons over corn. They are naturally inquisitive and will quickly come to investigate fallen or wounded pigeons when they can be dispatched by the concealed hunter. We as a club will organise dusk shoots for grey crow where 10 - 12 guns will converge on a cover or plantation where the birds are roosting. These birds roost in their hundreds in some areas. The grey crow flies in to roost at last light in almost darkness. Experienced guns can account for good numbers with a little patience and effort in this way. Bring plenty of ammunition though as you will need it !.Wet and windy nights are best  - unfortunately..


"Grey crows are best controlled during cold weather using baited rabbit carcasses"

Fox Another slippery customer but in my opinion not the biggest problem. Driven shoots with beaters and good dogs can be employed as one means. Lamping is again effective, at least for the unwary fox. Snaring may be employed very effectively but this must be done very carefully and snares checked at least twice per day. Fox runs are often used by many foxes in an area and one run will often produce two or three foxes quickly before it is given a wide berth.