Hillwalkers, Beware of Becoming Hunting Fodder

Good to hear your experience of boys with (lethal) toys. My experience was in the area between Drumgoff and Carrawaystick at the start of the hunting season. Returning along the old forest road from a lovely jaunt over by Kelly's Lough, I came upon a large jeep pulled up on the ditch. As I approached, two men (in said camouflage) appeared. One wielding a hunting (I presume) rifle, the other a serious looking pair of binoculars, they were an odd sight at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Odd enough that I didn't hang around to chat. However, I did spare a thought for other walkers I'd seen in the distance during the course of my walk, and mentioned my sighting to a local. I wasn't the only person puzzled seeing hunters so late in the day. Cue phone calls and discussion. Result? Well, it depends on where you see the hunters as to who is responsible for checking them out. If you can figure that one out, then it's up to the relevant authority to enforce the hunting licence legislation....if you can figure out who that may be..! I'm so glad I just walk the hills and my rucksack is bright orange..:)) Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1064/comment/18856/

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What's the opposite of a stark warning?

I parked at point B which offers a long distance view towards Dublin Bay. As I was putting on my boots an SUV arrived with two men in camouflage. The guys picked up an unassuming overturned "no entry" sign from the ground and commented on how it must have fallen away, before putting it back up. Seemingly oblivious to my presence or objective, I of course made enquiries about access to the forest track and it seems that deer stalking licences cover the forest of this Hill and the Ballinascorney forest that extends north from Seahan.

The men warned that if a (very plain) sign has been placed on the forest barrier that stalking is taking place! I told the guys of my objective and they suggested my route along the forest road in my bright red jacket should be fine. I was wary but headed off on the short jaunt.

A view towards Seahan and the lower hills falling away from its northside quickly comes into view as no forestry blocks the view to the left (south) from most of the track. I was then startled by 4 deer running from left to right across the track into the dense forestry to my right.

I continued on and reached the non-description summit area, without any real ascent, heading back the same way.

On my return, whilst taking in the views nearby with the map in hand at the edge of the field beyond the car park, a van came out of the forest track I had used, the occupants having keys to unlock the gate and, notably, removing the sign.

I presume these licensees can't shoot walkers but be carefully nonetheless! The warning signs could be much starker! Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1064/comment/18835/

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Coillte Tree Felling

Not much of a walk if you park at VanLn (O06432 23039) room for one vehicle and walk in thru forest access keeping left and left again which will take you to a non-descript summit area as shown on the map. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1064/comment/16050/

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Nice views to be had

While not very challenging, recent felling means the views along the way and from the summit are pleasant enough. A nice spot for a lunchtime walk. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1064/comment/19978/

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