It's a cold and blustery few days as Steve Wild joins Irish Safaris in the hills of County Wicklow, Ireland, in search of the elusive sika stag—often called the ghost deer, and for good reason.
Check out our rifle-hunting playlist on Team Wild TV: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcREm4blAImDZ8lpaM2Qr76eWgDugUKoI
Steve is an experienced hunter, having hunted all types of game across the globe—from African plains to dense European woodland—but there’s one challenge still on his bucket list: a mature Irish sika stag. Joining him is Sam, a young lad just starting out on his hunting journey, now facing the daunting task of stalking and taking a sika in some of the toughest conditions imaginable.
The sika deer is known for its elusive nature and sharp instincts. One moment, they're in sight; the next, they've vanished into the thick Irish forestry. With rugged hills, dense cover, and ever-changing weather conditions, stalking these stags is as physically demanding as it is mentally challenging.
Over the course of several days, Steve, Sam, and the team navigate tough terrain, unpredictable wind, and heavy rain in pursuit of mature stags. They deploy a variety of tactics—from holding tight on high ground at last light to working through quiet forestry blocks with the wind in their favor.
Steve is shooting a Blaser R8 Professional Success in .270, perfect for longer-range shots across open hillsides and quick reactions in the thicker timber. Patience, persistence, and local expertise pay off in the end, as Steve connects with a magnificent eight-point stag—one Norman believes is close to medal class.
Throughout the trip, the team encounters several deer, including a hybrid yearling that presents a follow-up opportunity. Despite difficult conditions and plenty of near-misses, the experience is as much about the journey as the harvest.
This video captures the full story—from the early morning climbs through thick fog and rain, to the adrenaline-fuelled moments of success high on the open hill. It's a real testament to the challenge and reward of hunting sika deer in Ireland's raw and unforgiving wilderness.
Explore Team Wild: http://www.teamwild.tv/
Like Team Wild on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamWildTv/
Follow Team Wild on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamWildHunting
Follow Team Wild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamwild