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.