Young Red Stags in velvet, Co. Mayo

The candidates listed below all completed their two-stage Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme with their Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore on Saturday 10th May 2025. Thanks, as always, go to the Midland Range management and personnel, including Tony Saunders and J. P. Craven, and to Deer Alliance Range Officer Liam McGarry. Successful candidates received their HCAP Certificates and ID cards from HCAP Course Director, Liam M. Nolan.

NEW HCAP-CERTIFIED CANDIDATES, DATE OF CERTIFICATION 10th MAY 2025:

BALDWIN, Bryan, 2025/0056
BERRY, Gregory, 2025/0055
BROCKBANK, Mark, 2025/0047
COLEMAN, John, 2025/0045
CURTIS, Tom, 2025/0043
DONOVAN, Jake, 2025/0057
DEEGAN, Justin, 2025/0044
FIRTH, Paul, 2025/0054
GHIUTA, Catalin, 2025/0062
HERITAGE, William, 2025/0061
MAGEE, Stephen, 2025/0052
McBRIDE, Adam, 2025/0046
MURRAY, Killian, 2025/0049
O’SULLIVAN, John, 2025/0079
RAMOS, Davis Paiva Gomes, 2025/0002
SHIPTON, T. J., 2025/0060
SKELLY, Leonard, 2025/0058
SMYTH, Alexander, 2025/0053
VOLAREVIC, Ante, 2025/0050

The list of successful candidates included members of IFA Countryside, who benefited from a 40% subsidy of the ordinary HCAP fee, courtesy of IFA Farm Business Skillnet. Successful candidates are enrolled as members of the Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters except where they have opted out of membership. Candidates who were No-Shows or Deferrals at this Range Test will remain eligible to participate in the next scheduled Range Test in 2025 except where they have missed two or more earlier events. Reminders are not issued. The next Range Test will take place on Saturday 9th August 2025.

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 3rd May 2025 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 10th May 2025. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 3rd May 2025 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice, in which case they are now de-listed as eligible and must re-enter the HCAP process as Repeat Candidates if they wish to complete their HCAP Certification.

2025/0059, 92%, Pass
2025/0063, 90%, Pass
2025/0058, 86%, Pass
2025/0052, 94%, Pass
2025/0046, 80%, Pass
2025/0049, 92%, Pass
2025/0005, 80%, Pass
2025/0079, 88%, Pass
2025/0056, 80%, Pass
2025/0055, 98%, Pass
2025/0047, 84%, Pass
2025/0045, 88%, Pass
2025/0043, 100%, Pass
2025/0057, 84%, Pass
2025/0044, 88%, Pass
2025/0054, 100%, Pass
2025/0062, 92%, Pass
2025/0002, 86%, Pass
2025/0080, 84%, Pass
2025/0060, 98%, Pass
2025/0053, 92%, Pass
2025/0050, 98%, Pass
2025/0061, 80%, Pass (Incorrect number 2025/0048 entered on MCQ paper by this candidate).

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CANDIDATES

The following notice has been issued today 25th April 2025 by the Wildlife Licencing Unit of the NPWS, regarding applications (including renewals) for Deer Hunting Licences for the Season 2025-2026:

Dear Stakeholder,

Update on Season Change on Heritage Licensing Portal.

As you know the open season for deer hunting is coming to a close next Wednesday 30th April.

On foot of this, the Heritage Licensing Portal (where individuals can apply for their deer hunting licence) will be closing from Thursday 1st May for maintenance and will reopen for applications for the new 2025/2026 season on Tuesday 6th May. Obviously, any licences already issued are valid until 31st July 2025 and will still be available to view or print from the Portal. A note to this effect will be posted on the NPWS website.

Individual applicants that already registered last year and received their licence will not need to re-register and they will be able to see their existing licence and apply for their new one. New applicants will be able to register and apply for their licence as a first time applicant in the same way as last year. Any draft applications that were never completed will be moved to a status of ‘Previous Season Draft’ and won’t be accessible, a new application should be completed.

It would be appreciated if you could circulate this message to your members and if you have any questions let us know.

Regards

Wildlife Licensing Unit

Sika stags in Wicklow. Photo credit, Paddy Donegan

Deer Alliance HCAP continues its 2025 Series of events with a Training Workshop & MCQ taking place on Saturday 3rd May 2025 (10am-5pm) at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, R93 N207, followed on Saturday 10th May 2025 (10am start) by the associated Range Test,for candidates successful in the HCAP MCQ, at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58.

AS OF MONDAY 28TH APRIL 2025, APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED. 

The cost of HCAP (Training Workshop, MCQ Examination and Assessment, Range Test and Certification) remains unchanged for 2025 at €165.00.

The Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual is available for purchase at €35.00 inc. p. & p.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website, and the Manual can be purchased through the same portal.

Payment is made through PayPal – it is not necessary for candidates to have their own PayPal account; payment can be made as a “guest”.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

(This list, which is updated as applications are received, includes a number of candidates who were No-Shows at previous events. Failure to attend on the part of these candidates on 3rd May 2025, without notice, may result in elimination from the list of eligible candidates. Candidates falling into this category wishing to complete the HCAP process will have to re-enter the application process as Repeat Candidates, subject to the standard Repeat Fee of €50.00).

BALDWIN, Bryan
BERRY, Gregory
BROCKBANK, Mark
COLEMAN, John
CURTIS, Tom,
DONOVAN, Jake
DEEGAN, Justin
FIRTH, Paul
FOLAN, Michael
FOLEY, John
FLYNN, Declan
GHIUTA, Catalin
GREKHOVODOVA, Elena
HERITAGE, William
IWANCZYSZAK, Bogdan
KAPUSNICA, Martin
LYNCH, Shane
MAGEE, Stephen
McBRIDE, Adam
McGOWAN, Michael
McGLYNN, Hugh
MEAGHER, Robert
MOERAN, Ken
MURRAY, Killian
O’BRIAN, Cian
O’CONNOR, Niall
O’FLYNN, John
O’LEARY, Noel
Ó MEARÁIN, Lochlann
O’REILLY, Patrick
O’SULLIVAN, John
RAMOS, Davis Paiva Gomes
RYAN, Denis
SHIPTON, T. J.
SKELLY, Leonard
SMYTH, Alexander
THOMPSON, Louis
VOLAREVIC, Ante
WHITE, Ronnie

                                 (List updated 2.4.2025)

A subsidised application is available for members of IFA Countryside, with a €70.00 subsidy on the combined cost of €200.00 (HCAP plus Manual), combined reduced fee payable, €130.00. Members of IFA Countryside should make application through EventBrite. In case of difficulty, or for candidates wishing to join IFA Countryside, contact IFA Countryside directly on 1818 924 982, 087 384 8110, 0r 01 426 0368.

Membership of IFA Countryside carries shooting insurance which satisfies all requirements. All candidates for HCAP must carry appropriate shooting insurance, to be exhibited at the Range Test stage.

SIKA THE WILD DEER

In addition, thanks to a special sponsorship deal offered exclusively to Deer Alliance HCAP, early HCAP Candidates in 2025 will receive a complimentary copy of Sika the Wild Deer (retail value €25.00), the story of the life of a sika stag in Wicklow, from conception to maturity, seen through the eyes of a stalker.

FIREARMS FOR RANGE TEST

HCAP Candidates who do not have access to their own deer-legal rifle have two options open to them. If they have a friend who has a deer-legal rifle and is prepared to let the candidate use that rifle for the Range Test, that is permitted, provided that the friend holds a valid Firearm Certificate for the firearm in question, holds valid shooting insurance and is present with the Candidate on the Range at all times. Alternatively, the candidate can avail of a Club Rifle in calibre .243, available from the Midland Range. Booking must be made at least two weeks in advance and is subject to Garda vetting. The current cost of rifle hire is €60.00, to include ammunition sufficient for the standard Range Test. Candidates with no previous experience of full-bore rifle shooting may be required to undertake basic tuition and competency testing on a one-to-one basis at the Midland Range (to include the Range Test Course of Fire but not as part of the Range Test), the current cost of which is €150.00 (one person, one day tuition and test preparation). Hire of a Club rifle and/or arrangements for tuition and test preparation, including all costs, are entirely a matter between Midland Range management and personnel, are outside the ordinary HCAP process and Deer Alliance HCAP has no responsibility or obligation in this regard. For further information about use of a Club firearm for the HCAP Range Test, contact John Paul Craven (Range Operator), 086 823 2641 or Tony Saunders, 087 097 7589.

BOOKING OF A CLUB FIREARM FOR THE RANGE MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE CANDIDATE NOT LESS THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE RANGE TEST.

ALL RANGE TEST CANDIDATES MUST CARRY THEIR OWN SHOOTING INSURANCE, INCLUDING IFA COUNTRYSIDE MEMBERSHIP INSURANCE OR NARGC AFFILIATED GUN CLUB MEMBERSHIP.

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION

Certification has been mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence since 2022 and has been obligatory for all persons hunting on Coillte forest property since 2005. In addition, the recent Irish Deer Management Strategy Group report published in December 2023, recommends phased certification for all hunters over the next 3 to 5 years (including licensed hunters not hunting on Coillte forest property and/or holding a Deer Hunting Licence prior to 2022).

ABOUT HCAP

HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP completed its twenty-first year of operation in 2024 and to date approximately 3850 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by ‘phone to 086 1927 845 (office hours).

Sika the Wild Deer – free to early applicants for HCAP in 2025

Annual antler growth cycle. In spring, hard antlers drop off from the pedicles (arrow), and antler regeneration immediately follows. Rapid antler growth occurs in summer. Growing antlers are enveloped with velvet skin (asterisk). In autumn, antlers become fully calcified and velvet skin starts to shed. In winter, hard antlers are attached to their pedicles and subsequently cast in the next spring, which triggers a new round of antler regeneration.

Applications are now open for the next HCAP event in the 2025 Series, with Training Workshop & MCQ on Saturday 3rd May 2025 (Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow) and Range Test on Saturday 10th May 2025 (Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore).

Candidates who were No-Shows or Deferrals at the last Workshop & MCQ on 1st March 2025 are automatically carried forward to the event on 3rd May 2025.

A full list of eligible candidates will be posted here in due course.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website (cost €165.00). The Deer Alliance Stalker Manual can also be ordered online through the same section (cost €35.00 inc. p. & p.). Payment is through PayPal, using any valid credit card or debit card, applicants do not need their own PayPal account.

Members of IFA Countryside will benefit from a subsidised fee (€130.00), information on the application process and booking through Eventbrite will be circulated directly to their members by IFA Countryside.

Full details of the event on 3rd May 2025 will be posted here shortly, including the list of eligible candidates.

Sika stags, late summer. Photo copyright P. Donegan.

The candidates listed below all completed their two-stage Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme with their Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore on Saturday 8th March 2025. Thanks, as always, go to the Midland Range management and personnel, including Tony Saunders and J. P. Craven, and to Deer Alliance Range Officers Liam McGarry and Pat Scully. Successful candidates received their HCAP Certificates and ID cards from HCAP Course Director, Liam M. Nolan. Congratulations to Jennifer Chicharro and Orsolya Kami Nemethne, who now join the ranks of those women candidates who have completed HCAP. Jennifer was “top gun”, with competition-level marksmanship.

NEW HCAP-CERTIFIED CANDIDATES, DATE OF CERTIFICATION 8th MARCH 2025:

ATKINSON, James, 2025/0008
BARRY, David, 2025/0036
BUCKLEY, Kevin, 2025/0019
CAREY, John, 2025/0034
CHICHARRO, Jennifer, 2025/0022
CONSIDINE, Mark, 2025/0024
DONOHOE, Tommy, 2025/0007
DUMITRU, Claudiu, 2025/0037
EARLE, Edward, 2025/0009
GALLAGHER, Matthew, 2025/0025
HENNESSY, Sean, 2025/0016
HOWARD, John, 2025/0039
KELLY, David, 2025/0029
KING, Conor, 2025/0024
KISKIUNAS, Augustinas, 2025/0041
LEONARD, Douglas, 2025/0027
MANGAN, Shane, 2025/0030
MARTIN, Dylan, 2025/0020
MATTHEWS, Daniel John, 2025/0028
McBRIEN, Hugh, 2025/0032
MILEY, Gary, 2025/0033
MOORE, Arran, 2025/0038
MURPHY, Killian S., 2025/0011
NEMETHNE, Orsolya Kami, 2024/0115
O’NEILL, Anthony, 2025/0013
PARR, Jamie, 2025/0021
ROCHE, Adam, 2025/0010
RYAN, James, 2025/0023
SOMERS, Brian, 2025/0018
SPILLANE, Eoghain, 2025/0026
TIMOTHY, Ronan, 2025/0006
WINDER, Thomas, 2025/0017

The list of successful candidates included members of IFA Countryside, who benefited from a 40% subsidy of the ordinary HCAP fee, courtesy of IFA Farm Business Skillnet. Successful candidates are enrolled as members of the Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters except where they have opted out of membership. Candidates who were No-Shows or Deferrals at this Range Test will remain eligible to participate in the next scheduled Range Test in 2025 except where they have missed two or more earlier events. Reminders are not issued. The next Range Test will take place on Saturday 10th May 2025.

GALLERY

SIKA HIND – THE HCAP RANGE TEST TARGET. THREE SHOTS INSIDE A FOUR-INCH CIRCLE ON THE SIX-INCH WHITE CIRCLE (USING THE FOUR-INCH BLACK AIMING MARK) IN THE PRONE POSITION (RESTED) AT 100 METRES, FOLLOWED BY NINE SHOTS IN THE HEART/LUNG AREA (THREE SHOTS PRONE AT 100 METRES, THREE SHOTS SITTING/KNEELING AT SIXTY METRES & THREE SHOTS STANDING AT 40 METRES). ALL LEGITIMATE STALKING AIDS MAY BE USED.

The following candidates are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test taking place at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 8th March 2025.

Candidates should be present at the Range from 9.30 a.m., to sign in with Range management in the Clubhouse, with personal ID, firearms certificate, and evidence of insurance. Zeroing is not permitted on the morning of the Range Test. A reminder that sound moderators and all legitimate stalking aids e.g., shooting sticks, bipods and tripods are permitted. After registration candidates should proceed in their vehicles to the Main Range, in convoy under the direction of Range personnel. After successful completion of the Range Test, candidates will be given a card which they should bring back to the Clubhouse to receive their HCAP Certificate.

Candidates are permitted one opportunity at the Grouping Stage and two opportunities on the Main Target, OR two opportunities at the Grouping Stage and one at the Main Target (but not two opportunities at both stages).

At Stage 1 (grouping stage), candidates are required to place three rounds in a four-inch group, with a four-inch black aiming point on a six-inch white circle, in the prone position, rested.

At Stage 2 (deer target), candidates are required to place nine rounds within the heart & lung area on the life-size sika hind target – three rounds prone rested at 100 metres, three rounds sitting/kneeling at 60 metres and three rounds standing. All legitimate stalking aids are permitted. Sound moderators may be used provided they are factory-threaded.

Candidates wishing to avail of Club rifles should contact Tony Saunders at MRC directly, tel. 087 097 7589, in advance of the Range Test.

Candidates will be observed at all times for adherence to all safety protocols. Any lapse in safety standards may be followed by immediate expulsion from the Range, at the discretion of Range management.

ELIGIBLE RANGE TEST CANDIDATES, SATURDAY 8th MARCH 2025

ATKINSON, James
BARRY, David
BUCKLEY, Kevin
BUCZYNSKI, Roman
CAREY, John
CHICHARRO, Jennifer
CONSIDINE, Mark
DIGGINS, Josh, 2024/0101
DONOHUE, Tommy
DUMITRU, Claudiu
EARLE, Edward
GALLAGHER, Matthew
HENNESSY, Sean
HORAN, Philip, 2024/0129
HOWARD, John
KELLY, David
KING, Conor
KISKIUNAS, Augustinas
LAGERWALL, Donovan
LEONARD, Douglas
MANGAN, Shane
MARTIN, Dylan
MATTHEWS, Daniel John
McBRIEN, Hugh
MILEY, Gary
MOORE, Arran
MULCAHY, John, 2024/0100
MURPHY, Killian
NEMETHNE, Orsolya Kami, 2024/0115
NOBLE, Rocheanne
O’NEILL, Anthony
PARR, Jamie
ROCHE, Adam
RYAN, James
SOMERS, Brian
SPILLANE, Eoghain
SULLIVAN, Peter, 2024/0128
TICE, George, 2023/0130
TIMOTHY, Ronan
WINDER, Thomas

The above list includes candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at previous Range Tests. For such candidates, failure to attend on 8th March 2025 without notice will lead to de-listing as eligible candidates and if they wish to complete their HCAP certification process, they will have to re-apply for the Range Test as Repeat Candidates.

Location of Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 NC58.

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 1st March 2025 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 8th March 2025. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 1st March 2025 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice, in which case they will de-listed as eligible and must re-enter the HCAP process as Repeat Candidates if they wish to complete their HCAP Certification.

Note that on this occasion certain candidates entered an incorrect HCAP number on their MCQ paper, leading to difficulties in reconciling results. However, as all candidates passed the MCQ, and Examiners were able to identify the candidates concerned, all candidates who sat the MCQ are deemed eligible for the Range Test on 8th March 2025, and any discrepancy in HCAP numbers will remedied on HCAP Certificates when issued.

2025/0008, 84%, Pass
2025/0036, 92%, Pass
2025/0019, 94%, Pass
2025/0014, 90%, Pass
2025/0034, 84%, Pass
2025/0022, 86%, Pass
2025/0024, 88%, Pass
2025/0007, 94%, Pass
2025/0037, 94%, Pass
2025/0009, 96%, Pass
2025/0025, 94%, Pass
2025/0016, 80%, Pass
2025/0039, 80%, Pass
2025/0029, 90%, Pass
2025/0041, 88%, Pass
2025/0031, 98%, Pass
2025/0027, 96%, Pass
2025/0030, 88%, Pass
2025/0020, 92%, Pass
2025/0028, 80%, Pass
2025/0032, 88%, Pass
2025/0033, 86%, Pass
2025/0038, 86%, Pass
2025/0011, 90%, Pass
2025/0040, 90%, Pass
2025/0013, 92%, Pass
2025/0021, 90%, Pass
2025/0010, 90%, Pass
2025/0023, 92%, Pass
2025/0018, 86%, Pass
2025/0026,88%, Pass
2025/0006, 94%, Pass
2025/0017, 86%, Pass

Congratulations to all candidates. 

Deer Alliance HCAP will open its 2025 Series of events with a Training Workshop & MCQ talking place on Saturday 1st March 2025 (10am-5pm) at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, R93 N207, followed on Saturday 8th March 2025 (10am start) by the associated Range Test for candidates successful in the HCAP MCQ at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58.

The cost of HCAP (Training Workshop, MCQ Examination and Assessment, Range Test and Certification) remains unchanged for 2025 at €165.00.

The Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual is available for purchase at €35.00 inc. p. & p.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website, and the Manual can be purchased through the same portal.

Payment is made through PayPal – it is not necessary for candidates to have their own PayPal account; payment can be made as a “guest”.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER 15th FEBRUARY 2025 WILL BE HELD OVER FOR THE NEXT TRAINING & ASSESSMENT DATE, DETAILS OF WHICH WILL BE POSTED HERE SHORTLY.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES 

ATKINSON, James
BARRY, David
BUCKLEY, Kevin
BUCZYNSKI, Roman
CAREY, John
CHICHARRO, Jennifer
CONSIDINE, Mar
CURTIS, Tom
DONOHUE, Tommy
DUMITRU, Claudiu
EARLE, Edward
FOLAN, Michael
FOLEY, John
FLYNN, Declan
GALLAGHER, Matthew
HENNESSY, Sean
HOWARD, John
KAPUSNICA, Martin
KELLY, David
KING, Conor
KISKIUNAS, Augustinas
LAGERWELL, Donovan
LEONARD, Douglas
MANGAN, Shane
MATTHEWS, Daniel John
McBRIEN, Hugh
McGLYNN, Hugh
MEAGHER, Robert
MILEY, Gary
MOERAN, Ken
MOORE, Arran
MURPHY, Kilian
MURPHY, Killian
NOBLE, Rocheanne
O’BRIAN, Cian
O’CONNOR, Niall
O’FLYNN, John
O’LEARY, Noe
Ó MEARÁIN, Lo
O’NEILL, Antony
O’REILLY, Patrick
PARR, Jamie
RAMOS, Davis Paiva Gomes
ROCHE, Adam
RYAN, James
SOMERS, Brian
SPILLANE, Eoghain
THOMPSON, Louis
TIMOTHY, Ronan
WHITE, Ronnie
WINDER, Thomas                                               

A subsidised application is available for members of IFA Countryside, with a €70.00 subsidy on the combined cost of €200.00 (HCAP plus Manual), combined reduced fee payable, €130.00. Members of IFA Countryside should make application through EventBrite. In case of difficulty, or for candidates wishing to join IFA Countryside, contact IFA Countryside directly on 1818 924 982, 087 384 8110, 0r 01 426 0368.

Membership of IFA Countryside carries shooting insurance which satisfies all requirements. All candidates for HCAP must carry appropriate shooting insurance, to be exhibited at the Range Test stage.

SIKA THE WILD DEER

In addition, thanks to a special sponsorship deal offered exclusively to Deer Alliance HCAP, early HCAP Candidates in 2025 will receive a complimentary copy of Sika the Wild Deer (retail value €25.00), the story of the life of a sika stag in Wicklow, from conception to maturity, seen through the eyes of a stalker.

FIREARMS FOR RANGE TEST

HCAP Candidates who do not have access to their own deer-legal rifle have two options open to them. If they have a friend who has a deer-legal rifle and is prepared to let the candidate use that rifle for the Range Test, that is permitted, provided that the friend holds a valid Firearm Certificate for the firearm in question, holds valid shooting insurance and is present with the Candidate on the Range at all times. Alternatively, the candidate can avail of a Club Rifle in calibre .243, available from the Midland Range. Booking must be made at least two weeks in advance and is subject to Garda vetting. The current cost of rifle hire is €60.00, to include ammunition sufficient for the standard Range Test. Candidates with no previous experience of full-bore rifle shooting may be required to undertake basic tuition and competency testing on a one-to-one basis at the Midland Range (to include the Range Test Course of Fire but not as part of the Range Test), the current cost of which is €150.00 (one person, one day tuition and test preparation). Hire of a Club rifle and/or arrangements for tuition and test preparation, including all costs, are entirely a matter between Midland Range management and personnel, are outside the ordinary HCAP process and Deer Alliance HCAP has no responsibility or obligation in this regard. For further information about use of a Club firearm for the HCAP Range Test, contact John Paul Craven (Range Operator), 086 823 2641 or Tony Saunders, 087 097 7589.

BOOKING OF A CLUB FIREARM FOR THE RANGE MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE CANDIDATE NOT LESS THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE RANGE TEST.

ALL RANGE TEST CANDIDATES MUST CARRY THEIR OWN SHOOTING INSURANCE, INCLUDING IFA COUNTRYSIDE MEMBERSHIP INSURANCE OR NARGC AFFILIATED GUN CLUB MEMBERSHIP.

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION

Certification has been mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence since 2022 and has been obligatory for all persons hunting on Coillte forest property since 2005. In addition, the recent Irish Deer Management Strategy Group report published in December 2023, recommends phased certification for all hunters over the next 3 to 5 years (including licensed hunters not hunting on Coillte forest property and/or holding a Deer Hunting Licence prior to 2022).

ABOUT HCAP

HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP completed its twenty-first year of operation in 2024 and to date approximately 3820 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by ‘phone to 086 1927 845 (office hours).

Sika the Wild Deer – free to early applicants for HCAP in 2025