Coillte Teoranta will host a webinar on Thursday 30th September 2021 (from 16:00 to 17:00 hrs.) to introduce the new Hunter Area Management System (HAMS) licensing system, which is due to be launched in the coming months. This is to discuss how HAMS will work and the improvements and efficiencies the system is intended to introduce to the tendering and licensing process within Coillte.

The webinar will be run through the WebEx conferencing app and intending participants should download and install the app to their laptops or other devices in advance of the scheduled date.

The app can be downloaded HERE.

To join the webinar, click HERE.

Password: 0000

To join by phone only, please use the following details:

Dial: 01 5260058, Event No. 2734 166 9530, Password: 0000

All existing Coillte hunting licensees and nominated stalkers should acquaint themselves with HAMS as the proposed system will undoubtedly impact on stalking practices and on efficiencies in deer management and control on Coillte forest property in the future.

For an introduction to HAMS click HERE.

For a YouTube tour of the system click HERE.

A looming deadline to register rights of way with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) will be removed following pressure from the Law Society and the Bar Council.

Ministers yesterday agreed to introduce a “short amending bill” to amend the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and repeal changes concerning easements, such as rights of way, and profits à prendre, such as fishing or shooting rights.

Prior to the introduction of the 2009 Act, prescriptive rights of way were usually verified by simple statutory declarations of long use. The 2009 Act introduced a new requirement for a prescriptive right to be verified by a court order and registered with the PRA.

An amendment to the law, made in 2011, provided that, if the prescriptive right was not contested by the owner of the land affected by it, the claimant could apply directly to the PRA to validate and register their right based on long use.

The deadline for applications under the old rules made to court, or directly to the PRA, was also extended to 30 November 2021. After that deadline, prescriptive rights could still be validated and registered, but only under new rules taking effect on 1 December.

Mrs Humphreys said: “I know that the position that was due to apply after 30 November has been a cause of great concern for many. I have listened carefully to the concerns raised with me by stakeholders, including the Law Society and the Bar Council.

“I am satisfied that, if not addressed, this deadline was likely to lead to a large volume of unnecessary court cases to protect rights which have been enjoyed for generations, and to cause stress between neighbours, unnecessary legal costs, and added court backlogs.”

The law applicable to prescriptive easements and profits “will largely be reverted” to the common law that applied before the 2009 Act, the Department of Justice has said.

Mrs Humphreys added: “In what I am sure will be a welcome development for purchasers, this is also expected to greatly reduce current conveyancing delays and blockages.”

The justice minister said she will seek a waiver from pre-legislative scrutiny and early signature of the bill by the president in order to meet the deadline.

Mrs Humphreys also committed to more comprehensive reform in the area, promising a “time-bound review that will identify the best long-term, sustainable provisions for the law in this area”.

Paddy Sweetman, convener of the Law Society’s easements task force, told Irish Legal News: “The Law Society raised the rights of way registration deadline as an issue of major concern among solicitors with the government earlier this year. We engaged extensively with them on this issue and we are pleased to see that our concerns have been heard.

“The 2009 Act has already been causing difficulties for people when buying and selling property, and for people taking out mortgages. The looming deadline of 30 November 2021 would have made the situation considerably worse.

“We thank the minister and the government for their review of this Act and are grateful that the minister has recognised the need for a ‘wholesale reform’ in this area. We look forward to receiving further clarity on the issue and the amendments being brought forward.”

The annual deer rut has commenced and the roar of the Red stag will echo over the hills as stags intent on reproduction will put all their energies into finding hinds with which to mate, ensuring the future of the herd.

The HCAP Training Workshop and MCQ which took place in Carlow on 18th September 2021 was the last date in the 2021 Series of HCAP assessments.

The Range Test for successful candidates from this MCQ will take place on Saturday 2nd October 2021 at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Activities will be resumed in March 2022. A schedule of dates for 2022 will be posted here in due course (when confirmed).

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 18th September 2021 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Saturday 2nd October 2021. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately in due course.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 18th September 2021 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ in 2022, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice.

2021/0065, 80%, Pass
2021/0060, 94%, Pass
2021/0061, 92%, Pass
2021/0070, 90%, Pass
2021/063, 92%, Pass
2021/0058, 90%, Pass
2020/0018, 84%, Pass
2021/0059, 94%, Pass
2021/0062, 94%, Pass
2020/0064, 86%, Pass
2020/0063, 92%, Pass
2021/0064, 94%, Pass
2021/0066, 80%, Pass

The following candidates (HCAP number, followed by mark achieved) were unsuccessful and are required to re-sit the MCQ stage before proceeding to any Range Test. The application fee for Repeat Candidates is €50.00. “Fail” grades may be appealed to the HCAP Assessment Committee, subject to written application accompanied by re-checking fee, €50.00. Where written application for re-checking is received, it is reviewed by the Committee at the next scheduled Committee meeting following receipt of application. Applications for re-checking must be received within 10 (ten) days of publication of results on this blog.

2021/0069, 72%, Fail
2021/0068, 72%, Fail
2021/0067, 70%, Fail

Congratulations to all successful candidates, and condolences to those who were unsuccessful on this occasion.

Liam Nolan (Deer Alliance HCAP), William Shortall (IFA Countryside), Dan Curley (Chairman, NARGC), Damien Hannigan (Irish Deer Commission) and John Butler (NARGC, Co-ordinator of the Course held on 11th September 2021)

Approximately 30 HCAP-Certified hunters, IFA Countryside members and NARGC members attended the NARGC Safe Game Meat Handling Course held in the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, on Saturday 11th September 2021.

Scheduling of the course was an initiative of IFA Countryside, facilitated by the NARGC, and was a welcome extension to learning for deer stalkers.

The day was well organised and participants had the benefit of an excellent presentation by Jim Walsh MRCVS, author of the course manual, “Safe Handling of Wild Game Meat”, sponsored by the NARGC.

Social distancing and full compliance with Covid-related guidelines were observed throughout.

The day concluded with the 50-question MCQ examination leading to satisfactory completion and certification, no doubt eagerly awaited by all candidates.

Coillte have today 8th September 2021 issued the notice below to all holders of licences to hunt deer on Coillte forest property:

Dear licence holder,

As the 2021/2022 deer hunting season has started, I am writing to remind you of your
obligations and responsibilities with respect to implementing appropriate safety control
measures prior to, and while exercising licensed rights.

Considering the high levels of usage of Coillte lands by the general public, particularly as a
result of Covid-19 restrictions, this is a key focus area for the Company and a matter which
we take very seriously. These requirements are clearly outlined in Section 15, sub-sections
j, and k, of the licence agreement, and as with all terms and conditions of the licence,
compliance is mandatory.

During previous hunting seasons, we received reports of persons hunting without obtaining
prior agreement from the forester, and/or not erecting the required prohibition signage at
all usual points of entry to the lands.

All authorisations granted by Coillte to enter its lands to hunt deer are conditional on full
compliance with licence conditions and failure to do so renders such permissions
immediately invalid. Unauthorised hunting and /or firearms use by an individual is an
offence under Section 44 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 -2012 and Sections 17 & 23, of S.I. No
151 of 2009 FORESTRY ACT 1988 (SECTION 37) and the Coillte BYE-LAWS 2009.

As the licence holder, it is your responsibility to make all of your nominated hunters aware of
Coillte’s licence conditions. Please refer to the Code of Practice for Sustainable Hunting HERE.

Your licence in dependant on full compliance with these conditions.

All authorised hunters should carry a copy of their stalking permit, deer hunting licence and
firearms licence and when requested, present these to a member of Coillte staff, an Garda
Síochána, or a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger. We will soon be starting
our compliance audits on the ground, and this will form part of the audit.

If you suspect illegal hunting is in progress please immediately contact an Garda Síochána,
and the NPWS, and report the incident to your local Forester immediately.

Thanking you in advance for your continued co-operation, and wishing you a safe and
enjoyable hunting season.

Best Regards,

Michael Power
National Estates Risk Manager

Simone Ciuti, the UCD SmartDeer Research Lead, has advised stakeholders in the SmartDeer project that the SmartDeer website has been updated, with links to new platforms on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and youtube, carrying news and updates on the project.

To visit the website, click HERE.

Simone invites participation in the ongoing Deer Survey, offering opportunity to make an active contribution to the creation of deer distribution maps across Ireland.

To contribute to the survey, click HERE.

For a video tutorial on how to fill the survey, click HERE.

Applications are now open for the last of the 2021 Series of HCAP Training Workshops & MCQs, taking place on Saturday 18th September 2021 at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow, R93 N207, running from (start time) 10.00 a.m. to (end time) 5.00 p.m.

The supporting Range Test (Stage 2 of the HCAP Assessment and Certification process) will take place on the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Saturday 2nd October 2021.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED (AS OF 15.9.2021)

NPWS ACCREDITED & APPROVED

HCAP is approved by National Parks & Wildlife Service for the purposes of mandatory certification for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence, which applies from next year 2022.

Application can be made online through the Online Applications of the website home page at www.deeralliance.ie, cost €165.00. Compliant with the syllabus agreed with NPWS, 30 hours self-study of the Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual is required in advance of the Workshop and MCQ. The Manual can be purchased through the Online Applications section of the website, cost €35.00 including p. & p.

HCAP is the only such course available in Ireland developed in partnership with NPWS, Coillte, An Garda Síochána, IFA and the relevant deer organisations and has led the way in training and certification of licensed deer hunters in Ireland since it was commenced in 2005 following two years of careful development. Now in its eighteenth year of operation, over 3500 licensed deer hunters have participated in HCAP, all contributing to safe, humane and efficient control and management of wild deer throughout Ireland.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

The following candidates are eligible for this Workshop & MCQ. This list includes candidates having deferred from previous dates in 2020 and 2021 due to clash of dates and for other reasons. Such candidates who miss this date without notice to Deer Alliance HCAP may be de-listed as eligible candidates and will have to re-enter the process as Repeat Candidates (Repeat Fee €50.00) if they wish to complete the training and certification process.

ARMSTRONG, Robert
BEWICK, Stuart
CHRISTIAN, Vadim
CORR, Francis
CULBERT, Trevor
FOLEY, Ian
GORSKI, Darius
HANNON, Colm
HAMILL, Michael
HARMAN, Luke
HARVEY, Brendan
HARVEY, Stephen
HENDERSON, Simon
HENRY/Michael
JORDAN, Brendan
JORDAN, Nickie
KAMINSKI, Marius
KELLY, Joe
KENDELLEN, Barry
KENNY, Alan
LAMBERT, John
LAWLER, Ian
LAWLOR, Jonah
LAZZARI, Tojo
MANNINGHAM-BULLER, Edward
McELDUFF, Kevin
MERRIGAN, Ian
MURPHY, Alan
MURPHY, James
MURPHY, Paddy
MURPHY, Patrick
PAILLARD, Etienne
THOMPSON, Tom
REDMOND, Patrick
SCANLON, Callum
SMITH, Gregory
SZULIK, Adam
WALKER, Ian
WHELAN, Sean

This list will be updated as applications are received. Last update 15.9.2021

TRAINING SYLLABUS

The following is the HCAP Training Syllabus agreed with NPWS for purposes of mandatory certification for first-time applicants for the DHL, effective from 2022.

BASIC DEER BIOLOGY
• Species recognition, species distribution (Red, Sika, Fallow, Muntjac)
• Species habits & habitat (Red, Sika, Fallow, Muntjac)
• Life cycle of deer
• The Rut
• Pregnancy and birth
• Vocalisation, hearing, powers of scent
• Antler growth
• Aging deer & tooth eruption and wear
• Coat change and colouration
• Scent glands – identification, use and purpose

PRINCIPLES OF DEER MANAGEMENT
• Aims and objectives
• Current problems facing deer in Ireland
• Methods of population assessment
• Breeding capacity and size of cull
• Planning the cull; cull selection
• Shooting calendar & shooting plan
• Record keeping
• PR

DEER IMPACTS
• Impacts of Deer on forestry, Agriculture and Nature Conservation
• Habitats – damage recognition and damage limitation.

DEER HUNTING & THE LAW
• Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended)
• Relevant Regulations and SIs under the Wildlife Act
• Relevant Sections of Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations
• Coillte licence requirements & regulations
• Firearms legislation 1925 – 2000
• Control of Dogs Act 1986
• Occupiers Liability Act 1995

FIREARMS SAFETY AND OTHER HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES
• Safe storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition including
legal requirements and Hunting Area Risk Assessment
• Background to shot
• Loading & unloading
• Negotiating obstacles
• Barrel obstructions & misfires
• Shooting positions
• Non-Firearms risks, knives, dragging carcasses, terrain issues, weather

FIREARMS, BALLISTICS AND ZEROING
• Choice of rifle and ammunition
• Ballistics (internal, external, terminal)
• Rifle Care, cleaning and maintenance
• ‘Scope mounts, slings, bipods etc.
• Zeroing your rifle

CARCASS HANDLING & DISEASE RECOGNITION
• Bleeding & evisceration
• Carcass examination & disease recognition including Anthrax,
Bluetongue, Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Foot & Mouth Disease,
Warble Fly Infestation
• Notifiable diseases
• Game Meat Directive and other food meat legislation relevant to deer
• Carcass preparation, venison joints etc.

DEER STALKING AIDS AND TECHNIQUES
• Use of High Seat
• Binoculars and other optics
• Fieldcraft
• Clothing
• Knives
• Use of Dogs
• Aiming Points
• Reaction to the shot
• Dealing with a wounded animal
• Sporting rights etc.

HCAP HUNTER COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME
IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK, REGISTRATION NUMBER 263335.
DEER ALLIANCE HCAP IS A REGISTERED BUSINESS NAME, REGISTRATION NUMBER 619892

Brendan Earley with father & son team, Robbie & Connor Dixon

Brothers, Mervyn & Ivan Kenehan

Brothers, Rees & Jordan Broaders

The candidates listed below all completed their Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme with a Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore on Saturday 7th August 2021. The Range Test took place in sometimes difficult weather conditions, with sunny spells interspersed with heavy showers, in spite of which candidates demonstrated a high standard of marksmanship. Thanks go to the Midland Range management and personnel, including J. P. Craven and Tony Saunders, and to Deer Alliance Range Officers Pat Scully and John Manley. Successful candidates received their HCAP Certificates, ID cards and badges from Liam Nolan, Director of Deer Alliance HCAP.

New HCAP-Certified Candidates (date of certification 7th August 2021):

BABINGTON, Robert, 2021/0015
BERGIN, Patrick, 2021/0002
BROADERS, Jordan, 2021/0042
BROADERS, Rees, 2021/0039
BYRNE, Tommy, 2021/0003
CANAVAN, Ian, 2020/0055
CANTWELL, Ted, 2021/0020
CHURCH, Glynn, 2021/0043
COLE, Anthony, 2021/0054
COLOHAN, Donal, 2021/0013
CORBETT, Burke, 2021/0037
CORCORAN, Jamie, 2021/0048
COTTER, Willie, 2021/0028
DIXON, Connor, 2021/0035
DIXON, Robbie, 2021/0034
DOWLING, Mark, 2021/0014
DOYLE, Anthony, 2021/0031
EARLEY, Brendan, 2021/0036
GATELY, Leo, 2021/0029
GRAHAM, Wesley, 2021/0044
HEALY, David, 2021/0009
HUNT, William, 2020/0049
KEAVENEY, Garry, 2020/0054
KENEHAN, Ivan, 2021/0045
KENEHAN, Mervyn, 2021/0046
LEAMY, Maurice, 2021/0055
McALEVEY, Norman, 2021/0032
McGRATH, Donie, 2021/0053
MURPHY, Michael, 2021/0047
O’BRIEN, John, 2021/0030
O’CONNOR, Dean, 2021/0004
O’FLYNN, Declan, 2021/0022
OLIVER, Mark, 2021/0056
O’TOOLE, Geoffrey, 2021/0033
QI Zhang, 2021/0052
REGAN, Patrick, 2021/0051
ROGERS, Shane, 2021/0019,
STYNES, Christian, 2021/0010
TREACHER, Nathan, 2021/0021
TYLICKI, Marcin, 2021/0041
WALSH, Liam, 2021/0028
WATSON, Christopher, 2021/0008
WEYRES, Juergen, 2021/0017
WILKINSON, Thomas, 2021/0040
YANG Li, 2021/0057

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FROM THE TEAM AT DEER ALLIANCE HCAP

Willie Cotter & Patrick Regan

Geoffrey O’Toole

Yang Li

Range Test Candidates are reminded of the importance of ensuring that their firearms are properly zeroed in advance.

The Range Test for HCAP Candidates having successfully completed their MCQs on 17th July 2021 and on 31st July 2021 and in some cases, on previous dates, will take place on Saturday 7th August 2021 at the Midland National Shooting Centre, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58, commencing at 10.00 a.m. sharp.

The list includes candidates eligible for the Range Test following qualification at previous MCQs but having deferred their Range Test on previous occasions. Such candidates are reminded that if having deferred two or more Range Tests, they miss the Range Test on 7th August 2021 they will be de-listed as eligible and may complete their HCAP only by re-entering for the Range Test stage and paying a Repeat Fee of €50.00.

Candidates should be present from 9.30 a.m. in order to sign in and to exhibit their current Firearms Certificate and evidence of insurance.

Procedures to be followed at each Range Test are posted separately.

ELIGIBLE RANGE TEST CANDIDATES

BABINGTON, Robert
BEHAN, Conor
BERGIN, Patrick
BROADERS, Jordan
BROADERS, Rees
BYRNE, Tommy
CANAVAN, Ian
CANTWELL, Ted
CHURCH, Glynn
COLE, Anthony
COLOHAN, Donal
CONWAY, Kieran
COOKE, Declan
COOKE, Eamonn
CORBETT, Burke
CORCORAN, Jamie
COTTER, Willie
DIXON, Connor
DIXON, Robbie
DOWLING, Mark
DOYLE, Anthony
EARLEY, Brendan
GATELY, Leo
GRAHAM, Wesley
HEALY, David
HUNT, William
KEAVENEY, Garry
KENEHAN, Ivan
KENEHAN, Mervyn
LEAMY, Maurice
LEAVY, Niall
McALEVEY, Norman
McGRATH, Donie
MURPHY, Michael
O’BRIEN, John
O’CONNOR, Dean
O’FLYNN, Declan
O’FLYNN, Sean
OLIVER, Mark
O’NEILL, Simon
O’TOOLE, Geoffrey
QI Zhang
REGAN, Patrick
ROGERS, Shane
STYNES, Christian
TREACHER, Nathan
TYLICKI, Marcin
WALSH, Liam
WATSON, Christopher
WEYRES, Juergen
WILKINSON, Thomas
YANG Li

All successful candidates will receive the HCAP Certificate of Competence, Deer Alliance HCAP ID Card and Deer Alliance HCAP Badge.