The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 has been published. Its principal purpose is to make it illegal to hunt deer with two or more dogs. The Bill provides in a new section 23A that a person, including the holder of a licence or permission granted under the Wildlife Act, who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence. It shall not be an offence for a person to hunt deer with two or more dogs, pursuant to a permission granted under section 42 of this Act, where it is a term of such permission that dogs may be used to hunt deer.

While the Bill is intended to outlaw hunting the carted stag with hounds (such as practised by the Ward Union Hunt), it may well have unintended consequences for other licensed deer hunters.

It is a requirement of the standard Coillte forestry licence that hunters must have access to a trained dog for purposes of tracking and recovering shot deer. Access to a trained dog is recommended best practice for all deer hunters under the Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP). It is unclear whether the Bill will have implications for hunters in this context.

It is understood that participating deer organisations are reviewing the implications of the Bill, if any.

The full text of the Bill is available through the following link:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Heritage/NationalParksandWildlife/RHLegislation/FileDownLoad,22746,en.pdf

HCAP-Certified Donegal Stalker Gerd Höna has produced a 54-minute DVD entitled “After the Shot“, showing the preparation of simple but delicious venison dishes from wild shot deer, which will inspire all stalkers into getting the very best from their hunting. The DVD, directed by Gerd and his HCAP-Certified wife and stalking partner Veronika, is available from Gerd and Veronika Höna, Schoolmaster’s House, Ranafast, Co. Donegal, tel. 00353 (0) 74 954 8275, email info@donberg.ie, cost (to cover post & packaging) €5.00.

The Deer Alliance has no other interest in the DVD and takes no responsibility for its contents but is happy to recommend it as a source of information and guidance on carcass handling and preparation and presentation of venison dishes.

David Dunne has produced a 75-minute DVD entitled “Deer Hunting in Ireland”, covering aspects of deer management, culling, carcass handling and preparation for the table, which should prove a useful addition to every stalker’s DVD library. David is an experienced stalker with a professional background in game handling and butchery.

The DVD is available from various outlets or can be obtained directly from David Dunne, email lenkadunne@yahoo.ie, telephone 086 357 5917. The cost of the DVD is €25.00.

A contribution is made to the Deer Alliance for every copy sold when purchasers mention the Deer Alliance. The Deer Alliance has no other interest in the DVD and takes no responsibility for its contents but is happy to recommend it as a source of information and guidance on carcass handling and preparation.

The following is the text of a notice published by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 9 March 2010.

REVIEW OF FOREST POLICY – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

In the Renewed Programme for Government, published October 2009, the Government undertook to review forest policy.

Three review groups have been established to examine (1) National Forest Policy, (2) Funding of Forestry Schemes and (3) The Role of Coillte and its Functions. The terms of reference of these groups and other background documents are available on the Department’s website, www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestryreview. Submissions are invited on all aspects of forest policy, its funding, and the role of Coillte and its functions and should be addressed to:

“Submission on Forestry Review”
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Johnstown Castle Estate
Wexford.

Or email: forestryreview@agriculture.gov.ie.

Submissions will be made available to the public on our website.

The deadline for the receipt of submissions is 31 March 2010.

The Department is also engaged in a “2020 Strategy” consultation process for the agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry sectors. Submissions for this process are welcome and should be addressed to 2020@agriculture.gov.ie before 31 March 2010.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Email: info@agriculture.gov.ie
www.agriculture.gov.ie

(end)

Note: This notice is additional to, and unrelated to, previous notice concerning Woodlands of Ireland.

Woodlands of Ireland have published a review of forestry policy, which contains recommendations in relation to management of wild deer in Ireland and which has implications for all deer hunters. The Report (Executive Summary and full Report) can be viewed at www.forestryheritagereview.com.

Deer hunters are encouraged to read the Report and as stakeholders in Irish forestry with an interest in the issue of deer management, to convey opinions to Woodlands of Ireland (www.woodlandsofireland.com), to the Heritage Council (www.heritagecouncil.ie) or to any deer society or organised body of which they are a member. Comments may also be posted here, subject to Moderator’s review.

Coillte Teoranta have circulated a notice to all deer hunting licencees regarding the illegal hunting and killing of wild deer. The full text of the Coillte Notice is set out below.
Important Notice

To: All holders of licences to hunt deer on Coillte lands
Subject: The illegal hunting and killing of wild deer
Date: January 2010

Over the last number of months there has been a significant increase in the number of reported incidents of wild deer being shot and otherwise killed on Coillte lands without authorisation. Coillte is totally opposed to this practice, which is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) 2000.

To assist us in addressing this issue, all licence holders and their nominated hunters are requested to immediately report all actual or suspected occurrences of this activity taking place on Coillte lands. Details should be reported directly to the local Forest Manager in order that they be included on the Company’s register and forwarded to the relevant authorities. Where adequate evidence exists, it is Coillte’s intention to take, or assist in taking legal proceedings against any alleged offender/s under Section 44 (subsection 4) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) 2000.

Summary proceedings for such an offence may also be prosecuted directly by:
i) Any individual who is entitled to enjoy the sporting rights of the relevant land at the time of the alleged offence, this includes licence holders.
ii) Any secretary of a recognised body who is entitled to enjoy the sporting rights of the relevant land at the time of the alleged offence (provided that prior to the relevant time a notice was posted in a local newspaper stating that the sporting rights on these lands were reserved to that body).

Warning: Approaching persons believed to be committing an offence should only be undertaken following a careful assessment of the situation and if there is any doubt about safety, withdraw completely from the area and notify An Garda Siochana and/or National Parks and Wildlife Service.

(end)

The Irish Farmers’ Association, the Irish Deer Society and the Wild Deer Association have launched a joint deer management project aimed at providing a solution to landowners troubled by excess numbers of deer on their land. The following information is contained in the IFA Press Release annoncing the joint project:

“Following consultations between the IFA, the Irish Deer Society and the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, a Deer Management Programme is to be made available to advise and assist landowners on management of deer while maintaining the herd in a safe and sustainable environment.

IFA Deputy President Derek Deane welcomed the initiative, which has come about after detailed discussions with all stakeholders. “The dramatic rise in deer numbers in the last few years has posed problems for farmers, including fence damage, encroaching on crops, grazing of pastureland and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. All these have financial implications for farmers. IFA recognises the value of maintaining a healthy herd, but it must be within the natural environment for the deer.”

Mr Deane encouraged farmers to avail of the services that will be provided under the Management Programme. Contacts for co-ordinators approved by the Irish Deer Society will be made available to landowners who have problems with deer numbers.

The Chairman of the Irish Deer Society Paul Wood said the aim of his organisation was the conservation of wild deer. “We also recognise the need for the effective management of deer numbers. Unmanaged deer herds can increase annually by 30%. Proper management conducted during the open season should reduce the need for Section 42 licences, which allow hunting out of season.”

David Wilkinson, Chairman of IFA Countryside, said the rise in deer numbers poses a threat to roadusers and private property. “A successful Deer Management Programme will reduce the risk of accidents and preserve the deer population in their own environment.”

President of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland Pat Scully said there will be an educational element to the Management Programme. “Part of the problem is down to a lack of deer management knowledge. Hunters often concentrate on culling male deer because they want a set of trophy antlers. This does very little to control deer numbers as female numbers escalate. This approach does little for farmers or for the national deer herd.”

IDS and WDAI have established a network of regional co-ordinators (listed below).

A farmer with a deer population problem can contact his local coordinator who will advise the farmer as to the most effective approach and if necessary put
him in direct contact with a nearby qualified and experienced deer
stalker. There will be no charge or cost to the farmer. When a co-ordinator recommends a stalker to a farmer there are a number of requirements that must be
in order. The hunter must have a current firearm certificate, a current
deer hunting license, be qualified, experienced and insured. The hunter must familiarise himself with the area and be aware of any safety considerations or hazards. Qualified means, a hunter who has successfully completed the Hunter
Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) or equivalent. HCAP-Certified stalkers have passed an exam where the subjects included the Firearms Acts, Ballistics and Safety, Wildlife Act, Diseases in Deer, Management Methods and other practical subjects. The successful HCAP participant will also have passed a firearms range test. Each HCAP qualified hunter should have a certificate of qualification (as issued by HCAP Assessment Committee).

List of Deer Co-ordinators
(Drawn from Irish Deer Society and Wild Deer Association of Ireland)

Leinster:

Michael Cunningham, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Tel: 086 127 4901
Liam O’ Shaughnessey, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Tel: 087 644 1521

________________________________________________

Code of Practice for Licensed Hunters Participating in the IDS/WDAI/IFA Deer Management Plan.

1. The aim of this management plan is to reduce the number of female deer in high density areas, therefore reducing the need for out-of-season Section 42 licences

2. The stalker must remember at all times that they are representing the Irish Deer Society or The Wild Deer Association of Ireland and are expected to have a high ethical standard whilst hunting.

3. Remember the priority target is female deer and is not an excuse to shoot trophies.

4. NO Section 42 licences for female deer will be acted on in May and June.

5. Female deer can be taken with a Section 42 after June provided that the calf is taken first.

6. All efforts should be taken to cull deer at the legal time of the year i.e. the hunting season.

7. All stalkers must have third party insurance and be HCAP or BDS level 1 standard*.

8. A DNA sample should be taken (e.g. the tip of an ear) from any deer culled. Sample kits will be supplied.

9. Make certain that there is no conflict between landowners and owners of sporting rights.

*NOTE: BDS BSC Level 1 is not recognised by Coillte Teoranta or the Deer Alliance HCAP Assessment Committee for purposes of meeting Coillte requirements in respect of hunting on Coillte forest property as Licensees or Nominated Stalkers.

Statutory Instrument No. 346 of 2008, Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2008, signed on August 27th 2008 and published on September 2nd 2008, provides for an Open Season for Muntjac deer in Ireland.

There is now a 12-month Open Season for Muntjac, running from the 1st day of September in each year and ending on the 31st day of August in the following year.

The Order follows several reported sightings of Muntjac in the Wicklow/Wexford area and at least one verified kill.

National Parks & Wildlife Service and others are concerned that the species could spread and come to represent a serious threat to agricultural, forestry and other environmental interests, as has occurred in Britain.

MORE ABOUT MUNTJAC (MUNTIACUS REEVESI)

(Source: British Deer Society)

Recognition: Small, stocky, russet brown in summer, grey brown in winter. Long pedicles, short antlers and visible upper canines in bucks. Very large facial glands below the eyes. Ginger forehead with pronounced black lines running to the pedicles in bucks, dark U shape in does. Haunches higher than withers, giving a hunched appearance. Fairly wide tail, which is held erect when disturbed.

Adult size: Bucks (males): 10 to 18kg, 44 to 52cm at shoulder. Does (females): 9 to 16kg, 43 to 52cm at shoulder.

Antlers: Short (up to 10cm) but on long pedicles. Usually unbranched but brow tine occasionally found in old bucks.

Life span: Bucks: up to 16 years. Does: up to 19 years, but these are exceptional.

Food & feeding: Selective feeders that take small morsels from nutritious plants. Diet varies according to region and availability but may include herbs, brambles, ivy, heather, bilberry and coppice shoots.

Habitat: Deciduous or coniferous forests, preferably with a diverse understorey. Also found in scrub and over-grown gardens in urban areas.

Origins & history: Muntjac were first introduced from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire, England in the early 20th century. Deliberate releases and escapes from Woburn, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire lead to feral populations establishing. Their rapid spread across England and Wales has been facilitated by deliberate movement and release by humans.

Social organisation: Generally solitary or found in pairs (doe with kid or buck with doe) although pair-bonding does not occur. Bucks defend small exclusive territories against other bucks whereas does’ territories overlap with each other and with several bucks.

Vocalisation: A common name for muntjac is “barking deer” resulting from the repeated, loud bark given under a number of circumstances. An alarmed muntjac may scream whereas maternal does and kids squeak.

The rut: In contrast to all other species of deer in Britain and Ireland, muntjac do not have a defined breeding season (rut). Instead, they breed all year round and the does can conceive again within days of giving birth. Bucks may fight for access to does but remain unusually tolerant of subordinate males within their vicinity.

Breeding: Muntjac are capable of breeding at 8 months old and breed all year round. After a gestation period of 7 months the doe gives birth to a single kid and is ready to mate again within a few days.

Activity: Muntjac are active throughout the 24-hour period but make more use of open spaces during the hours of darkness in populations experiencing frequent disturbance. Peak times of activity are at dawn and dusk. After feeding long periods are spent “lying up”, which is where the deer lies down to ruminate.

Economic factors: Unlike other species of deer in Britain, muntjac do not cause significant damage to agricultural or timber crops. However, high muntjac densities may result in the prevention of coppice regeneration and the loss of some plants of conservation importance, such as primulas. Muntjac trophy hunting is only recently becoming popular and so muntjac stalking has little tradition on country and forest estates. The most significant direct economic impact that muntjac have on human interests is in collisions with cars. However, this has welfare as well as economic implications.

Below: Muntjac shot near Avoca, Co. Wicklow in 2007.
© Photograph by John Griffin.

The Wild Deer Association of Ireland supported by Coillte Teoranta, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the British Deer Society, Deer Alliance and Countryside Alliance Ireland have launched a campaign highlighting the message that “The unauthorised taking of deer (poaching) is illegal & dangerous!”. According to the WDAI, poaching has reached epidemic levels in some areas through shooting at night with spotlights (lamping), shooting outside the designated hunting seasons, snaring or trapping and in some cases coursing deer with dogs. WDAI have introduced their campaign with a dramatic and eye-catching poster which illustrates their point very strongly and which sets out advice to anyone coming across a possible poaching incident.

In a statement launching their csmpaign, WDAI say that while the word “poaching” has been for many generations associated with the illegal taking of pheasant or salmon, in terms of deer it can mean unnecessary injury or suffering to the animal, or even worse, death or injury to a person, as this illegal and dangerous activity usually involves the incorrect use of firearms, used in unsafe conditions, with little regard for the safety of others.

According to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, poaching of deer has been on the increase in Ireland in recent years and the Association, through its nationwide membership and with the support of other organisations, aims to raise awareness and to inform members of the public of what should be done if a suspected illegal or unauthorised taking of deer is encountered.

“Deer must be culled but only under controlled conditions, to restrict damage to forestry and farmland where over-population occurs. Culling should always be carried out by a certified deerstalker such as persons certified under the Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP), which promotes high standards and best practice, with adequate insurance cover such as that provided by Countryside Alliance Ireland”.

“It is recommended where you suspect illegal hunting or taking of deer, that you contact your local Garda station or National Parks & Wild Life Service office, taking note of all relevant details such as location, date, time, vehicle registration and other details – but never approach!”

Copies of the WDAI Campaign Poster can be downloaded at www.wilddeerireland.com

The Deer Alliance came into being in 2001, in response to Coillte Teoranta’s imminent requirement for independent hunter competence assessment (see previous postings). Between 2001 and 2004 the Deer Alliance Development Committee, comprised of representatives of participating bodies, examined alternative hunter training and competence assessment models including those previously available in Ireland and Britain, together with other European and international models. During this period all expenses were met individually by the participating organisations and/or nominated representatives themselves. The Hunter Competence Assessment Programme 2005 – 2010 (HCAP) launched in 2005 after four years of deliberations and which included publication of the Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual, remains a voluntary non-profitmaking exercise, with direct expenses funded by revenues from assessment fees and Manual sales. The initial cost of producing the Manual, which was substantial, was funded from grant aid received from Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) and the participating deer organisations. Ongoing costs include secretarial and administrative costs, contribution to expenses incurred by volunteers assisting in HCAP MCQs and Range Tests, and promotional costs. Revenues are in general managed to achieve at best a break-even situation, with any surpluses arising from income over expenditure going towards general promotion of the HCAP project. Accounts are currently audited by Michael Ryan & Associates, Chartered Secretary & Accountants, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, to whom the Deer Alliance HCAP Assessment Committee is indebted for attention to services required.

The following is a snapshot of the overall cumulative financial picture as at December 31, 2007.

PERIOD 1 – from 9.8.04 to 31.12.05 (17 months)

INCOME
Grants & Donations received: €17840.00
Assessment Fees: €6975.00
Manual Sales: €14309.00
Total income (all sources): €39207.38

EXPENDITURE
Secretarial & Administration expenses: €4793.38
Assessment expenses: €2013.20
Total expenditure: €29167.24

Cash at Bank: €10040.14

PERIOD 2 – 1.1.06 to 31.12.06

Opening Balance: €10040.14

INCOME
Assessment Fees: €8575.00
Manual Sales: €3908.00
Miscellaneous income: €180.00
Total income (all sources): €12663.00

EXPENDITURE
Printing Charges: €1300.75
Secretarial & Administration expenses: €6585.55
Website development & maintenance: €1441.58
Assessment expenses: €4137.10
Bank charges: €147.73
Total expenditure: €13612.71

Cash at Bank: €9090.43

PERIOD 3 – 1.1.07 to 31.12.07

Opening Balance: €9090.43

INCOME
Assessment Fees: €19345.00
Manual Sales: €4855.00
Miscellaneous income: €171.00
Total Income (all sources): €24371.00

EXPENDITURE
Printing Charges: €1131.00
Secretarial & Administration expenses: €6500.00
Website development & maintenance: €130.00
Assessment expenses: €6193.00
Bank charges: €116.00
Audit Expenses: €220.00
Total expenditure: €14290.00

Cash at Bank: €19172.00