All Candidates taking part in the Deer Alliance HCAP Range Test on Saturday 25th July 2020 should follow current guidelines for social distancing and to maintain a minimum distance of two metres from other candidates at all times but especially at the pre-test registration process. Sanitation stations are in place and candidates are encouraged to use them. Tea and coffee facilities are suspended due to Covid 19 precautions and candidates should bring their own refreshments as required. While masks are not mandatory outdoors they should be worn at registration and when receiving Certificates of Competency after completing the Range Test.

Remember to bring firearms certificate and evidence of identity and insurance.

Good luck to all candidates.

 

LOCATION OF MIDLAND RANGE (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

EIRCODE R35 NC58

PROCEDURES AT HCAP RANGE TESTS

All HCAP Candidates are required to note the following matters in relation to Range Tests conducted at the Midland National Shooting Grounds (“MRC”), at Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly:

1: Only Candidates who have passed the HCAP MCQ may take the HCAP Range Test.

2: Candidates must use a rifle of calibre legal for hunting deer in Ireland, i.e. minimum legal calibre .22/250.

3: All firearms must be transported in sleeves or cases. The firing bolt should be removed and carried separately. Firing bolts should be inserted only when preparing to shoot. At all times when not actually shooting, the bolt should be removed and a breech flag inserted.

4: All Candidates are required to carry fully adequate Shooting Insurance and must provide evidence of insurance to MRC on the day of any Range Test. Current Countryside Alliance, IFA Countryside or NARGC membership all satisfy the insurance requirement.

5: The law requires that a valid firearms certificate must be carried when using or transporting any firearm. The firearm certificate covers the “use, possession or carriage” of the firearm. MRC require HCAP Candidates to exhibit their firearm certificate before proceeding to the Range Test.

6: All Candidates are required to sign in at the main MRC check-in desk on arrival at the Range, and before proceeding to the Windmill Range on which the HCAP Range Tests take place, and to exhibit evidence of identity, insurance and firearm certificate on request. No insurance, no Range Test; no Firearms Certificate, no Range Test.

7: Sound Moderators are permitted only where MRC Range Officials are satisfied that the Moderator is factory-fitted and that the firearm in question is in proof.

8: Following experimentation over a number of Range Tests, Deer Alliance HCAP has adopted the following procedures in respect of Range Tests:

a) All Candidates will be listed alphabetically (surname first) and allocated to firing details accordingly.
b) Each Firing Detail usually has up to 20 positions (up to 20 Candidates to each Detail).
c) The first Firing Detail will always kick off at 10 a.m. sharp, with approximately 45 minutes allowed for each Detail.
d) All Candidates are urged to arrive at MRC not later than 9.30 a.m. on the day of any Range Test, to allow time for registration procedures as set out above.
e) Thereafter, HCAP Range Officials will allocate positions on each Detail according to alphabetical order and actual presence on the Range.
f) Deferrals must be notified in writing (email or text message) to the Deer Alliance not less than 3 days before any Range Test. “No-shows”, i.e. non-attendance without notification, may result in loss of entitlement to complete the HCAP Certification programme.
g) The Range Test consists of accurate grouping of three shots in a four-inch circle at a distance of 100 metres, taken in the prone position; followed by accurate placement of nine shots in the heart/lung area of a life-size deer target (three shots prone or sitting at 100 metres, three shots sitting or kneeling at sixty metres and three shots standing at 40 metres). Normal stalking aids may be used e.g. slings, bipods/tripods or stalking sticks. Candidates are permitted two attempts at the grouping target followed by one attempt at the deer target or one attempt at the grouping target and two attempts at the deer target.
h) After shooting, each Candidate, pass or fail, is given a slip with his or her name on it and indicating pass or fail, and attempts taken. This slip (pass or fail) must be presented to the HCAP Administrator Liam Nolan before leaving the Range in order to receive the HCAP Certificate
i) Repeats on the day of the Range Test are entirely at the discretion of the designated HCAP Range Officials and may be subject to a Repeat Fee of €25.00
j) Safety is paramount at all times and any lapse will be severely penalised. All Candidates are issued with the Deer Alliance “Safe Stalking” safety leaflet and. copies will be available at each Range Test. It is the responsibility of each Candidate to ensure that best practice safety procedures are followed at all times.

 

Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com.

HCAP RANGE TEST CANDIDATES SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR FIREARM IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL, FIT FOR PURPOSE AND PROPERLY ZEROED FOR THE TASK IN HAND.

The Range Test for HCAP Candidates having successfully completed their MCQs on 11th July 2020 and in some cases, on previous dates, will take place on Saturday 25th July 2020 at the Midland National Shooting Ground, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 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 25th July 2020 they will be delisted 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. Candidates are listed alphabetically and will shoot in firing details of multiple shooters (usually fifteen to twenty shooters in each detail).

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

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

ACATINCA, Vasilica
AMARANDEI, Vasile
ANDERSON, Jon
BURKE, David
CEBOTARI, Ion
COLE, David
CREAMER, Ronan
DOHERTY, Martin
DORAN, Mark
DUNPHY, Garreth
DWYER, Michael
EDGE, Robert
FLYNN, Cathal
GUZUN, Grigore
HARMON, James
IVANOFF, Eftim
JASKIEWICZ, Roman
KENNY, Seán
KIRWAN, Robert
LABECKIS, Vitalijs
LANE, Billy
McCARTHY, Dylan
McCARTHY, Seán
MAY, Sean
MURRAY, Ralph
O’CONNELL, Gary
O’CONNOR, Tony
O’ROURKE, Kenneth
O’TOOLE, Niall
PODLASEK, Szymon
PHELAN, Thomas
PRICE, Warren
REID, Graeme
SHANAHAN, Maurice
SIEDLEC, Adrian
VENABLES, Aaron
WALSH, Maurice
WAWRZYNIAK, Dawid
WHELAN, Andrew

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

HEADS DOWN FOR HCAP CANDIDATES, MCQ SATURDAY 11th JULY 2020

(Click to enlarge)

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny, on Saturday 11th July 2020 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range on Saturday 25th July 2020. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately in due course.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 11th July 2020 will be carried forward to the first scheduled MCQ in 2020, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice (date to be announced here when finalised).

2019/0081, 84%, Pass
2020/0045, 92%, Pass
2020/0037, 88%, Pass
2020/0011, 94%, Pass
2020/0034, 84%, Pass
2020/0032, 98%, Pass
2019/0083, 94%, Pass
2020/0028, 96%, Pass
2020/0006, 92%, Pass
2020/0029, 88%, Pass
2018/0104, 94%, Pass
2020/0014, 86%, Pass
2020/0041, 84%, Pass
2020/0010, 98%, Pass
2020/0046, 96%, Pass
2020/0002, 100%, Pass
2020/0019, 90%, Pass
2020/0043, 94%, Pass
2020/0042, 92%, Pass
2020/0003, 94%, Pass
2020/0004, 92%, Pass
2020/0015, 94%, Pass
2020/0035, 94%, Pass
2020/0022, 92%, Pass
2020/003, 94%, Pass
2020/0030, 92%, Pass
2020/0023, 100%, Pass
2020/0036, 90%, Pass
2020/0026, 98%, Pass
2020/0009, 80%, Pass
2020/0044, 96%, Pass
2020/0005, 94%, Pass
2020/0025, 100%, Pass
2020/0017, 98%, 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.

2020/0008, 66%, Fail
2019/0063, 76%, Fail
2020/0013, 72%, Fail
2020/0001, 68%, Fail
2020/0007, 68%, Fail
2020/0033, 58%, Fail

We are pleased to announce that, with the lifting of Covid 19 restrictions, Deer Alliance HCAP can now re-commence their calendar of HCAP Assessments.

The next HCAP MCQ will take place at 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 11th July 2020 and will be preceded by an optional Training Workshop running from 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

The cost of HCAP remains unchanged at €165.00. Application can be made online, go to Online Applications from the website Home Page and follow the on-screen instructions.

The Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual, now in its third printing, can be purchased online, cost €35.00 inc. p. & p.

The Training Workshop carries an additional cost of €50.00 payable on the day and candidates wishing to participate should pre-book their place by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by text to 086 1927 845.

Candidates not participating in the Workshop should present themselves not later than 3.45 p.m. in order to register for the MCQ.

The venue for the MCQ is the Ionad Dara Community Centre, Chapel Street, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny, eircode R95 D654.

The Range Test for successful candidates from this MCQ will take place on Saturday 25th July 2020 at the Midlands National Shooting Centre, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, commencing at 10.00 a.m.

Prevailing guidance on social distancing, wearing of face masks and other safety measures will be observed.

All HCAP-Certified Candidates are automatically enrolled as members of the Deer Alliance Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters and receive, in addition to their Certificate of Competence, a HCAP-Certified Hunter ID card and badge.

The following candidates are eligible for the HCAP MCQ on Saturday 11th July 2020:

ACATINCA, Vasilica
AMARANDEI, Vasile
ANDERSON, Jon
BURKE, David
CEBOTARI, Ion
COLE, David
CREAMER, Ronan
DEDAJ, Kristian
DOHERTY, Martin
DUNPHY, Garreth
DWYER, Michael
EDGE, Robert
FINN, Richard
FLAHERTY, James
FLYNN, Cathal
GUZUN, Grigore
HAMILL, Michael
HARMON, James
HARVEY, Brendan
HEAVEY, Lisa
HENDERSON, Simon
HUNT, William
HUTCHINSON, Robert
JASKIEWICZ, Roman
KENDELLEN, Barry
KENNY, Seán
KIRWAN, Robert
LABECKIS, Vitalijs
LANE, Billy
LARKIN, Andrea
McCARTHY, Dylan
McCARTHY, Seán
MANNINGHAM-BULLER, Edward
MAY, Sean
MURPHY, James
MURPHY, Paddy
MURPHY, Patrick
MURRAY, Ralph
O’CALLAGHAN, Michael
O’CONNELL, Gary
O’CONNOR, Tony
O’ROURKE, Kenneth
PASCALE, Florin
PODLASEK, Szymon
PHELAN, Thomas
PRICE, Warren
REID, Graeme
ROONEY, Paul
SIEDLEC, Adrian
STACEY, Ciarán
TICE, Patrick
WALKER, Ian
WALSH, Maurice
WAWRZYNIAK, Dawid
WAWRZYNIAK, Maciej
WHELAN, Andrew

Applications will remain open until close of business on 8th July 2020.

 

THREE VIEWS OF A WICKLOW HYBRID, SHOT IN 2018. DNA ANALYSIS PROVED THIS TO BE A RED DEER, CERVUS ELAPHUS, DESPITE APPEARANCES TO THE CONTRARY (click to enlarge).

For a view of the spread of sika deer in Scotland, where hybridisation looms in some areas, the Fieldsports Channel on Youtube offers a couple of short overviews of a perceived problem.

“Dealing with the Sika Swarm”, click here.
“Aliens and Natives”, click here.

 

“Giant”, Red stag in the New Forest, 2017

(click to enlarge)

Follow the life and times of a New Forest red deer stag from youth to old age. A remarkable YouTube series, chronicling the development and eventually, the demise of a magnificent stag.

To follow his life, click here.

Requiem: to view a tribute to a long life and the end of an era, click here.

 

As we are now in an enhanced Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, we hope shortly to be able to announce a date for the next scheduled HCAP assessments (MCQ and Range Test).

The impact of Covid 19 on all aspects of our society has been significant but we are all hopeful that we can see the dawning of some degree of normality, thanks to the efforts of society as a whole.

We are determined that HCAP activities will resumed as soon as physically possible and we are grateful for the forbearance of those many candidates who are anxious to achieve HCAP Certification.

New dates will be arranged as soon as the situation is resolved, in the meanwhile HCAP Applications will continue to be processed the usual manner, and Stalker Training Manuals will continue to be issued in response to orders received.

The following candidates are eligible for the next scheduled HCAP assessment, when a new date is fixed. The list will be updated as further applications are received. Stay strong and stay safe!

ACATINCA, Vasilica, 2019/0081
BURKE, David, 2020/0011
CREAMER, Ronan, 2019/0081
DEDAJ, Kristian, 2019/0078
DOHERTY, Martin, 2020/0028
DUNPHY, Garreth, 2020/0006
DWYER, Michael, 2020/0029
EDGE, Robert, 2018/0104
FINN, Richard, 2019/0082
FLAHERTY, James, 2018/0051
FLYNN, Cathal, 2020/0014
HAMILL, Michael/2020/0021
HARMON, James, 2020/0010
HARVEY, Brendan, 2020/0008
HEAVEY, Lisa, 2019/0080
HENDERSON, Simon, 2020/0020
HUNT, William, 2019/0063
HUTCHINSON, Robert, 2009/0108
KENDELLEN, Barry, 2020/0013
KENNY, Seán, 2020/0002
KIRWAN, Robert, 2020/0019
LARKIN, Andrea, 2020/0016
MacCARTHY, Dylan, 2020/0003
MacCARTHY, Seán, 2020/0004
MANNINGHAM-BULLER, Edward, 2020/0018
MAY, Sean, 2020/0015
O’CALLAGHAN, Michael, 2019/0079
O’CONNELL, Gary, 2020/0022
O’ROURKE, Kenneth, 2020/0030
PASCALE, Florin, 2020/0001
PODLASEK, Szymon, 2020/0023
PRICE, Warren, 2020/0026
REID, Graeme, 2020/0009
ROONEY, Paul, 2020/0007
TICE, Patrick, 2018/0007
WALKER, Ian, 2020/0027
WALSH, Maurice, 2020/0005
WAWRZYNIAK, Dawid, 2020/0025
WAWRZYNIAK, Maciej, 2020/0024
WHELAN, Andrew, 2020/0017

(List updated 11th June 2020)

Thermal Image Deer (click to enlarge)

 

Thermal Imaging Riflescope

There is an amount of misleading and erroneous “opinion” in circulation on the subject of use of night vision and thermal imaging devices in connection with hunting or “spotting” wild deer. It may be helpful to set out a clearer statement of the law in this regard.

Our starting point must be section 2 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as originally enacted.

Section 2 defines “to hunt” as: “[to] stalk, pursue, chase, drive, flush, capture, course, attract, follow, search for, lie in wait for, take, trap or shoot by any means whether with or without dogs, and, except in sections 28 and 29, includes killing in the course of hunting, but does not in this Act include stalking, attracting, searching for or lying in wait for any fauna by an unarmed person solely for the purpose of watching or of taking or making photographic or other pictures, and kindred words shall be construed accordingly”.

Section 28 of the Act provides for general restriction as regards hunting or killing with firearms certain exempted wild mammals and certain protected wild birds. Section 29 provides for the grant of licences to hunt with firearms. Neither section need be rehearsed here for the purposes of this analysis of the position as regards night vision or thermal imaging devices, which are covered under Section 38 of the Act, as amended.

The original section 38 of the Act as commenced in 1977 made it an offence for any person to

“use any lamp, light, torch, mirror or other artificial light-reflecting or dazzling device or appliance in hunting any protected wild bird or protected wild animal, otherwise than while either (a) attaching thereto any band, ring, tag or other marking device, or (b) hunting for educational or scientific purposes, pursuant to and in accordance with a licence granted under this Act by the Minister.”

Section 38 was amended by section 45 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 and now reads as follows:

“38.— (1) Any person who uses—

(a) any lamp, light, torch, mirror or other artificial light-reflecting or dazzling device or appliance, or

(b) any device for illuminating, image intensifying or heat seeking a target, or

(c) any sighting device for night shooting, or

(d) any device or appliance which is of a type, class or description specified in an order under subsection (2) of this section,

in hunting any protected wild bird or protected wild animal otherwise than while either—

(i) attaching thereto any band, ring, tag or other marking device, or

(ii) hunting for educational or scientific purposes or for any other purpose,

pursuant to and in accordance with a licence granted under this Act by the Minister, shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) (a) The Minister may by order declare a device or appliance which is of a type, class or description specified in the order to be a device or appliance to which subsection (1) of this section applies.

(b) The Minister may amend or revoke an order made under this subsection.”.

Sections 3 and 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 were commenced (brought into legal effect) on 12th March 2001 on foot of Statutory Instrument No. 71/2001 – Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Commencement) Order, 2001. All other sections saving section 36 were commenced on 31st July 2001 under Statutory Instrument No. 371/2001 – Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Commencement) (No.2) Order, 2001. Section 36 of the 2000 Act deals only with the regulation of commercial shoot operators.

It is clear then that use of any night vision or thermal imagery (heat seeking) devices to hunt wild deer (as defined in section 2 of the Principal Act) on or off the firearm, is strictly against the law, except for hunting for educational or scientific purposes or for any other purpose, under Ministerial licence.

The use of a lamp to hunt deer may be permitted under the terms of any section 42 licence provided the applicant or nominated hunter is HCAP-Certified.

It follows that use of any night vision or thermal imagery device may be permitted under the terms of any section 42 Licence. There is no barrier simpliciter, it would be for the licensing authority (NPWS) to determine acceptability of use of night vision or thermal imagery device in this context. However, in the context of hunting protected wild animals, such devices, on or off a firearm, are not permitted in any other circumstances. It is not an offence to possess or use such devices in any other legitimate context provided there is no breach of section 38 of the Act (as amended).

As always, the vermin shooting exclusion is there to confuse and confound the intention of the legislators.

In relation to the fitting of any such device to a firearm, the Garda Commissioner’s Guidelines (2018) carries the following statement:

(Quote)

TELESCOPIC SIGHTS

In the Firearms Act 1925 to 2009, the definition of a firearm additionally includes:

‘telescopic sights with a light beam, or telescope sights with an electronic amplification
device or an infra-red device, designed to be fitted to af irearm …. ‘ Such devices would
fall into three broad categories as follows and again an applicant must satisfy the issuing
person that he/she has demonstrated ‘good reason’ to acquire the sight:

(i) An Active Night Sight – this device emits an invisible light beam which
illuminates objects and would assist with identification of objects.

(ii) A Passive Night Sight – this device does not emit any beam but amplifies any
ambient light (from stars or moon) which enables objects to be distinguished
and identified.

(iii) Thermal Image Sight – this device resolves the heat signature given off by
warm objects and enables identification of objects.

When an applicant is applying for a firearm certificate or its renewal, the application
should include whether or not a silencer or telescopic sights are sought for that particular
firearm. A subsequent application for a silencer or telescopic sight will require the
applicant to re-apply on a new application form FCA 1 and will require the full €80 fee if
the application is successful. So it is vitally important, that where applicable, new
applicants or applicants applying to renew their firearm certificates ensure that their
application/renewal form includes reference to a silencer/telescopic sight. All firearm
certificates which include authorisation to hold a silencer, must include details of the
authorisation for the silencer in respect of the firearm by inclusion of the letter ‘S’ on the
firearms card.

(end quote).

 

Night Vision Image Deer (click to enlarge)

 

Night Vision Riflescope

 

It is reported that Coillte Teoranta will shortly introduce an online Hunting Area Management System, with all hunting on Coillte forest property to be controlled and managed through the system with effect from the season 2020-2021.

For an introduction to the HAMS Hunting Area Management System click here.