Coillte Teoranta have announced their 2020 first-round offers for licences to hunt deer on their forest property, for details click here.

Coillte have also published an updated Code of Practice 2020 for sustainable hunting and shooting of deer, game and other quarry species on Coillte forest property.

To view the Code click here.

The following is an extract from that updated Code of Practice, referencing requirements for evidence of competence for both bird shooters and deer hunters.

“2. Hunter Competence

Coillte believe that it is incumbent on all hunters to develop and maintain their skills and competencies with their firearms in order to minimise any associated safety risks and to avoid potential injury and unnecessary suffering by the quarry species. Regular practice on approved target ranges will assist a hunter in maintaining familiarity and proficiency with their firearm.

(Note:- The zeroing of rifles or other forms of target practice including clay pigeon shooting are not permitted on Coillte lands except under licence).

Coillte is rapidly moving to a position whereby only persons who have demonstrated their competence by satisfactorily completing recognised qualifications in safe firearms use and humane/sustainable hunting practices, will be licensed to hunt and use firearms on its lands.

Coillte’s current policy on this is :-

2.1 The hunting of game birds and other small quarry species :-

Coillte highly recommended that all game hunters complete a nationally recognised, certified, firearms safety training course and have demonstrated their competence through the successful completion of an appropriate assessment.

After the 1st January 2021, only persons who have satisfactorily completed an approved, certified, hunter competence assessment will be permitted to hunt and shoot game and other quarry species on its lands.

2.2 The hunting of wild deer:

Only persons who have satisfactorily completed an approved, certified, hunter competence assessment are permitted to stalk and shoot deer [on] Coillte lands.

This policy is implemented as follows:-

2.2.1 Licence Holders and Stalking Permit Holders (standard):

Only holders of the Hunter Competence Assessment Programme* (HCAP) qualification can hold a licence to hunt deer on Coillte lands.

All persons nominated to hunt under such licences (“nominated hunters”) will also require this qualification in order to be issued with an annual stalking permit which covers the full duration of the hunting season (standard permit)

2.2.2 Stalking Permit Holders (restricted) :- Nominated hunters who do not hold the HCAP qualification, but do hold an alternative, hunter qualification may, subject to additional conditions, be issued with a “restricted stalking permit” for a maximum duration of 2 weeks.

A total of two such restricted permits may be issued to such an individual during the course of a hunting season.

*Please note:- The Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) – is the only such qualification currently accepted by Coillte, as it is the only such assessment which evaluates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of relevant national legislation as well as Coillte’s licencing conditions and safety control measures”

(end of extract).

Click to enlarge

As restrictions on movement arising from Covid 19 have now been extended to 18th May 2020, no arrangement can be made for re-scheduling of HCAP MCQs or Training Workshops until the restrictions are lifted. Regrettable as this is, it is important that all possible steps are taken nationally and locally to stem the spread of the virus.

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, stay safe and stay at home!

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
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 3rd June 2020)

RTE LOGO IN 1962. Transmitted in Black & White only.

The logo was based on the St. Brigid Cross

In 1969 Ireland’s deer were an unprotected species of wildlife and at the time we had the lowest population density of any European country, with an estimated total population, all species, of 7000-10000. There were only a handful of hunters, who needed no licence and who had relatively easy access to full-bore rifles before the clampdown on such firearms in 1972.

The Irish Deer Society was campaigning strongly for better protection for deer and they enjoyed limited success, with a preservation order on red deer in Co. Wicklow. Deer finally achieved full protection with the advent of the Wildlife Act in 1976.

On 19th February 1969 RTE carried a “Newsbeat” interview with the late Andy Morrissey, Chairman of the “Deer Preservation Society” aka Irish Deer Society, which you can access here.

Another historic broadcast on the subject of staghunting with hounds (Ward Union Hunt) was carried on 3rd May 1962 and can be  accessed here.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service have announced that due to the impact of Covid-19 on the operation of the Wildlife Licensing Unit, the usual Guidance and Application Pack will not be sent out by post to holders of the DHL in the previous season 2019/2020. Instead, Applicants are directed to download the guidance documentation and application form from the NPWS and send it in in good time. As restrictions are likely to continue for some time, DHL applicants should try to submit applications not later than end May. Licences will not be issued before mid-August, in advance of the Opening date of 1st September.

Click on the links below for the relevant forms.

2020/2021 Deer Hunting Circular

Guidance Note

Landowner Permission

DHL Application Form

Note that Section 42 Licence applications are not currently being processed or issued due to Covid 19 restrictions on movement.

National Parks & Wildlife Service have confirmed the introduction of mandatory training, assessment and certification (HCAP) for first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence (DHL) with effect from 2021. This follows a fifteen-year campaign by Deer Alliance HCAP and we welcome this statement from NPWS.

Date Released: Friday, March 13, 2020

Mandatory training and certification for first time applicants for deer hunting licenses is being introduced.

Under the Wildlife Acts, annual licences are required to hunt deer during the Open Season which is the period during which deer can be legally shot. The Open Season for deer operates generally from 1 September to 28 February of the following year, depending on the species and gender of deer. About 5,500 deer hunting licences are issued each year of which in the region of 1,000 are first time applicants. For the 2021/22 deer hunting season which starts on 1 September 2021 it will be a requirement for first time applicants to have the necessary training and certification.

The Department will put in place an appropriate oversight regime to ensure that the training and certification are delivered to an appropriate standard.

See the NPWS statement here.

The syllabus for training, assessment and certification follows the HCAP Model and can be accessed here.

Click to enlarge

In light of the escalation of concerns surrounding spread of the Covid 19 virus as at today, 17th March 2020, Deer Alliance HCAP unfortunately feels it is wisest and most prudent to postpone the HCAP MCQ scheduled for Saturday 21st March 2020. All Candidates are hereby advised of this decision. Every effort will be made to communicate with each candidate individually by text or email here available.

This decision is taken with regret for any inconvenience and only after consultation with the public health authorities and State agencies setting the parameters for avoidance of infection across the community generally, as well as with a cross-section of candidates.
An alternative date will be fixed as soon as things settle down and updates will be posted here as soon as possible.

Deer Alliance greatly regrets any inconvenience to candidates who have made arrangements to travel or to take time off work to participate in the Training Workshop and/or MCQ. However, concerns are such as to demand that caution be exercised and that public health interests, and protection against infection for all parties involved, take precedence over anything else.

We trust candidates will bear with us until such time as the situation improves and things get back to normal.

All candidates listed below remain eligible to participate in the next scheduled MCQ,

ACATINCA, Vasilica, 2019/81
BURKE, David, 2020/0011
CREAMER, Ronan, 2019/0081
DEDAJ, Kristian, 2019/0078
DUNPHY, Garreth, 2020/0006
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
PASCALE, Florin, 2020/0001
REID, Graeme, 2020/0009
ROONEY, Paul, 2020/0007
TICE, Patrick, 2018/0007
WALSH, Maurice, 2020/0005
WHELAN, Andrew, 2020/0017

Amidst growing concern for the spread of the COVID19 virus, Deer Alliance HCAP have carefully considered the advisability of proceeding with the HCAP Training Workshop and MCQ taking place on Saturday 21st March 2020.

Given scheduling difficulties if the MCQ is postponed and a knock-on effect affecting other possible dates, it has ben decided that the Workshop and the MCQ will proceed as scheduled.
However, this decision will be reviewed over the coming seven days and if deemed appropriate, it will be reversed.

Meanwhile, all intending participants will attend at own risk. Any and all candidates experiencing any symptoms however slight, are urged to stay away. Any sign of influenza, a severe cold, coughing, sneezing, respiratory difficulties or muscular discomfort should be regarded very seriously, and self-isolation should be undertaken with immediate effect.

This notification will be updated as necessary and in any event, not later than Thursday 19th March.

ADDENDUM

Since posting the above notification, the Government has imposed a ban on indoor gatherings comprised of more than 100 attendees. On this basis, the MCQ will fit comfortably inside the upper limit and pending any further negative developments over the next few days, the MCQ will go ahead, as set out above.

Click to enlarge

The following Candidates are eligible to participate in the HCAP MCQ taking place on Saturday 21st March 2020. The MCQ will start at 4.00 p.m. sharp (50 Multiple Choice Questions, Pass requirement 40 correct answers out of 50 questions, 50 minutes for written examination).

The MCQ will be preceded by an optional Training Workshop running from 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. covering all aspects of deer management including species recognition, habitat, habits & characteristics, herd structures, cull planning, fieldcraft, disease recognition, deer and the law, firearms legislation and related topics. The add-on cost of participation in the Training Workshop is €50.00 payable on the day. Pre-booking is necessary, by text to 086 1927 845 or by email to deeralliance@gmail.com.

The venue for the Training Workshop and MCQ is the Ionad Dara Centre, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

See previous posting for links to purchase of Stalker Training Manual and Best Practice Guides.

Application for HCAP can be made through the Online Applications section of the Deer Alliance website here

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

ACATINCA, Vasilica, 2019/81
BURKE, David, 2020/0011
CREAMER, Ronan, 2019/0081
DEDAJ, Kristian, 2019/0078
DUNPHY, Garreth, 2020/0006
EDGE, Robert, 2018/0104
FINN, Richard, 2019/0082
FLAHERTY, James, 2018/0051
FLYNN, Cathal, 2020/0014
HARMON, James, 2020/0010
HARVEY, Brendan, 2020/0008
HEAVEY, Lisa, 2019/0080
HUNT, William, 2019/0063
HUTCHINSON, Robert, 2009/0108
KENDELLEN, Barry, 2020/0013
KENNY, Seán, 2020/0002
LARKIN, Andrea, 2020/0016
MacCARTHY, Dylan, 2020/0003
MacCARTHY, Seán, 2020/0004
MANNINGHAM-BULLER, Edward, 2020/0018
MAY, Sean, 2020/0015
MOONEY, Paul, 2020/0007
O’CALLAGHAN, Michael, 2019/0079
O’CONNELL, Gary, 2020/0022
PASCALE, Florin, 2020/0001
REID, Graeme, 2020/0009
TICE, Patrick, 2018/0007
WALSH, Maurice, 2020/0005
WHELAN, Andrew, 2020/0017

This list will be updated as applications are received. The closing date for applications will be midnight on Wednesday 18th March 2020.

Click to enlarge

The first in the 2020 Series of HCAP training workshops and assessments will take place on Saturday 21st March 2020, in the Ionad Dara Community Centre, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny. HCAP is a two-stage process, with success in the Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) examination on 21st March followed on Saturday 18th April 2020 by a Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Cost of HCAP is unchanged, at €165.00. Application can be made online, with payment through PayPal, or in hard copy, payment by cheque or postal order.

Purchase of the Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual is optional but highly recommended, cost €35.00, available through the Online Applications of the Deer Alliance website.

To apply for HCAP or to purchase the Stalker Training Manual, click here

Preparation for the MCQ is supported by optional Training Workshops held on the same day as the MCQ (Workshops 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., MCQ at 4.00 p.m.), add-on cost €50.00.

A series of informative Best Practice Guides can be accessed here

Tommy Sera, Tommy’s Outdoor Podcasts, has put together a useful two-part guide to HCAP, which can be accessed at the following links:

Part 1: HCAP MCQ

Part 2: HCAP Range Test

Information will be updated regularly here on the News & Updates section of the Deer Alliance website and Candidates should check in occasionally for updates on MCQs and Range Tests.

HCAP, the only course developed in partnership with Coillte, NPWS and other stakeholders, has been the gold standard in stalker training, assessment and certification since inception in 2003 and is now in its 17th year of operation, during which time approximately 3500 licensed hunters have participated in the programme.

The following Candidates are deemed to be HCAP-Certified following successful completion of their HCAP Assessment after the Range Test held on 14th September 2019 (names, followed by HCAP Number).

Date of Certification: 14th September 2019.

Agavriloaie, Sorin, 2019/0044
Bishti, Karl, 2019/0031
Bockariov, Pavel, 2019/0065
Boland, Brian, 2019/0064
Callanan, Ross, 2019/0076
Christy, Barry, 2019/0067
Cleere, Gavin, 2019/0077
Ferron, Thomas, 2019/0068
Fitzgerald, Edmund, 2019/0072
Forde, Seán, 2019/0060
Hurley, Eric, 2019/0062
Kennedy, Daniel, 2019/0073
Mackevicius, Arunas, 2018/0127
Magee, Rory, 2019/0043
Murray, Daniel, 2019/0071
Nolan, James, 2019/0070
O’Keeffe, Danny, 2018/0012
O’Keeffe, Robert, 2019/0058
Ó Maoilchiaráin, Paraic, 2019/0069
Robertson, Drew, 2019/0010
Rothwell, Ivan, 2019/075
Scholz, Felix, 2019/0059
Voitukovic, Edvard, 2019/0066
White, Conor, 2019/0057

All Candidates in attendance were successful on this occasion and were presented with their personal HCAP Certificates, ID Cards and Badges at the conclusion of the Range Test. A high standard of marksmanship was evident from all candidates. Thanks go to HCAP Range Officers Pat Scully and John Manley for their able administration of the Range Test, also to Tony Saunders, John Paul Craven and all at Midland National Shooting Centre of Ireland for their usual very professional management of the Test on the Range.

This was the last HCAP Assessment and Range Test in the 2019 Series. The 2020 Calendar will be posted here when dates are fixed.

Candidates who were No-Shows on this occasion will be carried forward to the next scheduled Range Test, except where they have missed two or more Range Tests, in which cases they are automatically de-listed as eligible and can complete their HCAP only on payment of the standard HCAP Repeat Fee.