Applications for Deer Hunting Licences are considered under Section 29(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2012. Licences are issued on an annual basis from early August, but not before, as the licensing season does not start generally until 1st September.

If you held a licence for the 2015 – 2016 deer hunting season, you will receive a letter advising you to make an application for the new season which, if you require a new licence, should be made as soon as possible.

If you are a new applicant, you must complete the application form and have permission from a landowner(s) to hunt deer on land of at least 100 acres.  Click on 2016 Deer Hunting Circular, application form, guidance note and landowner permission form to download or, alternatively, copies of the documents can be obtained by post by contacting:

Wildlife Licensing Unit,  
National Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht,
7 Ely Place,
Dublin 2, D02 TW98.

Tel: (01) 888 3275, or 888 3289, or 888 3298
Email: wildlifelicence@ahg.gov.ie