The First & Second Reports of the the Firearms Expert Committee, established in 2022 by Minister of State James Browne, were published today Friday 31st March 2023 and can be viewed HERE.
There is a great deal to be considered in the two Reports (84 pages total content) and no doubt there will be much debate amongst firearms users’ groups. In the meanwhile and for the convenience of deer hunters reading this post, we set out below a relevant extract (paragraphs 4.1.3, & 4.1.4, pages 29-30, First Report:
4.1.3 Large mammalian quarry (feral goat, deer, boar, and other similarly-sized quarry)
Types of suitable firearms
The Committee recommends that when firearm is sought for the purpose of hunting deer and
other large quarry, such as feral goat, boar, and other similar sized quarry, the following
firearms would be suitable for this purpose:
• All types of rifles of a calibre between .240 to .308 and of a muzzle energy of over 2300
Joules. For the shooting of larger types of deer, or deer on open terrain rifles of
considerably higher muzzle energy i.e. 3600 Joules should be licenced.
• All types of shotgun with the appropriate ammunition (excluding deer as per S.I. 239
of 1977).
The Committee notes that S.I. 239 of 1977, provides that deer [may] only be hunted with
centre-fire rifles of not less than .22 calibre with a muzzle energy of not less than 1,700 foot
pounds. The Committee understands from the NPWS that some hunters in Ireland may still
have firearms with these characteristics but recommends that new applicants should be
directed to higher calibres as a .22 may not be humane. The Committee understands that
aspects of deer management are under review by the NPWS and recommends that this issue
be referred to the review group for its consideration.
The Committee recommends it would be preferable, when possible, that one firearm is
licenced for multiple purposes. However, the Committee notes that this is not possible in all circumstances and a person may require firearms of differing energies depending on the purpose sought and the environment for which the firearm is to be used. The Committee notes that the suitability of the firearm will change with the conditions, distance, environment and quarry.
Use of restricted firearms
The Committee understands that certificates for restricted firearms are granted at thediscretion of a Chief Superintendent and that applicants must be demonstrate that the
firearm is the only type of firearm that is appropriate for the purpose for which it is required.
4.1.4 Dangerous quarry (lion, elephant, buffalo, bear, chimpanzee, etc.)
Types of suitable firearms
The Committee recommends that when a firearm is sought for the purpose of hunting or
euthanising dangerous quarry, such as lion, elephant, buffalo, bear and chimpanzee, the
following firearms are suitable:
• All types of rifles – these should be of a calibre above .338”.
• All types of shotgun with the appropriate ammunition such as slug or sabot.
In the Committee’s view, the use of a firearm for this purpose in Ireland would be limited to
animal control at zoos or wildlife parks. The Committee believes that these facilities should
have appropriate policies and arrangements in place for the safe use of these firearms.
The Committee understands that some shooters travelling overseas may seek these firearms
to engage in big game hunting. In these circumstances, the minimum calibre varies depending
on the country the shooter intends to visit, with most countries specifying a minimum calibre
of .375”. Some countries do not specify a minimum energy but it is likely an energy level of
over 5300 joules would be required to engage in this type of hunting.
The Committee notes that some countries require visitors to bring their own firearm for use
in big game hunting and hiring a firearm on arrival may not be an option. In order to use the
firearm safely when abroad these shooters will require access to the firearm in the State in
order to practice using the firearm before they travel abroad with it. Applicants seeking for
firearms for this purpose should be able to demonstrate that they have access to an
authorised shooting range certified for a use by firearms of the correct calibre and that they
travel to engage in these activities.
Use of restricted firearms
The Committee understands that certificates for restricted firearms are granted at the
discretion of a Chief Superintendent, and that applicants must be able to demonstrate that
they have good and sufficient reason for requiring a restricted firearm and demonstrate that
it is the only type of firearm that is appropriate for the purpose for which it is required.
FOOTNOTE
In addition to the foregoing, the Committee looked at the use of sound moderators and thermal imaging equipment, to arrive at certain conclusions set out in the Reports.
Deer Alliance HCAP and the Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters will review the Reports in fuller detail over the coming days and post comment here as necessary or appropriate. The Firearms Users’ Representative Group (FURG) will also review the content of both Reports with a view to consulting with the Minister for Justice, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and the Garda Siochana in due course.
