Sika stag during the rut. A rutting Sika stag will normally give three shrill whistles, often followed by a fourth whistle after a short interval (click to enlarge)

With the season for licensed hunting of wild deer opening on 1st September (male deer only), Coillte have circulated important notices to be observed by all licensees and holders of permits to hunt deer on Coillte forest property. These Notices relate to hunting by unauthorised persons and the use of unauthorised firearms, and the erection of warning notices at forest entrances while hunting under licence.

In addition, Coillte also publish a Code of Practice on Sustainable Hunting, which all hunters are recommended to read and to put into practice.

These documents can be accessed at the links below

Coillte Notice to Licencees regarding Signage and Related Matters August 2016

Coillte Notice regarding Unauthorised Hunting August 2016

Coillte Code of Practice on Sustainable Hunting