Coillte Teoranta have circulated a notice to all deer hunting licencees regarding the illegal hunting and killing of wild deer. The full text of the Coillte Notice is set out below.
Important Notice

To: All holders of licences to hunt deer on Coillte lands
Subject: The illegal hunting and killing of wild deer
Date: January 2010

Over the last number of months there has been a significant increase in the number of reported incidents of wild deer being shot and otherwise killed on Coillte lands without authorisation. Coillte is totally opposed to this practice, which is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) 2000.

To assist us in addressing this issue, all licence holders and their nominated hunters are requested to immediately report all actual or suspected occurrences of this activity taking place on Coillte lands. Details should be reported directly to the local Forest Manager in order that they be included on the Company’s register and forwarded to the relevant authorities. Where adequate evidence exists, it is Coillte’s intention to take, or assist in taking legal proceedings against any alleged offender/s under Section 44 (subsection 4) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) 2000.

Summary proceedings for such an offence may also be prosecuted directly by:
i) Any individual who is entitled to enjoy the sporting rights of the relevant land at the time of the alleged offence, this includes licence holders.
ii) Any secretary of a recognised body who is entitled to enjoy the sporting rights of the relevant land at the time of the alleged offence (provided that prior to the relevant time a notice was posted in a local newspaper stating that the sporting rights on these lands were reserved to that body).

Warning: Approaching persons believed to be committing an offence should only be undertaken following a careful assessment of the situation and if there is any doubt about safety, withdraw completely from the area and notify An Garda Siochana and/or National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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