Follow the life and times of a New Forest red deer stag from youth to old age. A remarkable YouTube series, chronicling the development and eventually, the demise of a magnificent stag.
To follow his life, click here.
Requiem: to view a tribute to a long life and the end of an era, click here.
As we are now in an enhanced Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, we hope shortly to be able to announce a date for the next scheduled HCAP assessments (MCQ and Range Test).
The impact of Covid 19 on all aspects of our society has been significant but we are all hopeful that we can see the dawning of some degree of normality, thanks to the efforts of society as a whole.
We are determined that HCAP activities will resumed as soon as physically possible and we are grateful for the forbearance of those many candidates who are anxious to achieve HCAP Certification.
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 and stay safe!
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
O’ROURKE, Kenneth, 2020/0030
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 11th June 2020)
There is an amount of misleading and erroneous “opinion” in circulation on the subject of use of night vision and thermal imaging devices in connection with hunting or “spotting” wild deer. It may be helpful to set out a clearer statement of the law in this regard.
Our starting point must be section 2 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as originally enacted.
Section 2 defines “to hunt” as: “[to] stalk, pursue, chase, drive, flush, capture, course, attract, follow, search for, lie in wait for, take, trap or shoot by any means whether with or without dogs, and, except in sections 28 and 29, includes killing in the course of hunting, but does not in this Act include stalking, attracting, searching for or lying in wait for any fauna by an unarmed person solely for the purpose of watching or of taking or making photographic or other pictures, and kindred words shall be construed accordingly”.
Section 28 of the Act provides for general restriction as regards hunting or killing with firearms certain exempted wild mammals and certain protected wild birds. Section 29 provides for the grant of licences to hunt with firearms. Neither section need be rehearsed here for the purposes of this analysis of the position as regards night vision or thermal imaging devices, which are covered under Section 38 of the Act, as amended.
The original section 38 of the Act as commenced in 1977 made it an offence for any person to
“use any lamp, light, torch, mirror or other artificial light-reflecting or dazzling device or appliance in hunting any protected wild bird or protected wild animal, otherwise than while either (a) attaching thereto any band, ring, tag or other marking device, or (b) hunting for educational or scientific purposes, pursuant to and in accordance with a licence granted under this Act by the Minister.”
Section 38 was amended by section 45 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 and now reads as follows:
“38.— (1) Any person who uses—
(a) any lamp, light, torch, mirror or other artificial light-reflecting or dazzling device or appliance, or
(b) any device for illuminating, image intensifying or heat seeking a target, or
(c) any sighting device for night shooting, or
(d) any device or appliance which is of a type, class or description specified in an order under subsection (2) of this section,
in hunting any protected wild bird or protected wild animal otherwise than while either—
(i) attaching thereto any band, ring, tag or other marking device, or
(ii) hunting for educational or scientific purposes or for any other purpose,
pursuant to and in accordance with a licence granted under this Act by the Minister, shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) (a) The Minister may by order declare a device or appliance which is of a type, class or description specified in the order to be a device or appliance to which subsection (1) of this section applies.
(b) The Minister may amend or revoke an order made under this subsection.”.
Sections 3 and 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 were commenced (brought into legal effect) on 12th March 2001 on foot of Statutory Instrument No. 71/2001 – Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Commencement) Order, 2001. All other sections saving section 36 were commenced on 31st July 2001 under Statutory Instrument No. 371/2001 – Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Commencement) (No.2) Order, 2001. Section 36 of the 2000 Act deals only with the regulation of commercial shoot operators.
It is clear then that use of any night vision or thermal imagery (heat seeking) devices to hunt wild deer (as defined in section 2 of the Principal Act) on or off the firearm, is strictly against the law, except for hunting for educational or scientific purposes or for any other purpose, under Ministerial licence.
The use of a lamp to hunt deer may be permitted under the terms of any section 42 licence provided the applicant or nominated hunter is HCAP-Certified.
It follows that use of any night vision or thermal imagery device may be permitted under the terms of any section 42 Licence. There is no barrier simpliciter, it would be for the licensing authority (NPWS) to determine acceptability of use of night vision or thermal imagery device in this context. However, in the context of hunting protected wild animals, such devices, on or off a firearm, are not permitted in any other circumstances. It is not an offence to possess or use such devices in any other legitimate context provided there is no breach of section 38 of the Act (as amended).
As always, the vermin shooting exclusion is there to confuse and confound the intention of the legislators.
In relation to the fitting of any such device to a firearm, the Garda Commissioner’s Guidelines (2018) carries the following statement:
(Quote)
TELESCOPIC SIGHTS
In the Firearms Act 1925 to 2009, the definition of a firearm additionally includes:
‘telescopic sights with a light beam, or telescope sights with an electronic amplification
device or an infra-red device, designed to be fitted to af irearm …. ‘ Such devices would
fall into three broad categories as follows and again an applicant must satisfy the issuing
person that he/she has demonstrated ‘good reason’ to acquire the sight:
(i) An Active Night Sight – this device emits an invisible light beam which
illuminates objects and would assist with identification of objects.
(ii) A Passive Night Sight – this device does not emit any beam but amplifies any
ambient light (from stars or moon) which enables objects to be distinguished
and identified.
(iii) Thermal Image Sight – this device resolves the heat signature given off by
warm objects and enables identification of objects.
When an applicant is applying for a firearm certificate or its renewal, the application
should include whether or not a silencer or telescopic sights are sought for that particular
firearm. A subsequent application for a silencer or telescopic sight will require the
applicant to re-apply on a new application form FCA 1 and will require the full €80 fee if
the application is successful. So it is vitally important, that where applicable, new
applicants or applicants applying to renew their firearm certificates ensure that their
application/renewal form includes reference to a silencer/telescopic sight. All firearm
certificates which include authorisation to hold a silencer, must include details of the
authorisation for the silencer in respect of the firearm by inclusion of the letter ‘S’ on the
firearms card.
(end quote).
It is reported that Coillte Teoranta will shortly introduce an online Hunting Area Management System, with all hunting on Coillte forest property to be controlled and managed through the system with effect from the season 2020-2021.
For an introduction to the HAMS Hunting Area Management System click here.
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).
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)
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
Note that Section 42 Licence applications are not currently being processed or issued due to Covid 19 restrictions on movement.
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.
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
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