The first event in the 2024 Series of Deer Alliance HCAP Training Workshops & MCQs will be held on Saturday 2nd March 2024, followed on Saturday 9th March 2024 by the supporting Range Test for successful MCQ Candidates.

APPLICATION

Application can be made online through the Online Applications section of the website or in hard copy by post. Online payment is through PayPal using any valid debit or credit card (applicants do not need their own PayPal account) or by post with cheque or postal order. Hard copy application forms can be downloaded from the website.

The cost of HCAP remains unchanged at €165.00, and €35.00 for the Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual (also purchased through the Online Applications section).

DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS OF IFA COUNTRYSIDE

Members of IFA Countryside can avail of an inclusive special discount price of €120.00 (covering HCAP Application, Stalker Training Manual, Workshop, MCQ, Range Test and certification), generously subsidised by IFA Farm Business Skillnet. New and intending members of IFA Countryside should call 0818 924 982 or 01 426 0368 for membership information, which includes insurance cover for all hunting and other countryside activities, compliant with requirements for the HCAP Range Test.

SIKA THE WILD DEER

In addition, thanks to a special sponsorship deal offered exclusively to Deer Alliance HCAP, the first 100 HCAP Candidates in 2024 will receive a complimentary copy of Sika the Wild Deer (retail value €25.00), the story of the life of a sika stag in Wicklow from conception to maturity, seen through the eyes of a stalker.

FIREARMS FOR RANGE TEST

HCAP Candidates who do not have access to their own deer-legal rifle have two options open to them. If they have a friend who has a deer-legal rifle and is prepared to let the candidate use that rifle for the Range Test, that is permitted, provided that the friend holds a valid Firearm Certificate for the firearm in question, holds valid shooting insurance and is present with the Candidate on the Range at all times. Alternatively, the candidate can avail of a Club Rifle in calibre .243, available from the Midland Range. Booking must be made at least two weeks in advance and is subject to Garda vetting. The current cost of rifle hire is €60.00, to include ammunition sufficient for the standard Range Test. Candidates with no previous experience of full-bore rifle shooting may be required to undertake basic tuition and competency testing on a one-to-one basis at the Midland Range (to include the Range Test Course of Fire but not as part of the Range Test), the current cost of which is €150.00 (one person, one day tuition and test preparation). Hire of a Club rifle and/or arrangements for tuition and test preparation, including all costs, are entirely a matter between Midland Range management and personnel, are outside the ordinary HCAP process and Deer Alliance HCAP has no responsibility or obligation in this regard.

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION

Certification has been mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence since 2022 and has been obligatory for all persons hunting on Coillte forest property since 2005. In addition, the recent Irish Deer Management Strategy Group report published in December 2023, recommends phased certification for all hunters over the next 3 to 5 years (including licensed hunters not hunting on Coillte forest property and/or holding a Deer Hunting Licence prior to 2022).

ABOUT HCAP

HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP completed its twentieth year of operation in 2023 and to date approximately 3700 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by ‘phone to 086 1927 845 (office hours).

Sika the Wild Deer. The first 100 HCAP Candidates in 2024 will receive a  complimentary copy, thanks to sponsorship received.

Deer Alliance HCAP will hold Training Workshops & Assessments on the following dates in 2024:

Saturday 2nd March 2024 (Training Workshop and MCQ) and Saturday 9th March 2024 (Range Test)

Saturday 11th May 2024 (Training Workshop and MCQ and Saturday 18th May 2024 (Range Test)

Saturday 29th June 2024 (Training Workshop and MCQ) and Saturday 6th July 2024 (Range Test)

Training Workshops and MCQs will be held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel Kilkenny Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow and Range Tests are held at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Full details will be posted here shortly. Applications can be made online at any time.

The Deer Management Strategy Group, established in 2022 to explore and initiate actions in relation to deer management policy across Ireland, published its “Final Report into Developing a Sustainable Deer Management Strategy for Ireland” on 7th December 2023.

In their 27-page Report, the Group has identified a series of short- and medium-term actions for implementation over time. These are:

Short Term (9 months)

1. Appointment of a program manager to set up deer management units with local coordinators
2. Program manager, in conjunction with Deer Management Strategy Group, to develop an
Implementation Plan
3. Set up Deer Management Units, in critical/hot spot areas initially, following on from
localised stakeholder meetings
4. Revise the deer Open Seasons Order to align with the current dates in Northern Ireland
in the first instance*
5. Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Deer Management Agency and research the
best model for such an Agency set-up
6. Investigate support incentives necessary for national deer management program
(including for Venison market)
7. Review of changes to Statutory Instruments and current legislation
8. Revision of the process of Section 42 licence applications under the Wildlife Acts to
ensure consistency of approach

Medium Term

1. Review the results of feasibility of setting up a Deer Management Agency
2. Secure changes to legislation following review of Wildlife Acts and other deer related
legislation
3. Monitoring of the impacts (on biodiversity, forestry, farming & road safety) arising from
Implementation Plan
4. Review Open Seasons Order again as required on foot of 3 above.
5. Engage with state bodies to develop a structured deer management policy on State
lands
6. Phased certification for all hunters over next 3-5 years
7. The integration of a deer management module into agricultural, forestry, land
management & environmental training courses
8. Review of forest design and scheme specifications in relation to deer management

*The current Open Season for male deer in Northern Ireland is from 1st August to 30 April, The current Open Season for female deer (all species) is from 1st November to 31st March. Seasons for red and sika includes each separate species and hybrids. Thee is no Close Season for Muntjac in Northern Ireland.

The Report has met with mixed reaction across the range of stakeholders, with both positive and negative aspects having been identified.

The full Report can be accessed HERE.

Medal quality Sika Stag, Wicklow.

October dates saw the last in the 2023 Series of HCAP events for the year.

Dates for 2024 will be posted here early in the New Year, when all dates are confirmed.

Training Workshops and MCQs will continue to held in the Carlow area, and supporting Range Tests will continue to take place at the Midland National Shooting Centre of Ireland, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly (“the Midland Range”).

Where a team of NOT LESS THAN TWENTY candidates (e.g. a stalking syndicate or club) is put together by any individual, HCAP Administration can arrange to hold Training Workshops and MCQs in venues other than Carlow, but not otherwise.

Application for HCAP can be made online at any time, in advance of publication of scheduled dates, but applications cannot be processed without payment. Payment of the HCAP Fee (€165.00) or for the Stalker Training Manual (€35.00) is through PayPal, using any valid credit card or debit card. Applicants do not need their own PayPal account.

ROSE GIBBONS, FROM DONEGAL, COMPLETED HER HCAP CERTIFICATION ON 28th OCTOBER 2023 AT THE MIDLAND RANGE

The candidates listed below all completed their two-stage Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme with their Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore on Saturday 28th October 2023. Thanks, as always, go to the Midland Range management and personnel, including Tony Saunders and J. P. Craven, and to Deer Alliance Range Officers Liam McGarry and Pat Scully. Successful candidates received their HCAP Certificates and badges from HCAP Course Director, Liam M. Nolan.

NEW HCAP-CERTIFIED CANDIDATES, DATE OF CERTIFICATION 28th OCTOBER 2023:

BREHENY, Colin, 2023/0107
BRUCE, Nick, 2023/0104
BYRNE, Ciaran, 2023/0083
CALLAGHAN, David, 2023/0128
CLAVIN, Anthony, 2023/0123
CURTIN, Mark, 2023/0103
DALY, Dylan, 2023/0067
DONNELLY, James, 2023/0116
EGAN, Michael, 2023/0118
FOOT, Adam, 2023/0109
GIBBONS, Rose, 2023/0120
GILLESPIE, David, 2023/0088
KEHOE, Michael, 2023/0121
KELLY, Colin, 2023/0110
MAGUIRE, Conor, 2023/0044
MASON, Ian, 2023/0113
McEVOY, Ian, 2023/0111
MURPHY, Alex, 2023/0124
MURRAY, Noel, 2023/0117
POCIUS, Raimundas, 2023/0106
QUINN, Anthony, 2023/0127
RAFFERTY, Colm, 2023/0122
SHANAB, Mohammed, 2023/0125
STALENIS, Donatas, 2023/0105
TROY, Brian, 2023/0112
WALSH, Wayne, 2023/0108

The list of successful candidates included 16 members of IFA Countryside, who benefited from a 40% subsidy of the ordinary HCAP fee, courtesy of IFA Farm Business Skillnet.

Successful candidates are enrolled as members of the Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters except where they have opted out of membership.

This was the last in the 2023 Series of HCAP Assessments. No further Assessments (Training Workshops, MCQs or Range Tests) will be held this calendar year. The 2024 programme of events will be posted here early in the New Year.

Candidates who were No-Shows at this Range Test will remain eligible to participate in the next scheduled Range Test except where they have missed two or more earlier events. Reminders are not issued.

ANTHONY QUINN AND MARK CURTIN

Colm Rafferty, Nick Bruce and Ian Mason

IAN McEVOY AND ADAM FOOT

ALEX MURPHY

BRIAN TROY

COLIN KELLY AND MICHAEL KEHOE

DAVID CALLAGHAN

MICHAEL EGAN

Ciaran Byrne and Mohammed Shanab

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

The following candidates are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test taking place at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Saturday 28th October 2023.

Candidates should be present at the Range from 9.30 a.m., to sign in with Range management in the Clubhouse, with personal ID, firearms certificate, and evidence of insurance. Zeroing is not permitted on the morning of the Range Test. Sound moderators and all legitimate stalking aids e.g., shooting sticks, bipods and tripods are permitted. After registration candidates should proceed in their vehicles to the Main Range, in convoy under the direction of Range personnel. After successful completion of the Range Test, candidates will be given a card which they should bring back to the Clubhouse to receive their HCAP Certificate.

Candidates are permitted one opportunity at the Grouping Stage and two opportunities on the Main Target, OR two opportunities at the Grouping Stage and one at the Main Target (but not two opportunities at both stages).

At Stage 1 (grouping stage), candidates are required to place three rounds in a four-inch group, with a four-inch black aiming point on a six-inch white circle, in the prone position, rested.

At Stage 2 (deer target), candidates are required to place nine rounds within the heart & lung area on the life-size sika hind target – three rounds prone rested at 100 metres, three rounds sitting/kneeling at 60 metres and three rounds standing. All legitimate stalking aids are permitted. Sound moderators may be used provided they are factory-threaded.

Candidates wishing to avail of Club rifles should contact Tony Saunders at MRC directly, tel. 087 097 7589, in advance of the Range Test.

Candidates will be observed at all times for adherence to all safety protocols. Any lapse in safety standards may be followed by immediate expulsion from the Range, at the discretion of Range management.

ELIGIBLE RANGE TEST CANDIDATES

BRADBURY, Ross
BREHENY, Colin
BRUCE, Nick
BULBUC, Julian
BYRNE, Ciaran
CALLAGHAN, David
CLAVIN, Anthony
CURTIN, Mark
DALY, Dylan
DEEGAN, Paul
DONNELLY, James
EGAN, Michael
FOOT, Adam
FRANEY, Dillon
FURLONG, Conor
GIBBONS, Rose
GILLESPIE, David
HENNESSY, Liam
KEHOE, Michael
KELLY, Colin
MAGUIRE, Conor
MASON, Ian
McEVOY, Ian
MURPHY, Alex
MURRAY, Noel
POCIUS, Raimundas
POWER, Gavin
QUINN, Anthony
RAFFERTY, Colm
SHANAB, Mohammed
STALENIS, Donatas
TROY, Brian
WALSH, Wayne

The above list includes candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at previous Range Tests in 2023. For such candidates, failure to attend on 28th October 2023 without notice will lead to de-listing as eligible candidates and if they wish to complete their HCAP certification process, they will have to re-apply for the Range Test as Repeat Candidates.

Location of Midland Range

A fine West of Ireland Red Deer Stag photographed in mid-October 2023, with the rut in full swing.

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 14th October 2023 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball,Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Saturday 28th October 2023. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately in due course.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 14th October 2023 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ in 2024, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice.

2023/0124, 94%, Pass
2023/0117, 92%, Pass
2023/0106, 88%, Pass
2023/0127, 80%, Pass
2023/0122, 90%, Pass
2023/0125, 84%, Pass
2023/0105, 94%, Pass
2023/0112, 82%, Pass
2023/0108, 88%, Pass
2023/0107, 86%, Pass
2023/0104, 90%, Pass
2023/0083, 84%, Pass
2023/0128, 80%, Pass
2023/0123, 80%, Pass
2023/0103, 88%, Pass
2023/0116, 90%, Pass
2023/0118, 88%, Pass
2023/0129, 82%, Pass
2023/0121, 90%, Pass
2023/0110, 90%, Pass
2023/0113, 82%, Pass
2023/0111, 84%, Pass
2023/0109, 84%, Pass
2023/0119, 92%, Pass
2023/0126, 80%, Pass
2023/0120, 86%, Pass

The following candidate (HCAP number, followed by mark achieved) was unsuccessful and is required to re-sit the MCQ stage before proceeding to any Range Test. The application fee for Repeat Candidates is €50.00. “Fail” grades may be appealed to the HCAP Assessment Committee, subject to written application accompanied by re-checking fee, €50.00. Where written application for re-checking is received, it is reviewed by the Committee at the next scheduled Committee meeting following receipt of application. Applications for re-checking must be received within 10 (ten) days of publication of results on this blog.

2023/0114, 72%, Fail

Candidate 2023/0102 failed to hand in his completed MCQ paper and, subject to appeal, is deemed to have failed.

The rut for our species of wild deer in Ireland (red, sika and fallow) generally runs from late September to late October, when stags will forego their normal patterns of behaviour to seek out hinds and does where and when they can. The roar of the red, the whistle of the sika and the grunt of the fallow can be heard on mountain and in forest as the males challenge one another and establish their right to breed.

The next and final event in the 2023 Series of Deer Alliance HCAP Workshops, MCQs and Range Tests will take place on Saturday 14th October 2023, at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow, R93 N207 (10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.). The supporting Range Test will be held on Saturday 28th October 2023 at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 NC58.

Applications are now open for this HCAP event, the last in the 2023 Series. Application can be made online through the Deer Alliance website, www.deeralliance.ie, with payment through PayPal, using any valid debit card or credit card. Application can also be made in hard copy, by post, to the address shown on the current downloadable application form.

The cost of HCAP (Training Workshop, MCQ, Range Test and Certification) is unchanged and remains at €165.00.

In preparation for HCAP, candidates are recommended to study the Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual thoroughly in advance. The Manual is available for purchase through the Online Applications section of the website, costing €35.00 inc. p. & p.

Members of IFA Countryside can avail of an inclusive special discount price of €120.00 (covering HCAP Application, Stalker Training Manual, Workshop, MCQ, Range Test and certification), generously subsidised by IFA Farm Business Skillnet. New and intending members of IFA Countryside should call 0818 924 982 or 01 426 0368 for membership information, which includes insurance cover for all hunting and other countryside activities, compliant with requirements for the HCAP Range Test.

Certification is now mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence. HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP entered its twentieth year of operation in 2023 and to date approximately 3600 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. Enquiries by email to deeralliance@gmail.com or by ‘phone to 086 1927 845 (office hours).

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY 9th OCTOBER 2023

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

The following candidates are eligible to participate in this Training Workshop & MCQ:

ABDELMONIEM, Ayman
BREHENY, Colin
BRUCE, Nick
BYRNE, Ciaran
CALLAGHAN, David
CLAVIN, Anthony
CURTIN, Mark
DONNELLY, James
EGAN, Michael
FLYNN, Declan
FOOT, Adam
FRANEY, Dillon
FURLONG, Conor
GIBBONS, Rose
HENNESSY, Liam
KANE, Patrick
KEHOE, Michael
KELLY, Colin
KELLY, Robert
LYDON, Kevin
MASON, Ian
McEVOY, Ian
MURPHY, Alex
MURRAY, Noel
O’BRIEN, Jason
O’LEARY, Anthony
O’SULLIVAN, Joseph
POCIUS, Raimundas
QUINN, Anthony
RAFFERTY, Colm
SAVAGE, Sean
SHANAB, Mohammed
STALENIS, Donatas
TROY, Brian
WALSH, Wayne

Candidates are reminded that once processed, application fees are non-refundable.

This list will be updated as applications are received. Latest update, 14.10.2023

Coillte Licencees and Permit Holders are reminded that it is a term of every licence that warning signs are posted at every forest entrance before hunting, and removed at the end of the hunting period.

Warning signs can be purchased online HERE

The 2023-2024 Open Hunting Season for male deer opens on 1st September and closes on 31st December. Changes to the Open Season (male and female deer) are currently under consideration but not yet finalised.

The candidates listed below all completed their Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme with their Range Test at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore on Saturday 26th August 2023. Thanks, as always, go to the Midland Range management and personnel, including J. P. Craven and Tony Saunders, and to Deer Alliance Range Officers Pat Scully and Liam McGarry. Successful candidates received their HCAP Certificates, ID cards and badges from Liam McGarry on behalf of Liam Nolan, Deer Alliance HCAP Course Director.

NEW HCAP-CERTIFIED CANDIDATES, DATE OF CERTIFICATION 26th AUGUST 2023

CASE, Neville, 2023/0092
COX, Brett Fitzgerald, 2023/0082
DALE, Cian, 2023/0081
DEMPSEY, James, 2023/0085
DICKER, Johnny, 2023/0094
EARLE, William, 2023/0099
ENNIS, Dylan, 2023/0100
FOOTE, Peter, 2023/0077
HEAVEY, Desmond, 2023/0098
HENRY, Robert, 2023/0097
LANCASTER, Samuel, 2023/0084
McCARTHY, Sean, 2023/0089
McGRATH-DALY, T. J., 2023/0072
MURPHY, James, 2023/0090
O’MALLEY, Frank, 2023/0095
O’TOOLE, Patrick, 2022/0096
RUST, J. P., 2023/0093
STUART, Charles, 2023/0086
WHELAN CURTIN, William, 2023/0050

Successful candidates are enrolled as members of the Association of HCAP-Certified Hunters except where they have opted out of membership.

Candidates who were No-Shows at this Range Test will remain eligible to participate in the next scheduled Range Test except where they have missed two or more earlier events. Reminders are not issued. HCAP assessments are not normally held during the Open Hunting Season but an event may be organised in October 2023, subject to demand, in which case details will be announced on the News & Updates section of the website, once confirmed.