The Open Season for male deer commences on 1st September and runs to 31st December each year. Red deer are fully protected in Co. Kerry and may not be shot except under special Ministerial licence. Possible changes to the Open Seasons Order (all species and both sexes) are under consideration and will be notified here in the case of any change. 

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 26th August 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. A reminder that 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).

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 CANDIDATES

BRADBURY, Ross
BULBUC, Julian
CASE, Neville
COX, Brett Fitzgerald
DALE, Cian
DALY, Dylan
DEEGAN, Paul
DEMPSEY, James
DICKER, Johnny
EARLE, William
ENNIS, Dylan
FOOTE, Peter
GILLESPIE, David
HEAVEY, Desmond
HENRY, Robert
LANCASTER, Samuel
MAGUIRE, Conor
McCARTHY, Sean
McGRATH-DALY, T. J.
MURPHY, James
O’MALLEY, Frank
O’TOOLE, Patrick
POWER, Gavin
RUST, J. P.
STUART, Charles
WHELAN CURTIN, William

The above list includes candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at previous Range Tests in 2023. For such candidates, failure to attend on 26th August 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

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 12th August 2023 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 26th August 2023. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 12th August 2023 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice, in which case they will now be de-listed as eligible and must re-enter the HCAP process as Repeat Candidates if they wish to complete their HCAP Certification

2023/0092, 98%, Pass
2023/0082, 92%, Pass
2023/0067, 84%, Pass
2023/0085, 98%, Pass
2023/0094, 94%, Pass
2023/0099, 96%, Pass
2023/0100, 80%, Pass
2023/0088, 94%, Pass
2023/0098, 80%, Pass
2023/0097, 80%, Pass
2023/0084, 94%, Pass
2023/0089, 90%, Pass
2023/0090, 86%, Pass
2023/0095, 94%, Pass
2022/0096, 88%, Pass
2023/0093, 98%, Pass
2023/0086, 96%, Pass

All Candidates were successful on this occasion.

Sika stags in winter coat.

The Irish Deer Society have launched an online survey into the workings of HAMS (Coillte’s Hunting Area Management System) in order to determine the effect it may had on deer control on Coillte forest property in the 2022/2023 hunting season. All users of HAMS are encouraged to participate in the survey so that a representative picture can be built for the benefit of all users.

To complete the survey, click HERE.

Sika calf. Most calves art born from early June to mid/late July, with fallow calves born a short while later than sika or reds. Calves found in the wild should be left undisturbed, they have very seldom, if ever, been abandoned. The mother deer leaves the very young calf alone for a lot of the day, returning periodically to feed and nourish the calf.

The next event in the 2023 Series of Deer Alliance HCAP Workshops, MCQs and Range Tests will take place on Saturday 12th August 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 26th August 2023 at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 NC58.

Applications are now open for this HCAP event, the third 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.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED

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 a 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).

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

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

ABDELMONIEM, Ayman
BYRNE, Ciaran
CASE, Neville
CLIFFORD, Alan
COX, Brett Fitzgerald
DEMPSEY, James
DICKER, Johnny
FLYNN, Declan
GILLESPIE, David
HEAVEY, Desmond
HENRY, Robert
KANE, Patrick
KELLY, Robert
LANCASTER, Samuel
McCARTHY, Sean
MURPHY, James
O’BRIEN, Jason
O’LEARY, Anthony
O’MALLEY, Frank
O’TOOLE, Patrick
RUST, J. P.
SAVAGE, Sean
STUART, Charles

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 8th July 2023. Thanks 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 Nolan, Deer Alliance HCAP Course Director.

NEW HCAP-CERTIFIED CANDIDATES, DATE OF CERTIFICATION 8th JULY 2023

ALCORN, Gareth, 2023/0076
BYRNE, Brendan, 2023/0023
BYRNE, Keith, 2023/0079
KAVANAGH, David, 2023/0069
KAVANAGH, Michael, 2023/0070
KELLY, Dominic, 2023/0073
KERRY, Naomi, 2023/0080
LENEHAN, Adrian, 2023/0074
SMYTH, George, 2023/0078
SPAKAUSKAS, Laurynas, 2022/0138
WOODLOCK, John, 2023/0071

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. The Next HCAP event in the 2023 Series will be on Saturday 12th August 2023 (Training Workshop & MCQ) and Saturday 26th August 2023 (Range Test).

THE NEXT HCAP ASSESSMENT IN THE 2023 SERIES WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 12th AUGUST 2023 (TRAINING WORKSHOP & MCQ) FOLLOWED BY THE ASSOCIATED RANGE TEST ON SATURDAY 26th AUGUST 2023. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND CAN BE MADE ONLINE.

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 8th JULY 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. A reminder that sound moderators and all legitimate stalking aids e.g., shooting sticks, bipods and tripods are permitted. After registration candidates should 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).

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.

ALCORN, Gareth
BRADBURY, Ross
BULBUC, Julian
BYRNE, Brendan
BYRNE, Keith
DALE, Cian
DEEGAN, Paul
FOOTE, Peter
KAVANAGH, David
KAVANAGH, Michael
KELLY, Dominic
KERRY, Naomi
LENEHAN. Adrian
MAGUIRE, Conor
McGRATH-DALY, T. J.
POWER, Gavin
SMYTH, George
SPAKAUSKAS, Laurynas
WHELAN CURTIN, William
WOODLOCK, John

The following candidates (HCAP numbers, followed by mark achieved) were successful in the HCAP MCQ held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday 24th June 2023 and are eligible to participate in the HCAP Range Test to be held at the Midlands Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 NC58 on Saturday 8th July 2023. Procedures for Range Tests will be posted here separately.

Candidates who were Deferrals or No-Shows at this MCQ on 24th June 2023 will be carried forward to the next scheduled MCQ, except where they have missed two or more MCQs without notice, in which case they will now de-listed as eligible and must re-enter the HCAP process as Repeat Candidates if they wish to complete their HCAP Certification

2023/0076, Pass, 94%
2023/0075, Pass, 94%
2023/0023, Pass, 80%
2023/0079, Pass, 90%
2023/0081, Pass, 94%
2023/0077, Pass, 80%
2023/0069, Pass, 98%
2023/0070, Pass, 90%
2023/0073, Pass, 96%
2023/0080, Pass, 94%
2023/0074, Pass, 80%
2023/0072, Pass, 100%
2023/0078, Pass, 96%
2022/0138, Pass, 94%
2023/0050, Pass, 94%
2023/0071, Pass, 88%

All candidates passed the MCQ on this occasion. Congratulations to all.

Red stag in velvet. Stags cast their antlers in March each year and the process of re-growth starts immediately, when the growing antlers are covered by the material we call velvet.

The next event in the 2023 Series of Deer Alliance HCAP Workshops, MCQs and Range Tests will take place on Saturday 24th June 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 8th July 2023 at the Midland Range, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 NC58.

Applications are now open for this HCAP event, the third 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.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS HCAP EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED

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 a 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).

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

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

ALCORN, Gareth
BULBUC, Julian
BYRNE, Brendan
CLIFFORD, Alan
DALY, Cian
FLYNN, Declan
FOOTE, Peter
KAVANAGH, David
KAVANAGH, Michael
KELLY, Dominic
KERRY, Naomi
LENEHAN. Adrian
MCGRATH-DALY, T. J.
O’BRIEN, Jason
O’LEARY, Anthony
SAVAGE, Sean
SMYTH, George
SPAKAUSKAS, Laurynas
THOMSEN, Birthe
WHELAN CURTIN, William
WOODLOCK, John

Candidates should make a permanent note of their HCAP Number for future reference.

This list will be updated as applications are received. Last Update 24.6.2023

In correspondence date 24th May 2023, the following statement (or restatement) of the position on night imagery equipment has been received from the Firearms Policy Unit of An Garda Síochána.

“The Firearms Policy Unit, Crime Legal, has been liaising with the Department of Justice in recent weeks in respect of items defined by Section 1 (g) (i) of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended.

In December 2022 the Department of Justice issued advices to Registered Firearms Dealers in this jurisdiction concerning the importation and sale of telescopic sights as defined by Section 1(g)(i) of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended i.e.:

“(i) telescope sights with a light beam, or telescope sights with an electronic light amplification device or an infra-red device, designed to be fitted to a firearm …”

The Department has advised, confirmed by recent advices received from the Office of the Attorney General, that Statutory Instrument 21/08, as amended, provides that telescopic sights defined by Section 1(g)(i) of the Act are in fact Restricted Firearms. Therefore, these items/devices should not be sold to a person unless that person is in possession of a Restricted Firearm Certificate granted by a Divisional Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána. Applications to authorise the possession and use of silencers/moderators remains unchanged and will continue to be made to District Superintendents.

Individuals who wish to possess, use or carry a telescopic sight as defined by Section 1(g)(i) of the Firearms Act 1925 (above) as amended, must apply to the Divisional Chief Superintendent on Form FCA1 for a Restricted Firearm Certificate. An additional charge of €80 will apply if the application for a Restricted Firearm Certificate is granted by the Chief Superintendent.

As per the Commissioner’s Guidelines in respect of ‘Additional Requirements in the Case of an Application for a Restricted Firearm Certificate’;

Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended, requires an application for a restricted firearm certificate to be made to the Commissioner who has delegated his function under this section to members of the Garda Síochána holding the rank of Chief Superintendent. The Chief Superintendent must be satisfied as to the following requirements:

a) that the applicant fully complies with the conditions as provided for in section 4 of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended by section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, i.e. the conditions in the case of an application for a non-restricted firearm (as outlined above).

b) that the applicant has good and sufficient reason for requiring the firearm for which the certificate is sought, and

c) has demonstrated that the firearm is the only type of weapon appropriate for the purpose for which it is required.

The Firearms Policy Unit is working closely with the Garda ICT Section in updating Forms FCA1 and FCR, and also the Firearms Section of the PULSE System to incorporate this application process and the amended forms will include information/advices for applicants in respect of applications to licence these devices. It is envisaged that individuals currently authorised to possess, use, and carry these devices will UPON RENEWAL (emphasis added) be required to make a separate application to the Divisional Chief Superintendent if applying to certify these devices as restricted firearms”.

(end of communication from AGS FPU)

Footnote: Deer Alliance HCAP has, in previous postings on this site, addressed this issue and pointed out the difficulties in the legislation so far as users are concerned. The Firearms Users’ Representative Organisation (FURG) to which Deer Alliance HCAP is affiliated, has identified amendment of this piece of legislation as a priority in submissions arising from the current review of legislation by the Firearms Expert Committee (see also previous postings on the subject of the FEC and the associated survey, which has a closing date of 2nd June 2023).