The open season for wild bird hunting will open in one week, on Thursday, September 1st, 2022.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, has reminded the public that they may only hunt certain species at certain times, as per his department’s official list.
He reiterated that the hunting of deer species may only be done with a rifle and still requires a specific deer hunting licence, which the public can apply for online via the NPWS’s website.
He said the species, and dates between, which hunting may take place, is in keeping with previous orders.
Wild bird hunting
In a statement, the minister said:
“Based on the information available, the number of species under conservation threat. Our legal obligations under the Birds Directive, changes in the ambit of the 2023/2024 order are very likely.”
“In effect, this will mean the likely removal of certain species from the order. I do, however, intend to consult with the sector on these changes in advance of their application.”
Review
He said the NPWS has undertaken “considerable” to set out a range of options available for future Open Seasons Order.
The minister confirmed that a “wide-ranging” consultation with stakeholders and interest groups concerning future orders would take place over the coming months.
He acknowledged that while there is “no doubt” that this will be a “challenging” process, he is “keen” to listen to all interested parties’ views.
The minister added:
“It is known that the conservation status of some of the species that may be hunted in Ireland is declining.”
“To continue to protect and preserve the conservation status of these species and to support sustainable hunting practices, a new way forward is required. This must be collaborative and based on scientific evidence,” he concluded.
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