The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has issued a list detailing the hunting seasons for wild birds, hares, and deer.
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.
Hunting seasons for wild birds & hares
SPECIES |
OPEN SEASON |
| Red Grouse | 1 September to 30 September |
| Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe. | 1 September to 31 January |
| Red-Legged Partridge, Cock Pheasant, Woodcock, Woodpigeon | 1 November to 31 January |
| Canada Geese
Countrywide |
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1 September to 15 October 16 October to 31 January |
| Greylag Geese
Countrywide Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford and Gearagh East, Gearagh West in Co. Cork only |
1 September to 15 October 16 October to 31 January |
| Ruddy Duck | 1 September to 31 January |
| Hares (excluding the following townlands in Co. Wexford: North East Slob, North West Slob, Big Island, Beggerin Island and the Raven). | 26 September to 28 February |
Hunting seasons for deer species
| SPECIES | OPEN SEASON | LOCATION |
| Red Male | 1 September to 31 December | Throughout the state, excluding Co. Kerry |
| Red Female & Antlerless Deer * | 1 November to 28 February | Throughout the state, excluding Co. Kerry |
| Sika Male | 1 September to 31 December | Throughout the state |
| Sika Female & Antlerless Deer * | 1 November to 28 February | Throughout the state |
| Fallow Male | 1 September to 31 December | Throughout the state |
| Fallow Female & Antlerless Deer * | 1 November to 28 February | Throughout the state |
| Muntjac Deer | 1 September to 31 August | Throughout the state |
The DAFM confirmed that antlerless deer will be construed as including any male deer without antlers, of less than one year, i.e. a calf.
Read more in this news article.
