Press release
Statement by Minister Noonan on Hunting Licences for Game and Open Seasons Order 2022
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
Considerable work has been undertaken by NPWS to set out a range of options available for future Open Seasons Order, and a wide ranging consultation with stakeholders and interest groups in relation to future orders will be undertaken over the coming months. While there is no doubt that this will be a challenging process, I am keen to listen to the views of all of the interested parties.
I would also remind the public that only certain species may be hunted, and only at certain times, as set out below. The hunting of deer species may only be done with a rifle and still requires a specific Deer Hunting Licence which may be applied for online at npws.ie.
The species, and dates between which hunting may take place is in keeping with previous orders. Based on the information available, the number of species under conservation threat, and 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 consulting with the sector on these changes in advance of their application.
It is known that the conservation status of some of the species that may be hunted in Ireland is declining. In order 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.
Full details are available on the NPWS website.
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: 1 September to 15 October
The counties of Cavan (exclusive of the townlands of Eonish Island, Rinn, Deramfield) and Leitrim (exclusive of the River Shannon): 16 October to 31 January
Greylag Geese
Countrywide: 1 September to 15 October
Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford and Gearagh East, Gearagh West in Co. Cork only: 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
Red Male (Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry)
1 September to 31 December
Red Female & Antlerless Deer ** (Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry)
1 November to 28 February
Sika Male (Throughout the State)
1 September to 31 December
Sika Female & Antlerless Deer ** (Throughout the State)
1 November to 28 February
Fallow Male (Throughout the State)
1 September to 31 December
Fallow Female & Antlerless Deer ** (Throughout the State)
1 November to 28 February
Muntjac Deer (Throughout the State)
1 September to 31 August
** Antlerless deer will be construed as including any male deer without antlers, of less than one year, that is, a calf.