Upcoming Events & Seminars
Each year the Wild Deer Association of Ireland holds many events, which are helping promote awareness and interest in our Deer species. At all times encouraging high standards of Safety and Responsibility in the management of our Deer herds.
Events & Seminars 09/10
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Hungary 2010 and an 800kg Bison taken in Poland
January 18th 2010
(click to enlarge)
10th Annual Carcass Handling Seminar
February 3rd 2010
Our 10th annual Carcass Handling Seminar will take place at 2.00pm sharp in Cahir, Co. Tipperary on Sunday 7th, February 2010.
Directions to the Seminar are as follows; take the Limerick/ Cork exit from Cahir town centre; on passing Cahir Castle the first building (old mill) on the left over the bridge. We would ask that members bring along as many fresh deer carcasses as possible, including pluck in a separate container for examination.
This year’s event will include – Field Evisceration & Butchery – preparation of Cape for taxidermist – demonstration by Dept Vet on Carcass examination & disease identification – demonstration by butcher on preparation of carcass for consumption – Venison BBQ – Trophy head measuring – we hope to have a demonstration on smoking venison. We are pleased to confirm that all those members who attend will have the opportunity to enter a draw courtesy of Dominic O'Hea and Mayogi Safaris who are based in Eastern Cape, South Africa (www.mayogi-safaris.co.za) providing a great hunting experience and an unforgettable time! Dominic will have all the details about Mayogi on the day. (terms and conditions apply and tickets available on the day)
The Skill and Knowledge of Carcass Handling is something that we all require new or old to Deer-stalking, so the committee would like the support of all members for this event. Light refreshments & barbecued venison will be provided free of charge.
We are planning a number of workshops during March for those planning to sit the Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) with a view to completing the HCAP Multiple Choice Exam in March/ April. The workshop & exam will be subject to a minimum of 30 members taking part, if you are interested or know someone who is interested in taking part please confirm by February 8th by contacting us on 087 2496987 or e-mail wilddeerireland@eircom.net .These workshops have been a great success todate for those wishing to complete the HCAP.
Schedule
2.00pm – Commercial Carcass Preparation – John Buckley, Game Butcher
2.30pm – Field evisceration and field butchery – Pat Scully, Deer Stalker
3.00pm – Disease identification and general health – John Murray, Dept. of Agriculture
3.30pm – Venison Smoking - Philip Derhart, Ballymaloe
3.50pm – Trophy Measuring – Irish Trophy Commission
4.10pm – Cape Preparation – Kurt Ecker, Taxidermist
4.30pm – Members draw for a hunting trip to South Africa
*Venison BBQ and light refreshments served
*Warm clothes recommended
Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) Workshop & MCQ exam
January 17th 2010
Following the success of our HCAP workshops to date we will host another HCAP workshop and MCQ exam during March to register for your place contact us on 00353 87 2496987 or email wilddeerireland@eircom.net or info@wilddeerireland.com - write to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, PO Box 31, Midleton, Co. Cork before February 8th 2010.
Remember to be a nominated stalker or lease-holder on a Coillte deer lease you must now have completed the HCAP, not to mention the obvious benefits to your stalking and knowledge of deer stalking
Wild Deer Association of Ireland members Wild Boar Driven Shoot in Hungary
October 30th 2009
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland plans to run a second Wild Boar Driven shoot in Hungary on January 22nd 2010. The trip will be over 4 days with places limited, for further details contact Dominic O'Hea 086 8120442 or Damien Hannigan 087 2496987.
Bruce Banwell DVD now available
October 18th 2009
Following the address by world renowned deer author & expert Bruce Banwell to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, a DVD has now been produced of Bruce's talk.
If you would like a copy please forward a postal order or cheque for €15 made payable to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland to PO Box 31, Midleton, Co. Cork
Bruce Banwell speaks to the WDAI members
August 31st 2009
World renowned deer expert & author Bruce Banwell from New Zealand spoke to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland members on Friday August 21 st at the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. There was a large attendance to hear Bruce speak on a wide range of topics relating to deer & Bruce's experiences while travelling the world.
Birr Castle Game Fair 2009
August 24th 2009
The 2009 Irish Game & Country Fair took place on Saturday & Sunday August 22nd - 23rd in Birr Castle Co. Offaly. This event continues to grow year on year with an action packed weekend of events & attractions. While Sunday was somewhat of a 'mud fest' it didn't dampen the spirits of the thousands who attended.
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland where guests of Countryside Alliance Ireland who we would like to express our thanks too Lyall & his team for there continued generosity & support.
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland recently expanded its game fair exhibition by investing in new display units for use at such events as Birr Castle, which includes fanstic images kindly donated by members John Delea & John Creedon to whom we are truly grateful.
While the WDAI stand was extremely busy throughout the weekend with queries of all matters deer related the star attraction was Ger Halligan's 257 CIC points Red Stag which received a lot of positive attention.
WDAI Shoot 2009
August 23rd 2009
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland annual shoot took place on Sunday August 16 th 2009 at the Kingdom Riocht Rifle & Pistol Club, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry.
The competition was open to all standard sporting rifles & the theme was of a sporting nature over 100 yards (prone un-rested) 200 (prone sand bags) & 300 (prone bi-pods) with 5 shots at each target.
After an enjoyable day in testing conditions & a high standard of shooting the winners following a count back for 2 nd & 3rd were – 1st John Clooney, Laois with132 points out of a maximum 150 – 2 nd Jonathan Murphy, Cork with 125 points – 3 rd Dan Quinlan, Tipperary 125 points – 4 th Kevin McCarthy, Clare 112 points.
© 2009 John Delea 087 2023203 all images - further 10 x 8 images available @ €12 (unframed)
Bruce Banwell addresses the WDAI
August 7th 2009
We are pleased to confirm world renowned deer expert & author Bruce Banwell from New Zealand will speak to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland members on Friday August 21 st at 7.30pm in the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet this iconic figure so make sure to attend. The National Parks & Wildlife Service will also make a presentation on ongoing deer related matters & there will some guidance on the new firearms licencing application.
Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) Workshop & MCQ exam
July 19th 2009
Following the success of our HCAP workshops & MCQ exam on April 25th there have been numerous requests to host another HCAP workshop the MCQ exam this will take place on Saturday August 22nd in Cahir, Co. Tipperary @ 2pm workshops for members will take place @ 1oam prior to the exam - most places are already taken so if you are interested please contact us on 00353 87 2496987 or wilddeerireland@eircom.net or info@wilddeerireland.com as soon as posibble.
Remember to be a nominated stalker or lease-holder on a Coillte deer lease you must have completed the HCAP on or before January 1st 2010.
The HCAP Range Test for successful candidates will take place on Saturday September 26th at the Midland Rifle Range, Co. Offaly.
For further details or previous results click here
Association Annual Shoot
June 23rd 2009
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland annual shoot will take place at the Riocht Gun Range, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry at 11am on Sunday August 16th 2009. This event is open to all members who will receive further information closer to the event date.
28th Annual General Meeting the biggest & best yet!
June 14th 2009
The 28 th annual general meeting of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland took place on June 13 th at the Kilcoran Lodge, Cahir, Co. Tipperary with this year's event been the biggest to date.
The membership where informed the association has just had the best year in terms of membership with 68 new members joining from all regions of the country including Northern Ireland & that the associations web site www.wilddeerireland.com now attracts an average of 1,000 visitors per day from all over the world.
The association's head competition was won by Gerard Halligan, Clairemorris, Co. Mayo with his record breaking Red Stag (pictured on this web site), best Fallow was won by John Clooney & most unusual Paul Fletcher.
Overall the quality of heads on display was exceptional this year including an unusual Hog Deer & Pier David Deer displayed by Joe Murphy, Naas, Co. Kildare & the first Wild Boar taken in the wild in Ireland by Jim O'Keefe, Tipperary along with an amazing display of African Trophy heads.
The main prize in our members draw a Wild Boar weekend in Hungary was won by Michael Corbett, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary – congratulations to Michael who will be jetting off to Hungary in the coming months.
Award winning knife maker Pat Mulcahy & Kurt Ecker taxidermist had excellent displays of their crafts for members to view.
The meeting was followed by a fantastic venison banquet prepared by the chefs of the Kilcoran Lodge.
June 13th 2009
WDAI AGM
The 28 th Annual General Meeting of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland will be held on Saturday June 13th 2009 at 7.30pm sharp in the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary you can also contact the hotel or lodges on 052 41288 if you require accommodation.
Following the A.G.M. a Venison Buffet will be provided .
In conjunction with the A.G.M. our annual competition will be held for best Trophy Heads.
Categories - 1. Best Fallow head 2. Most unusual 3. Best Overall. Note: Heads must have been shot within the previous 12 months. Heads shot in excess of 12 months can be exhibited but will not be included in the competition; these heads must be identified to the judges in advance.
Membership for the coming year is due following the AGM and can be paid on the night, along with any outstanding membership (€20), if you are unable to attend please forward your membership fee to Wild Deer Association of Ireland, PO Box 31, Midleton, Co. Cork.
We are pleased to confirm a member's draw will take place for those present on the night, prizes include a Driven Wild Boar weekend at Nagyvad Hunting in Hungary visit www.nagyvadhunting.hu (terms & conditions apply) there will also be display of African game species.
We are considering holding a second HCAP workshop/MCQ based on demand & with the January 2010 deadline fast approaching -if you are interested please reply before June 13 th
April 25th 2009 -
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland hosted the largest Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) exam to date at the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperay on April 25th 2009 - with the deadline (January 2010) fast approaching for the HCAP to be a requisite of holding a Coillte Teo. deer lease over 67 candidates sat the exam. Candidates can expect exam results with in 10 - 15 working days of the exam.
April 7th & 8th 2009
8pm each night at the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperay - the WDAOI will hold it's annual Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) workshop. the WDAOI will host a HCAP MCQ in the same venue on April 25th.
February 1st 2009
2pm Cahir, Co. Tipperay - the WDAOI will hold it's annual Carcass Handling Seminar - this years seminar covered, a presentation from a Dept of Agriculture vet - John Murray on disease identification, a demostration on carcass preparation by John Buckley , cape preparation by well known taxidermist Kurt Ecker, evisceration of a fresh deer carcass, venison BBQ.
February 2009
2pm Cahir, Co. Tipperay - the WDAOI will hold it's annual Carcass Handling Seminar - this years seminar covered, a presentation from a Dept of Agriculture vet - John Murray on disease identification, a demostration on carcass preparation by John Buckley , cape preparation by well known taxidermist Kurt Ecker, evisceration of a fresh deer carcass, venison BBQ.
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland supported by Coillte Teoranta, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the British Deer Society, Deer Alliance and Countryside Alliance Ireland have launched a campaign highlighting the message that "The unauthorised taking of deer (poaching) is illegal & dangerous!". According to the WDAI, poaching has reached epidemic levels in some areas through shooting at night with spotlights (lamping), shooting outside the designated hunting seasons, snaring or trapping and in some case coursing deer with dogs. WDAI have introduced their campaign with a dramatic and eye-catching poster which illustrates their point very strongly and which sets out advice to anyone coming across a possible poaching incident.
In a statement launching their campaign, WDAI say that while the word "poaching" has been for many generations associated with the illegal taking of pheasant or salmon, in terms of deer it can mean unnecessary injury or suffering to the animal, or even worse, death or injury to a person, as this illegal and dangerous activity usually involves the incorrect use of firearms, used in unsafe conditions, with little regard for the safety of others.
According to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, poaching of deer has been on the increase in Ireland in recent years and the Association, through its nationwide membership and with the support of other organisations, aims to raise awareness and to inform members of the public of what should be done if a suspected illegal or unauthorised taking of deer is encountered.
"Deer must be culled but only under controlled conditions, to restrict damage to forestry and farmland where over-population occurs. Culling should always be carried out by a certified deerstalker such as persons certified under the Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP), which promotes high standards and best practice, with adequate insurance cover such as that provided by Countryside Alliance Ireland".
"It is recommended where you suspect illegal hunting or taking of deer, that you contact your local Garda station or National Parks & Wild Life Service office, taking note of all relevant details such as location, date, time, vehicle registration and other details - but never approach!"
Events & Seminars 07/08
September 2008-
What is now an annual trip a group of 11 WDAOI members travelled to South Africa for an enjoyable weeks hunting at Mayogi Hunting.
August 2008-
Pat Scully wins the WDAOI annual centre fire shoot on Sunday August 24th at the Midland Rifle Range, Blueball, Co. Offaly with a fantastic score of 137 out of a maximum 150 following a count back with Jonathon Murphy who also scored 137, in third place was John Clooney with a score of 121. The standard of shooting continues to improve year on year with seven competitors scoring over 100. The competition was testing with 5 shots each 1. at a fox target at 100 yards un-rested 2.deer target at 200 yards prone 3. grouping target at 300 yards rested. Many thanks to our prize sponsors Kevin Murphy of Mid West Sporting Supplies, Newmarket-on-Fergus & Dominic O'Hea, Kinsale.
Pat Scully is elected the new chairman of the WDAOI June 28th 2008 Pat is the current WDAOI representative on the Deer Alliance committee, which oversees the running of the Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP), Pat also acts as range officer at the HCAP range tests having a wealth of experience at national & international level in this area. Pat's election topped off what many would say was the associations best & largest ever annual general meeting, which included a very successful members draw with the top prize a .308 sporting rifle sponsored by Sean Harding of Stakelums Firearms, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny been won by the outgoing & very popular chairman John Creedon who has just completed his three year tenure as association chairman.
We would like to wish Pat the very best in his new role & look forward to working with Pat to further develop & grow the association with the support of its officers & members.
The association's trophy head competition was won by Paul Hogan (overall - Red Stag), Pat Scully (best Fallow) & Barry Raymond (most unusual) this competition has been running for 27 years & this year's entry saw a very high standard of trophy heads from all areas of the country. The evening concluded with a mouth watering venison banquette prepared by the chefs of the beautiful Kilcoran Lodge.
August 30th &31st 2008
Irish Game & Country Fair,Birr Castle, Birr, Co Offaly (visit our stand)
July 24th -27th 2008
Members trip to the CLA Game Fair UK -we will be running a coach to the CLA game fair in Blenheim Palace UK on July 24th & returning on July 27th the cost is €480 per person, which includes all travel, entry to the fair, 3 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast. There are only a limited number of places available, Dominic or Teresa O'hea can be contacted on 086 8120442 or 021 486 2361 for further details.
June 28th 2008
WDAOI AGM Kilcoran Lodge, Kilcoran, Co. Tipperary @ 8pm, the night will include Trophy Head Competition, a number of suprise attractions, members draw, followed by a wild venison banquette. Members draw will include a .308 Savage sporting rifle & a deer stalking weekend. (terms & conditions - open to all paid members in attendance - the winner must satisfy the required firearms licensing requirements & hold a valid deer stalking permit - no cash alternatives - WDAOI does not accept any liability or provide any warranty in providing these prizes.
June 21st & 22nd 2008
Irish Game Fair & Country Lifestyle FestivalShanes Castle, Antrim visit us at the Countryside Alliance Ireland stand & British Deer Society stand, the WDAOI would like to thank CAI for there support & generosity in this event.
April 4th 2008
Film on the Phoenix Park Fallow Deer -A short film made by John Creedon on fallow deer in the Phoenix park will be shown in the Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary @ 8pm.
April 4th 2008
Hunting in Africa presentation & African trophy head display - On Friday April 4 th @ 8pmat the Cahir House Hotel Mayogi Hunting from South Africa will be giving a presentation on hunting in Africa, the night will also include a display of African trophy heads.
April 12th & 26th 2008
HCAP MCQ (sponsored by WDAOI) & Range Test–will take place on Saturday April 12th at 2pm in the Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary at 2pm, this is the largest HCAP held todate with over 70 liable to sit the exam.
March 26 & 27th 2008
HCAP Workshops -For those who have registered to sit the HCAP exam or wish to do so we will be running workshops on Wednesday & Thursday March 26 & 27 th @ 8pm sharp in the Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. If you have not already registered to sit the exam & paid your fee (€100 or €50 if you are repeating) the latest you can do so is on the night, you will also need to have your HCAP manual with you on each of the nights. We would strongly advise attending these sessions in advance of the exam.
Feb 9th 2008
Carcass Handling Seminar –Carcass Handling Seminar in conjunction with the department of agriculture, also includes, disease identification, field butchery, preparation for taxidermist, field evisceration, venison BBQ . The Wild Deer Association of Ireland recently held it's annual carcass handling seminar with over 80 members attending this event it is amongst the most popular event the WDAOI organises for it's members & fellow deer stalkers/managers. The skill and knowledge of Carcass Handling is something that we all require new or old to deer-stalking, so this years event included all facets of carcass handling with demonstrations from – John Murray Department of Agriculture on disease identification such as Liver Fluke & TB in wild deer – Pat Scully Deer-Stalker on evisceration & field butchery – John Buckley Game Butcher on carcass preparation & butchery – Kurt Ecker Taxidermist on cape preparation – also the attendees where treated to a delicious venison BBQ. A DVD of the seminar is now available at a cost of €10 plus p&p €5 email info@wilddeerireland.com for further details.
Feb 5th 2006 -
2pm Cahir, Co. Tipperay - the WDAOI held it's annual Carcass Handling Seminar - this years seminar covered, a presentation from a Dept of Agriculture vet. on disease identification, a demostration on carcass preparation, Evisceration of a fresh deer carcass, venison BBQ.
Previous Events (2004 / 2005)
Nov 17th 2005
Poland Trip–A group of WADAOI members travelled to Northern Poland for a 5 day Wild Boar driven shoot.
Jan 16th 2005
WDAOI will hold a Carcass Handling Seminar –on January 16th @ 2.00pm in Cahir Co. Tipperary a Dept of Agriculture Vet & Game Butcher will be in attendance.
Feb 7th 2005
A presentation on hunting in Africa –will take place on February 7th in Cahir Co. Tipperary hosted by two professional hunters from Africa, followed by a film on a recent African hunting trip by a number of members, presented by John Creedon.
May 30th 2004
WDAOI shoot -The WDAOI shoot will take place on Sunday May 30th at the Midland Rifle range starting at 10am.
Jun 7th 2004
WDAOI - National Country –The WDAOI will take part in the National Country at Emo Court, Co. Laois on Sunday June 6th & Monday June 7th. We would ask all members to support this event.10am.
Jun 26th 2004
WDAOI AGMThe WDAOI AGM will take place on Saturday June 26th in Cahir Co. Tipperary.
Jul 22nd 2004
CLA Game FairOver 40 WDAOI members will travel to the CLA game fair on July 22nd.
Previous Events (2002 / 2003)
January 2002 -This is an annual event the Association holds, were a Senior Department of Agriculture Vet gives a talk to the members on different diseases and illnesses deer can suffer from, such as, Liver Fluke and TB. Carcasses are brought along to the seminar with members shown were to find and identify illnesses and diseases. Also a butcher gives a demonstration on how to butcher and handle a carcass.
Association Shoot
March 2002 –A rifle shoot ws held at the Midland Riffle Range, Co. Offaly. This event is held twice each year, which involved shooting over a number of disciplines, at Deer and Fox silhouette, at distances from 100 yards to 300 yards. Where safety and good shooting practices been the priority at all times.
Deer Damage
July 2002 -Barry Coad from Coillte Teo. (Semi-state forestry organization) spoke to the membership on the increasing problems deer are causing to our commercial forestry. Which clearly highlighted the effects poor deer management can have on forestry.
Wild Life Photography
July 2002 -John Creedon & Mark Coombes both experienced Wildlife and Landscape photographers gave an excellent slide show on our native wildlife and landscapes. (Examples of this can be seen through out this Web Site, with the kind promotion of John &Mark)
Association Shoot -
August 2002 –The Association held its second shoot at the Midland Rifle Range, Co. Offlaly. This event forms part of Association's National Safety Course, with completed targets vetted by a member of the Garda Training College, Templemore, Co. Offaly.
Best Buck/ Stag Competition
August 2002–This forms part of the Association's Annual General Meeting, were members can bring along Buck/ Stag heads culled the previous season to be viewed by other members or judged best head in the following categories: Best Fallow - Best Overall Breed - Most Unusual.
Trip to the National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
October 2002 –Peter O Toole, Park Ranger, Duchas very kindly took the membership on a walk through the main deer range to observe the Red Stag Rut, following an excellent talk on the Park's Red Deer and examples of Red Deer antlers. Members of the Kerry Deer Society also joined us on our walk.
Future Events for 2003
The Association is planning a trip to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, in late May where Barry Coad, Coillte Teo. will show examples of the deer damage been caused in Wicklow and the efforts been made to control the large deer population there.
To find out more about these and future events, you can contact:
D. Hannigan, Hon. Secretary +353 (0)87 2496987 or P. Scully +353 (0)86 8381244
