Woodlands of Ireland forestry policy review and wild deer recommendations
March 8th -
Woodlands of Ireland have published a review of forestry policy, which contains recommendations in relation to management of wild deer in Ireland and which has implications for all deer hunters.
Deer hunters are encouraged to read the Report and as stakeholders in Irish forestry with an interest in the issue of deer management, to convey opinions to Woodlands of Ireland (www.woodlandsofireland.com), to the Heritage Council (www.heritagecouncil.ie) or write/email the Wild Deer Association of Ireland. Note no deer organisation was consulted in the drafting of this report.
Read here (page 74)
Rise Campaign Update
March 3rd - ''Calling on all members and supporters to contact your local TD'' it is vital at this critical time that all members and supporters contact their local TD's to ensure Stag Hunting is protected and the greens are stopped in their pursuit of an anti rural agenda.
''Green Party Policies - '7.1 When in government, the Green Party will introduce legislation to end blood sport ''
If you require further details please do not hesitate to contact us.
Irish Times March 1st 2010 - RISE campaign petition now available in betting shops.
Pro-hunting lobby puts petitions in betting shops
MICHAEL PARSONS and SEÁN MacCONNELL, Agriculture Correspondent
Mon, Mar 01, 2010
A PRO-HUNTING lobby is stepping up its campaign by appealing directly for support to the customers of betting shops.
From today, posters created by Rise! (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) will appear in 200 betting shops throughout the State.
The group is campaigning against planned new animal welfare legislation included in the renewed Programme for Government at the insistence of the Green Party.
Customers in the shops will have an opportunity to sign a petition which states that the signatories support the campaign “to promote and defend” rural field sports and “to oppose John Gormley’s proposals to include hunt kennels in his new legislation on dog breeding, to ban stag hunting and the imposition of further unnecessary restrictions in any new law on animal health and welfare”.
Liam Cahill, a spokesman for Rise!, said three chains of bookmakers had already agreed to participate: Boyle Sports which has 140 outlets throughout the State, Bruce Betting which has 40 shops in Dublin and Stan James, which has 10 shops in Cork.
He said he hope other chains such as Celtic Bookmakers, William Hill and Ladbrokes would also join the campaign.
He claimed the timing was right because betting shops would be “much busier than normal” this month with the Cheltenham race meeting, and that “bookmakers and punters were beginning to realise that hunting is the bedrock of national hunt racing”.
Mr Cahill said if hunting was banned there would be a negative impact on the entire equine industry.
Rise! claims to have already secured widespread support from the racing world, including leading professional jockeys such as Ruby Walsh and Paul Carberry; the 500-member Qualified Riders Association (representing amateur jockeys) and the 430-member Irish Racehorse Trainers Association.
Last week, Green Party leader John Gormley confirmed that stag hunting would be banned. The Bill is expected to be published next month. Mr Gormley said in addition to “the issue of animal cruelty”, the ban was necessary “in an increasingly urbanised environment” for safety reasons.
Three Fianna Fáil TDs told RTÉ yesterday they would obey their party when it voted against stag hunting but, according to Mary Wallace, it would be “with a heavy heart” because it was an attack on rural traditions and went far beyond stag hunting itself.
Thomas Byrne, in whose constituency the Ward Union Stag hunt takes place, said it had been agreed in the Programme for Government all stag hunting would end. He did not agree with that but he would have to support it.
Mattie McGrath (South Tipperary) said a meeting between Fianna Fáil TDs and Mr Gormley had sought to convince him not to do away with the sport. While he stood four square behind rural pursuits, he hoped with amendments each side would get its way.
© 2010 The Irish Times
RTE Radio 1, February 28th - ''Discussion on proposed stag hunting ban'' listen here
February 23rd 2010
Irish Times, February 24th -''Proposed Stag Hunting Ban legislation defended''
GREEN PARTY leader John Gormley has defended the planned legislation to ban stag hunting which he said was necessary in “an increasingly urbanised environment”.
In a statement to The Irish Times last night, he noted: “The Green Party does not shy away from the realities of rural living. Deer need to be culled when numbers are out of control and when damage is being done to trees or farmers’ crops. For this we rely on expert advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service.”
But he added: “The issue of stag hunting steps outside the simple issue of animal cruelty. It is one of safety in an increasingly urbanised environment.”
The ban is one of a number of animal welfare measures which were included in the renewed programme for government.
The pro-hunting group Rise! (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) claims that a ban on stag hunting is “the thin end of the wedge” and that “a ban on all field sports is part of Green Party policy and will follow when the timing suits them”. Mr Gormley said he was well aware of the importance of rural pursuits such as shooting and fishing which were “enjoyed by many Irish people”. He said there was no move to stop such country pursuits in the lifetime of this Government.
Green Party deputy leader Mary White and spokeswoman on rural affairs and hunting-related issues said the ban on stag hunting “is going to happen”.
She claimed the legislation was “vital in modernising the animal welfare protections in this country” and to halt “some cruel practices against animals”.
Fine Gael has said it will vote against the proposed ban on stag hunting and will repeal it if the party forms the next government.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said it had “not yet taken any formal decision” on how it would vote on the issue.
© 2010 The Irish Times
Irish Times, February 23rd - ''Rise Campaign gains impetus'' read here
Sunday Business Post February 21st ''Fine Gael promises to defend stag hunting''
ThePost.ie
Fine Gael promises to defend stag hunting
21 February 2010 By John Burke Public Affairs Correspondent
Fine Gael has said it will repeal any changes to the licensing of stag hunting made by the government.
Green Party leader and environment minister John Gormley secured agreement with Fianna Fáil to introduce legislation to ban stag hunting under the renewed Programme for Government.
The ban is aimed at putting an end to the Ward Union Hunt in Co Meath, which is the sole remaining stag hunt licensed in the state.
The agreement has caused concern among some rural Fianna Fáil backbenchers.
Fine Gael environment spokesman Phil Hogan wrote to hunting associations in recent days, setting out the party’s commitment to ‘‘oppose any change to existing licensing arrangements for stag hunting’’.
The letter said that the party would ‘‘reverse any changes made by the present government in that regard’’ if it assumed government after the next general election.
A spokesman for the Meath hunt, Liam Cahill, described the written commitment as a ‘‘hugely welcome move’’, but said the Ward Union would be continuing its strategy of resistance to the planned legislative change, which is aimed at amending the law under which stag hunting is licensed.
Cahill said that the hunting community welcomed the ‘‘unequivocal support of Fine Gael’’ while, at the same time, they had received ‘‘nice warm sounds but no action’’ from Fianna Fáil TDs and senators.
The Ward Union Hunt dates from 1854 and is the world’s sole remaining carted stag hunt. The hunt involves the use of a live stag and a limited number of hounds and trained huntsmen at chase.
The hunt’s next outing takes place tomorrow, at Oberstown, Co Meath, and the hunt season runs until midMarch.
Some Fianna Fáil TDs mooted a free vote on the bill when it comes before the Dáil in the spring. Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness has called for a vote on the bill without the party whip, while Wexford TD Sean Connick said he shared McGuinness’s concerns.
Countrywide RTE Radio 1 February 20th ( 4 segments - 1. 0 mins 11 secs, 2. 18 mins 39 secs,3. 34 mins 55 secs,4. 38 mins 09 secs) listen here
Today FM Interview February 16th 5.31pm listen here
Poachers in Meath selling venison to unregistered game dealer
February 17th 2010
By Alison COMYN
Wednesday February 17 2010
RUTHLESS poachers are preying on herds of wild deer in the Slane and Collon areas, causing a siginifcant decrease in their numbers in recent years.
The deer, who whose forebearers escaped or were released from deer farms up to 50 years ago, roam large areas of east Meath and on to Collon and Monasterboice, some causing accidents on the M1 and N2, straying across the open road.
Poachers now see them as highly valuable, with an illegal dealer in the Meath area purchasing the venison meat on a 'weigh and pay' system.
There have been four incidents in as many months, where vehicles have struck the animals, and experts are calling for a review of fencing and safety barriers in areas where herds roam freely.
' Wild deer making their way onto the motorway is a huge problem, although it happens most often in the rutting season in autumn,' says expert Andrew McKeever, 'and is very dangerous for both the animal and the motorist.
'The herds, which are most prevalent in Slane and Collon, are a wonderful asset to the countryside, and it's amazing they have survived the development in the area, but numbers have been hugely depleted recently, and not by road incidents, but by a serious poaching problem in the area.'
Andrew says poachers are being attracted by a 'weigh and pay' system operated by a venison dealer working in the locality, and the population is way down.
'However, there are still many small herds which stretch through the Boyne Valley from Collon, as far as Ravensdale. Most of them were escapees from Slane Deer Park in the 50s, or when hard times hit the deer farmers, they let them all loose.,' he says.
'This asset to the countryside should be protected more.'
Chairman of the Hunting Association of Ireland Gavin Duffy suggests the NRA should look at raising the level of fencing used where herds of wild deer roam.
'They have been criticised in the past because if they raised their stock-proof fencing an extra 2 feet, or three rails, it may stop a stag from jumping over them, however this would mean extra expense,' says the Bellewstown resident.
'The one main herd in this area was always the Hilltown herd, which roam from Stamullen to Bellewstown, however when the M1 opened in 2005, this unsettled them, and they stumble onto the motorway near the toll booth quite a bit.'
Wild deer also graze in Townley Hall woods, coming from the Slane direction, although a herd can travel up to 40km per day and are free to roam across land.
' They can prove a great danger to motorists as if startled or rutting, they can break into great bursts of speed, and being hit by a stag is they same as being hit by a cow or horse,' adds Gavin.
- Alison COMYN
Shameful poaching incidents in Tipperary and Galway
February 4th 2010
Gardai are investigating the dumping of the carcasses of ten deer which were discovered recently in the Drombane area of North Tipperary. The remains of the animals were packed into plastic bags and dropped into a roadside drain, not far from a reservoir which supplies water to Thurles Town.
Due to the manner in which the deer were shot and the large number of animals found in the drain, it is felt that they were shot illegally at night and transported to the area in which they were found.
Local people are upset by this and other illegal night-time activities which are taking place in many parts of rural North Tipperary. Gangs armed with powerful rifles and lamps illegally pursue deer under cover of darkness and show scant regard for landowners and their livestock. Over recent years horses and cattle have been killed by those marauding gangs, who leave the animals to die, and the farmers to suffer the loss.
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland which represents trained, insured and law abiding deer hunters in a comment said
“We unreservedly condemn this type of mindless and
dangerous activity, and sympathise with and support farmers
who have suffered losses because of illegal hunting activities.
We call upon the authorities to pursue and prosecute more vigorously those who undertake night-time poaching activities throughout the country”
A similar incident recently took place in Co. Galway where four fallow deer were shot and left in a drain (picture below). These individuals show no regard for our sport or the deer they shoot and leave to rot, they are criminals and any information on these incidents should be reported to the Gardai.
Read here - Tipperary Star front page coverage
R.I.S.E. (Rural Ireland Says Enough) we need your help!
January 26th 2010
RISE! Rural Ireland Says Enough! Is campaigning at national, regional and local level to mobilise public and political opinion in support of our traditional field sports and rural pastimes. Our supporting organisations including the Wild Deer Association of Ireland represent more than 300,000 people involved in country sports. Right now, there are three immediate threats to rural sports:
The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is currently been debated in the Seanad.
The same Ministers Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, which includes a ban on stag hunting, is scheduled to be published between now and Easter.
The Animal Health and Welfare Bill is being drafted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
These proposals represent part of a wider, fundamentalist Green agenda being foisted on people.
Rural Ireland says Enough! It is time to draw a clear line, to resist these threats and to promote our traditional rural way of life. RISE! Is supported by people throughout Ireland who value our distinctive and traditional way of life. They are people who wish to conserve and develop a better way of life for themselves, their children and for future generations. How can you help our campaign? Click Here to find out - Sign our Online petition Click here
Read the full transcript of the Seanad debate, January 26th on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, Second Stage. Highlighted are some of the more relevant comments in yellow. Read here
Passing of one of Ireland's leading deer stalking personalities and former Wild Deer Association of Ireland chairman John Creedon
January 19th 2010
It is with great sadness and regret that we learned of the sudden passing of one of Ireland's leading deer stalking personalities and former WDAI chairman John ‘’Johnny’’ Creedon who passed away unexpectedly on January 15th 2010.
Johnny was chairman of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland from 2005 - 2007 and during his tenure contributed significantly to the association’s development into a leading national organisation. A member of the WDAI for almost 20 years he unselfishly devoted him time to the betterment of Ireland’s wild deer herds, its members and to those who had similar interests. As a man who had seen a lot of the world through his many hunting and yachting trips, been involved in deer stalking and bird shooting all his life and a keen wildlife photographer and film maker (which can be seen on www.wilddeerireland.com) meant you where always guaranteed a good story with the Johnny Creedon humour added in for good measure.
Johnny’s passion for deer stalking was only matched by his interest in film making and photography, which saw him win the best amateur documentary in Ireland/UK.
His funeral took place in Macroom, Co. Cork on January 21st and as expected was well attended by the shooting and hunting community. As was fitting for this extraordinary sports man the ceremony included a three gun salute by Johnny’s local gun club and a guard of honour by the WDAI. A man with great zest for life not to mention his legendary story telling will be sadly missed by all hunting and shooting people who were lucky enough to meet him. May he rest in peace - Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Damien Hannigan
Wild Deer Association of Ireland
Funeral details - Prayers 8pm Tuesday January 19th Macroom Church, Co. Cork. Rosary 8pm Wednesday January 20th Macroom Church, Co. Cork. Burial after 2.30pm mass Thursday January 21st, Macroom, Co. Cork. Mass cards Julie Creedon, No. 2, Coolcower, Macroom, Co. Cork.
Is a national cull required and are deer numbers out of control?
January 10th 2010
They say ‘’paper never refused ink’’ and this certainly seems to be the case on viewing some of the newspaper headlines in recent days calling for ‘’national deer culls’’ and ‘’deer been out of control’’.
The facts and statements made by the Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) on these matters are.
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While there is a perception deer numbers are high in some areas such as Wicklow, , Sligo and isolated areas of Galway and Mayo the feedback from hunters and member of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland around the country is that deer numbers have been decimated in many areas - throughout the midlands, northwest and Munster by the illegal taking of deer or over hunting, in recent times this has escalated due to the economic down turn and the promotion of large scale deer buying operations.
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The main causes of high deer populations tend to be (i) poor deer management where hunters only shoot stags and do not control the number of females to reduce the deer population. (ii) Poaching (illegal taking of deer by lamping at night or unauthorised hunting with dogs) can cause deer to become very wary and hard to control. It makes the deer seek cover and become prone to feeding at night, which makes them almost impossible to control by legal methods of shooting as shooting at night is an illegal activity. (iii) In recent years we have created additional habitat for deer through private forestry plantations, while such forestry should be encouraged it is vital plantations are planned with deer management in mind such as creating ''deer lawns'' and other spaces to allow the deer to feed in the forestry.
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It is impossible to state ‘’deer numbers are out of control’’ or that ‘’deer are moving into more areas’’ as no deer census or population count has ever been undertaken in Ireland. In fact to see or count wild deer is quiet difficult under normal circumstances where an unqualified attempt can lead to the same deer been counted more than once as deer tend range over large areas.With 31,000 deer shot in 2008/09 hunting season this number does not include any deer shot illegally by poaching or deer shot illegally by those who do not have a deer hunting licence and in turn do not make an annual return to the NPWS. While the number of deer shot in recent years has increased substantially the number of deer hunting licences has also increased substantially, so are there more deer or is it that there are just more hunters shooting deer?
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There are over 4,000 deer hunting licences issued annually (2009) in Ireland while these licence holders can control the deer population this can only happen where the correct deer management practices are implemented such as those promoted by the WDAI, Deer Alliance and other organisations where over population occurs.
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Landowners have an important role to play to ensure they make the right decisions and prevent illegal hunting if they think a deer problem exists on their land or they have had crop damage. In 2009 an initiative was set up between the IFA, Irish Deer Society and the WDAI which provides a free service to landowners giving advice and assistance on deer problems by contacting their local IFA office. Landowners should only allow a qualified deer hunter on their lands with the appropriate insurance. The only recognised qualification in Ireland for deer stalking is the HCAP qualification (Hunter Competence Assessment Programme).
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Fallow deer are the most common in Ireland followed by Sika deer with Red deer been our rarest deer who where almost extinct in Kerry in the 1970’s when the numbers where as low as 60 animals but since been protected from hunting (currently Red deer stags only) numbers have recovered but in terms of the overall deer population they are small in number, other red deer herds can be found in Wicklow, Galway and Donegal with isolated small herds in some other counties.
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As our motorway network expands around the country it is inevitable that these motorways will cross existing deer habit and deer will be involved in motor accidents more frequently. In many other countries proper planning to include deer fencing and deer passes along motorways can reduce these accidents in areas of high deer population.
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The introduction of any invasive species into Ireland is seen by the WDAI as a threat to our biodiversity and destruction of our habitat. While there has been evidence of individual Muntjac deer releases in Ireland there has been no evidence of Roe or Chinese Water deer been released in Ireland.
So are these dramatic headlines correct – answer: we do not know because we do not know if there is a problem.
Wild Deer Association of Ireland
January 10th 2010
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Temporary Closure of the Hunting Season for Waterfowl and advice on Open Deer Season
January 14th 2010
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has today has extended a temporary closure of the Hunting Season for Waterfowl due to the continuing freezing conditions across the State.
Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe, Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department said "These birds depend on lakes, ponds, reed beds and marshy ground to find food, shelter and refuge, but these are now frozen and have been since mid December". Met Eireann has confirmed that this cold spell will continue for some time.
The Department has consulted with country sports and conservation organsiations who welcome this decision and ask their members to adhere to this measure which will clearly benefit the long term populations of these birds.
The Species concerned are Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose and Ruddy Duck.
The situation will be reviewed again on 20th January 2010.
Advice on Open Season
Considering the current severe weather conditions in many areas of the country, deer and all game animals/birds are under additional pressure and also from a shortage of food supply, therefore we would like each WDAI member to use their discretion in the areas effected and to refrain from stalking deer until the weather conditions improve.
The deer are hampered by the deep snow and not alert to the usual dangers and tend to herd together seeming not to notice normal dangers such as humans and dogs.
To shoot deer in the current weather conditions could be seen as unethical.
Are Wild boar on the come back in Ireland?
December 14th 2009
EOGHAN Mac CONNELL
HAVING BEEN extinct for hundreds of years in Ireland, the wild boar appears to be making a comeback in many parts of the country.
Biodiversity Ireland has reported sightings at a number of locations in 2009.
The most startling of their reports revealed a 396lb boar “was shot near a school playground in south Tipperary” earlier this year. The group have also recorded sightings of sows, boars and piglets in counties Kilkenny and Wicklow.
The physical environment has greatly changed since the wild boar became extinct in Ireland several centuries ago.
Wildlife group Invasive Species Ireland is concerned about its reappearance. Ironically, due to the extinction of the Irish wolf, the wild boar has no natural predators in Ireland and could “expand unchallenged”, it said.
Coillte’s game and wildlife manager Barry Coad said he had dealt with a number of wild boar over the past year. He described the problem as “quite widespread throughout the country”.
Mr Coad has been directly involved in removing nine animals from Piltown in Co Kilkenny and Glenealy in Co Wicklow. “I think it is a serious concern for agriculture and also there is potential for spreading disease,” he said.
Wild boar are known to uproot large areas of land, eliminate native vegetation and have the potential to spread disease to domestic livestock.
Colonies of wild boar have become established in parts of the UK in the past decade.
Chairman of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland Pat Scully said one of his members shot a wild boar in Clogheen near Cahir in Co Tipperary earlier this year.
“There was one shot in Cahir earlier but it would be assumed that it would have been bred in captivity,” said Mr Scully.
He was aware of people keeping the animals which could be imported with a licence. “There are some in captivity and I presume it is a safe assumption that some would escape,” he said.
Two Red Deer seized in Fermanagh Deer Poaching incident
November 29th 2009
Deer poaching across Ireland has reached epidemic proportions, authorities have claimed.
Details of the developing black market in deer meat were disclosed after remains of two of the animals were discovered hidden in a shed near Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, with police adding that more and more are being culled in the run-up to Christmas.
Two amazing 10 & 12 point Sika Stags taken in Kerry & Wicklow
November 5th 2009
To hear of a 10 or 12 point Sika Stag is rare but two of these Sika Stags been culled with in weeks of each other is something that has not been heard of in recent years. Wild Deer Association of Ireland members John Clooney & Wayne O'Hea where the lucky ones, John took this amazing 12 - point Sika Stag on the opening day of the season in Co. Wicklow with a .270 & is only the third such animal ever recorded. Wayne O'Hea harvested this ''once in a lifetime'' 10 point Sika Stag in Co. Kerry on October 7th with his 25.06
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
Red Deer Tissue Samples Required
October 8th 2009
Dr Ruth Carden requires red deer tissue samples for her ongoing research- either a piece of ear/ muscle or a section of the tongue - all to be contained in the samples tubes available to include in the origins of Irish red deer populations with particular emphasis on the Kerry red deer herd.
Dr Ruth Carden
Natural History Division
National Museum of Ireland
Merrion Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
If you require sample tubes please you can contact Ruth directly
on ruthfcarden@gmail.com
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The Hunting Association of Ireland is to hold a public meeting on September 16th 2009
September 12th 2009
The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) and FACE Ireland are holding a public meeting of Hunt, Coursing and Shooting Clubs at Woodlands Hotel, Adare, Co Limerick, on Wednesday 16th September 2009 at 8 p.m., in defence of field sports and to deal with Minister Gormley's refusal to honour his written commitment to exempt Hunt and Shooting Clubs from regulations intended to regulate Commercial Dog Breeding Establishments and his stated intention to now classify all such Clubs as Commercial Dog Breeding Establishments.
HAI have invited the attendance of "deer people", HCAP-Certified Stalkers and all participatng bodies.
VENUE
Woodlands Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick
DATE
Wednesday September 16th 2009
Time
8 p.m.
Download your Coillte Stalking Safety/ Prohibition Notice
August 29th 2009
Click on the link below to download & print your Coillte Stalking Safety/Prohibition Notice. All stalkers should display clearly prohibition notices at all gates and entrances to the stalking area before commencing stalking and remove them on leaving the area. Such notices should be a minimum size of 400mm wide and 600mm high, printed on a white background.
New Firearms Licensing Regulations
August 2nd 2009
Section 28 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 which was commenced on the 27 th July 2009 provides for a transition period where existing firearm certificates due to fall for renewal on the 31 st July 2009 will have their durations extended for periods of up to 12 months (a minimum period of 3 months and a maximum period of 12 months).
All firearm certificate holders will receive a letter from the Garda Commissioner informing them of their extension and the timeframe of when they can re-apply for a firearm certificate under the new legislation.
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland will provide guidance to members on the new application in the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary on Friday August 21st @ 7.30pm.
Click Here to download your forms & for further information
Hunter Competence Assessment Programme 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 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 Report
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.
Wild Muntjac Deer involved in traffic accident in Co. Down.
June 13th 2009
This wild Muntjac was discovered last week near Donaghadee on the Ards Peninsula in Co Down. The authorities are carrying out a criminal investigation under the Northern Ireland Wildlife Order 1985.
See BBC coverage on this incident
Recording breaking Red Stag antlers on show at AGM 2009
June 11th 2009
Ger Halligan of Clairemorris, Co Mayo a member of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland will display his recording breaking Wild Red Stag antlers (262 CIC points) taken in October 2008 in Co. Mayo at the 2009 WDAI AGM on June 13th.
Read the full story of the Crown of Clochan Hill
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland join FACE Ireland
June 9th 2009
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland became a member of FACE Ireland following the FACE AGM on June 8 th 2009, which took place in Durrow Co. Laois.
With the increasing level of scrutiny on all field sports, the WDAI view organisations such as FACE working with the WDAI as been critical to the future of our sport.
We would like to thank the IDS & other FACE Ireland for their support on this matter.
About FACE
In March 1977, after an initial discussion on the need for a "EEC" hunters' organisation, a European hunters' federation - FACE - was born in London...
FACE membership is open to representative national hunters' associations from all Council of Europe Member States. FACE currently counts members in 36 countries.
FACE has regular contacts with the 785 Members of the European Parliament and works in particular close collaboration with MEP's taking part in the "Sustainable Hunting, Biodiversity & Countryside Activities" Intergroup.
Since its foundation, FACE has had decisive input into all EU initiatives (Directives, Amendments and Regulations) relating directly or indirectly to hunting and wildlife management.
FACE is recognised by the European Commission as the main discussion partner, representing Europe's 7 million hunters, and is consulted by the relevant Directorate-General during the elaboration and monitoring of EU legislation dealing with hunting, wildlife management, nature conservation, firearms, wild animal health, game meat hygiene, etc.
For further information go to http://www.face-europe.org
New Coillte Bye-Laws will help fight poaching & illegal hunting
June 3rd 2009
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food – Brendan Smith under the Forestry Act 1988 (Section 37) (Coillte Teoranta) Bye-Laws 2009 has made a number of Bye-Laws which have been welcomed by the Wild Deer Association of Ireland.
The bye-laws address areas such as access, litter, use of vehicles or bikes, dogs, unauthorised persons & the illegal use of firearms on coillte property.
The WDAI view these bye-laws as supporting it's campaign against illegal poaching & hunting under the heading of ‘shine a light on poaching'
Coillte Teoranta Bye Laws 2009
Sinn Féin statement on hunting ban
June 2nd 2009
Following a meeting between Mr. Lyall Plant, Chief Executive, Countryside Alliance Ireland, Mr. D.J. Histon, Chief Executive/ Secretary, ICC, and Mr. Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein at Leinster House on Thursday, May 21, 2009 the following statement was released -
A motion passed at the Sinn Féin Ard Fhéis in February regarding the banning of hare coursing and hunting has caused considerable upset, not least among Sinn Féin members and supporters who are involved in the sport or who appreciate the tradition behind these sports and its place in rural communities the length and breadth of the country.
Apart from the tradition and the history associated with these sports, including my own part of N orth Kerry, I am also conscious of the conservation role played by hunts and coursing clubs and the contribution generated by both of these country sports in economic terms to the rural economy. There are thousands of people directly involved in the greyhound and equine industry as trainers and owners, not to mention the large crowds who attend events on an annual basis and the economic multiplier effect all of that has in terms of generating spending within the economy. It is for this reason that I pointed out in a report which was recently passed by the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, that strongly rooted indigenous rural industries are maintained and developed.
The motion itself was tabled by a Dublin city cumann and was narrowly passed during a poorly attended section of the Ard Fhéis. Unfortunately I myself, who was to speak in opposition to the motion, was detained by a radio interview at the time and the two cumainn which had tabled motions supporting our previous position on hunting and coursing failed to provide speakers. That was a clear shortfall on our part.
Had there been a proper debate, and had coursing and hunt supporters had the opportunity to put forward the facts regarding their recognised activity, and to counter the misconceptions many people have about them, I have no doubt that the motion would have been defeated.
As things stand, however, I am bound by the motion but I am certain many cumainn around the country, will ensure that it is challenged at next year's Ard Fhéis and that it will be defeated. The only assurance I can give in the meantime is that Sinn Féin will be part of no legislative effort to ban hunting and coursing either in the 26 or the 6 counties.
Martin Ferris
May 27th 2009
WDAI AGM 2009
May 27th & June 1st 2009
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 AGM 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
Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 now published
May 21st 2009
The The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 has now been published. The full bill and associated explanatory memo may be downloaded by clicking on the following links
Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 explanatory memo
Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009
Ahern Announces Handgun Ban
| May 15th 2009 | |
This new more rigorous system, which will be introduced in August, will allow Superintendents to enquire into the medical history of applicants, provide for character referees for applicants and introduce minimum standards for secure accommodation of firearms. The Garda Commissioner will be able to issue guidelines governing the issue of licenses. The Minister has said he has been shocked by the growth in the number of legally held handguns in the State. "Handguns were effectively banned in the State until 2004, mainly as a result of measures introduced during the Troubles. But following a series of judicial decisions that is no longer the case and about 1,800 handguns have been licensed. That number will continue to rise unless we take action. At least one Judge has expressed his concern at this alarming growth." |
New Site Launched
May 12th 2009
The new look Wild Deer Association of Ireland web site is here with lots of new & useful information on all matters deer related. Due to the success of www.wilddeerireland.com over the last 7 years as your one stop shop for all things deer related. We have decided to include even more useful & exciting information for you to browse. Please let us know what you think.
Hunter Competence Assessment Programme Update
May 10th 2009 – 57 candidates successfully pass the HCAP MCQ.Read the latest here
Deer Alliance, is the organising body for the assessment and certification of persons involved in the management, conservation and stalking of wild deer in Ireland. The Deer Alliance was established in 2003 in response to the need for a certification process in respect of hunters and managers of wild deer on the lands of Coillte Teoranta, Ireland’s State Forestry Board. The Deer Alliance administers the national Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) through the HCAP Assessment Committee. HCAP is designed to lead to safer, more efficient and more humane management of wild deer in Ireland through a rigorous process of screening and assessment of deer hunters. All persons wishing to hunt wild deer on Coillte forest property are required to show evidence of competence in the areas of knowledge of Irish deer species (biology, habits and habitat, management practices) and proficiency in the safe use of firearms. HCAP, introduced in 2005, is currently the only Irish-based certification process recognised and accepted by Coillte as meeting the required standards.:
Read more...
http://www.deeralliance.blogspot.com/
Irish National Country Fair
May 1st 2009 - Vist us in the Countryside Alliance Ireland stand at the Irish National Country Fair, Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath July 18th & 19th.
http://www.irishcountryfair.com/
April 2009
DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AIMS TO MAINTAIN HERD IN SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Following consultations between the IFA, the Irish Deer Society and the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, a Deer Management Programme is to be made available to advise and assist landowners on the management of deer, while maintaining the herd in a safe and sustainable environment
IFA Deputy President Derek Deane welcomed the initiative, which has come about after detailed discussions with all stakeholders. “The dramatic rise in deer numbers in the last few years has posed problems for farmers, including fence damage, encroaching on crops, grazing of pastureland and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. All these have financial implications for farmers. IFA recognises the value of maintaining a healthy herd, but it must be within the natural environment for the deer.”
Mr Deane encouraged farmers to avail of the services that will be provided under the Management Programme. A list of co-ordinators approved by the Irish Deer Society will be made available to landowners who have problems with deer numbers.
The Chairman of the Irish Deer Society Paul Wood said the aim of his organisation was the conservation of wild deer. “We also recognise the need for the effective management of deer numbers. Unmanaged deer herds can increase annually by 30%. Proper management conducted during the open season should reduce the need for Section 42 licences, which allow hunting out of season.”
David Wilkinson, Chairman of IFA Countryside, said the rise in deer numbers poses a threat to roadusers and private property. “A successful Deer Management Programme will reduce the risk of accidents and preserve the deer population in their own environment.”
President of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland Pat Scully said there will be an educational element to the Management Programme. “Part of the problem is down to a lack of deer management knowledge. Hunters often concentrate on culling male deer because they want a set of trophy antlers. This does very little to control deer numbers as female numbers escalate. This approach does little for farmers or for the national deer herd.”
*See attached deer management programme brochure
* View RTE Six One News coverage
http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0331/6news_av.html?2518005,null,230
Red & Sika Deer DNA Study
Dr Ruth Carden a WDAI member gives an update on her Red & Sika deer DNA study - read here
Red & Sika deer DNA study (30.5 KB Word .doc file)
Deer Management Programme
Deer Management Programme is to be made available to advise & assist landowners on the management of wild deer, while maintaining the herd in a safe and sustainable environment -Read more -IFA- IFA, IDS & WDAI Deer Programme detail - RTE Six One Coverage (New)
Deer Management Programme: (11.0 KB Word .doc file)
December 2008
Newspaper article suggests the deer population in Kerry are out of control & that there are 250,000 deer in Ireland?
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1230/1230581467792.html
November 2008
Donegal Poaching Incident November 14th 2008
MEN as young as esighteen years of age are roaming the hills near Ballybofey hunting wild deer with illegally held high powered rifles. The Donegal News learned this week that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is investigating this as well as reports of large scale “deer poaching” in other parts of the county. The NPWS spokesman confirmed they had received reports of illegal hunting and wounding of animals in the Ballybofey area and the information had been forwarded to local Gardai. He added he could not comment on other reports of deer poaching for operational reasons. There is an upsurge in deer poaching in the lead up to Christmas due to the increased demand, and price, for venison (deer meat). A legitimate hunter and licence holder from East Donegal expressed his disgust this week at the actions of young men near Ballybofey and said he feared an innocent person could be shot. “These young boys are aged between 18 and 20 and they go out lamping foxes using rifles at night time. But they are shooting everything in site, especially deer, and leaving them to die a slow death,” the man explained. “The deer would have suffered terrible. Recently, I seen one just lying there wounded and dying. This is a disgrace to do such a thing to a beautiful animal. I don’t mind seasoned licensed hunters because they use the deer for food and take the dead animal off the mountain. They might only shoot two or three a year,” he added. The man said such careless activity will ultimately lead to a serious incident or death involving an innocent person. “These boys have no licences for their guns, never mind licences for hunting deer. When hunting deer, you are supposed to bring signs with you and hang them on gates and fences to warn the public that hunting is underway. It was bad in the past, but this year has been the worst yet. A farmer or some woman out walking and could be shot or killed. The guards need to clamp down hard on these boys before its too late,” he concluded. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Wild Deer Association of Ireland said poaching is “illegal and dangerous”. According to Mr Damien Hannigan, Secretary of WDAI, poaching has reached epidemic levels in some areas through shooting at night with spotlights (lamping). Other practices include shooting outside the designated hunting seasons, snaring or trapping and in some cases, coursing deer with dogs. “Shooting without deer hunting licences is a common activity in Ireland. At the moment, there are a large number of people shooting deer illegally in the country,” Mr Hannigan said. Mr Hannigan admitted that deer have become a nuisance to farmers and landowners due to the poor management of the animals in some areas. “Deer must be culled, but only under controlled conditions, to restrict damage to forestry and farmland where over-population occurs. There is a right and wrong way to manage deer. And to leave a deer lying wounded in a field to die a slow death is obviously the wrong way. If deer could be managed in a proper manner then they would be easier to control. However, poaching is getting in the way of this,” he said. According to Mr Hannigan, poaching of deer has been on the increase in recent years and the Association aims to raise awareness and to inform members of the public of what should be done if a suspected case is encountered, through their campaign ‘shine a light on poaching’ “It is recommended where you suspect illegal hunting or taking of deer, that you contact your local Garda station or National Parks and Wild Life Service office, taking note of all relevant details such as location, date, time, vehicle registration and other details - but never approach,” he concluded.
Cronan Scanlon Journalist Donegal News Letterkenny Co Donegal +353 74 91 21014
September 2008
Minister creates Open Season for Muntjac Deer
Statutory Instrument No. 346 of 2008, Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2008, signed on August 27th 2008 and published on September 2nd 2008, provides for an Open Season for Muntjac deer in Ireland.
There is now a 12-month Open Season for Muntjac, running from the 1st day of September in each year and ending on the 31st day of August in the following year.
The Order follows several reported sightings of Muntjac in the Wicklow/Wexford area and at least one verified kill.
National Parks & Wildlife Service and others are concerned that the species could spread and come to represent a serious threat to agricultural, forestry and other environmental interests, as has occurred in Britain.
MORE ABOUT MUNTJAC (MUNTIACUS REEVESI) (Source: British Deer Society)
Recognition: Small, stocky, russet brown in summer, grey brown in winter. Long pedicles, short antlers and visible upper canines in bucks. Very large facial glands below the eyes. Ginger forehead with pronounced black lines running to the pedicles in bucks, dark U shape in does. Haunches higher than withers, giving a hunched appearance. Fairly wide tail, which is held erect when disturbed.
Adult size: Bucks (males): 10 to 18kg, 44 to 52cm at shoulder. Does (females): 9 to 16kg, 43 to 52cm at shoulder.
Antlers: Short (up to 10cm) but on long pedicles. Usually unbranched but brow tine occasionally found in old bucks.
Life span: Bucks: up to 16 years. Does: up to 19 years, but these are exceptional.
Food & feeding: Selective feeders that take small morsels from nutritious plants. Diet varies according to region and availability but may include herbs, brambles, ivy, heather, bilberry and coppice shoots.
Habitat: Deciduous or coniferous forests, preferably with a diverse understorey. Also found in scrub and over-grown gardens in urban areas.
Origins & history: Muntjac were first introduced from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire, England in the early 20th century. Deliberate releases and escapes from Woburn, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire lead to feral populations establishing. Their rapid spread across England and Wales has been facilitated by deliberate movement and release by humans.
Social organisation: Generally solitary or found in pairs (doe with kid or buck with doe) although pair-bonding does not occur. Bucks defend small exclusive territories against other bucks whereas does' territories overlap with each other and with several bucks.
Vocalisation: A common name for muntjac is "barking deer" resulting from the repeated, loud bark given under a number of circumstances. An alarmed muntjac may scream whereas maternal does and kids squeak.
The rut: In contrast to all other species of deer in Britain and Ireland, muntjac do not have a defined breeding season (rut). Instead, they breed all year round and the does can conceive again within days of giving birth. Bucks may fight for access to does but remain unusually tolerant of subordinate males within their vicinity.
Breeding: Muntjac are capable of breeding at 8 months old and breed all year round. After a gestation period of 7 months the doe gives birth to a single kid and is ready to mate again within a few days.
Activity: Muntjac are active throughout the 24-hour period but make more use of open spaces during the hours of darkness in populations experiencing frequent disturbance. Peak times of activity are at dawn and dusk. After feeding long periods are spent "lying up", which is where the deer lies down to ruminate.
Economic factors: Unlike other species of deer in Britain, muntjac do not cause significant damage to agricultural or timber crops. However, high muntjac densities may result in the prevention of coppice regeneration and the loss of some plants of conservation importance, such as primulas. Muntjac trophy hunting is only recently becoming popular and so muntjac stalking has little tradition on country and forest estates. The most significant direct economic impact that muntjac have on human interests is in collisions with cars. However, this has welfare as well as economic implications.
Below: Muntjac shot near Avoca, Co. Wicklow in 2007. © Photograph by John Griffin.
