Wild Deer Association of Ireland branded merchandise now available
July 30th 2010
The following Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) branded merchandise is now available
- Branded dark green base ball caps @ €10.00 each + €2.00 p&p
- Branded dark green polo shirts (small, medium, large sizes) @ €20.00 each + €2.00 p&p
- Branded grey thermus travel mugs @ €10.00 each + €2.00 p&p
- We also have Hunter Competenence Assessment Programme (HCAP) manuals @ €35.00 each
Cheques/Postal Orders made payable to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland should be sent to WDAI, PO Box 31, Midleton, Co Cork.
Licences to Hunt Game and Deer 2010
July 16th 2010
Coillte Teoranta, currently invite tenders for licences to hunt Game and Deer on designated areas of their forest estate.
Catalogues of available licence groups, together with tendering instructions will be available to download from the 17th July 2010 at http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/ or from your local Coillte District office.
The closing date for receipt of tenders is 5pm on Friday the 30th of July 2010
Concessions offered to the Greyhound Industry and Hunting Associations
July 12th 2010
Statement from RISE on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009
We are disappointed that we did not secure the exemption of hunt kennels from the Bill, as promised in writing by the Minister, John Gormley TD.
However, we will work constructively with the Government to ensure that the various undertakings given to us yesterday by the Taoiseach are honoured in full. We trust that our concerns will be taken on board at the stage when Regulations under the Bill are being drafted.
Ends
Deer factor highlights arrogance of Greens
July 4th 2010
"Deer factor highlights arrogance of Greens" - read the Sunday Business Post article here
First list of amendments to Wildlife Bill 2010.pdf
Labour amendments to Wildlife Bill 2010.pdf
Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 as passed by Dáil Éireann.pdf
The Government has won the vote on the controversial Wildlife Bill, which bans stag hunting.
The result was 75 votes to 72 but the Opposition called for a walk-through vote, which resulted in a 75-71 win for the Government.
Fianna Fáil backbencher Mattie McGrath voted against the Bill, he had abstained in the first vote. He again abstained in the walk-through vote.
His colleague Christy O'Sullivan, who also abstained in the first vote, voted for the Government in the second, and in the walk-through.
Fianna Fáil have removed the Party Whip from Deputy McGrath. The Labour Party has removed the Whip from Tommy Broughan TD because he refused to follow a party instruction to vote against the Bill.
Earlier, Fine Gael's Bernard Durkan claimed the Bill amounted to an attack on rural life, and represented its gradual erosion, while Fianna Fáil TD Mary O'Rourke said she and her party would not accept further inroads into rural pursuits.
Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae, Tipperary TD Michael Lowry and Joe Behan TD said they would vote against the Bill.
Mary Wallace, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, voted with the Government. She issued a statement that said she 'decided, in the national interest not to be instrumental in the fall of this Government.
'Despite my strong objections to this Bill, I believe a General Election would be wrong for the country and indeed for my community', she added.
Minister Gormley this evening put forward an amendment to the Bill, to ensure that there will be no interference with those who, with a licence, are stalking deer on foot, with the aid of dogs.
He said it had never been his intention to restrict deer stalking.
He revealed that about 4,000 licences a year are issued to deer stalkers.
WDAI! thanks all TDs who took a principled stand in opposing this Bill and ensuring the concerns of deer-stalkers were addressed.
Minister Gormley confirms amendment to section 3
June 24th 2010
The second stage of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 took place in the Dáil on June 24th. With the debate lasting over four hours, opposition came from Fine Gael, Labour along with seven Fianna Fáil backbenchers who spoke against their own legislation.
WDAI were present in the Dáil and a number of our members also formed part of a 200 strong protest outside.
The scale of the opposition from Labour, Fine Gael and in particular the Fáil backbenchers to the proposed ban of the Ward Union Stag Hounds clearly came as a shock to Ministers
References from the WDAI submission, recently made to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Environment, Heritage and Local Government were highlighted during the debate, along with our deep concerns about section 3 (3) It shall not make it an offence where the person has been granted permission under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to use dogs to drive deer off land...
This inclusion had not been requested by deer hunters nor is it relevant to the banning of the Ward Union Stag Hounds, or form part of the renegotiated programme for government, as was confirmed to us by the DOE. In fact this inclusion is contrary to animal welfare, road safety, the very reasons why the Green Party wish to ban the Ward Union. This suggested practice goes against legitimate and recognised practice of deer stalking or deer management.
To date the DOE have been unable to give any clear rationale for the introduction of section 3 (3).
WDAI, Ward Union, Maire Hoctor (FF) at Leinster House
During the debate Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Labour) highlighted the concerns that legitimate deer stalkers and WDAI have about Minister Gormley's continued issuing of licences under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, to cull female deer, during the months of May - September.
The department of the environment have advised the WDAI they expect the revised wording of section 3 (2) to be "A person who hunts deer with two or more dogs (otherwise than under and in accordance with a licence granted under section 29 of this Act, or a permission granted under section 42 of this Act) shall be guilty of an offence''
The section 29 licence (deer hunting licence) will be amended in the future to specify hunting on foot.
Minister Gormley also stated during his address that seection 3 (2) would be amended.
We welcome any feedback you have on the suggested amendment to section 3 (2).
The next stage of the Bill is due to come before the Dáil on June 29th.
RISE Campaign - Gormley lays down gauntlat
June 20th 2010
What is happening?
The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD, has laid down the gauntlet 'big time' to the RISE! Campaign.
The Campaign has decided on a series of initiatives to defeat his proposals and prevent him achieving his stated aim of bringing the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill and the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill into law before the middle of July.
Gormley has availed of the recent period of political uncertainty to start pushing his proposal through the Dáil and Seanad.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill
Next Thursday 24th June at 7.30 pm the Dáil will begin debating the Bill to ban the Ward Union Hunt and to severely restrict deerstalking. It will come back to the Dáil on Wednesday, 30th June. The Taoiseach has backed Gormley to allow him to 'guillotine' the debate (that is, they will prevent TDs from speaking even if they want to) so that the Bill will be finished in the Dáil on Wednesday 30th. After that, it will go to the Seanad and it looks like Gormley and Cowen's guillotine will be wielded there as well to get in passed in short order.
Dog Breeding Establishments Bill
The Seanad finally passed this Bill last Wednesday 16th June. It is now ready to go to the Dáil to be finalised. Gormley has bought off backbench Fianna Fáil opposition to the Bill by proposing a few weak amendments that are entirely unacceptable to RISE! and to all its affiliated organisations. Do not be conned by FF representatives telling you that 'there are substantial amendments to the Dog Breeding Bill'.
Our response
RISE! is responding with a comprehensive and integrated series of initiatives. These will highlight the case against both the Wildlife Bill and the Dog Breeding Bill. They are set out below in the order in which they are happening.
Information Night, 8.30 pm Wednesday 23rd June, Simonstown GFC, County Meath. This has changed from being an Information Night into a show of strength to kick off this phase of our campaign. Prominent speakers from different backgrounds will show their support.
Demo outside the Dáil, 7 - 9pm, Thursday 24th June
To coincide with the start of the Dáil debate, there will be a demo outside the Dáil from 7pm to 9pm. Apart from lobbying TDs, this is important to achieve coverage on the TV and radio bulletins as well as in the newspapers the following day.
Major rally in Trim, county Meath, 12 Noon, Saturday 26th June
The people of Meath, Dublin and surrounding counties are invited to a rally in Trim to publicly demonstrate their support for an important part of their heritage, the Ward Union Hunt. For people and clubs that cannot attend, we want messages of support that can be read out from the platform.
Demo outside the Dáil, all day, Wednesday 30th June
To coincide with the end of the Dáil debate, there will be a relay of RISE! supporters outside Leinster House while the Bill is being debated. Again, this puts moral pressure on the TDs and helps to gain media coverage.
County Information Nights
These will continue. More than twenty have been organised. Check www.risecampaign.ie for updates
County Council motions
Eight councils have adopted motions supporting RISE! We will intensify our efforts until every county in the country is included.
Concern that Minister Gormley is issuing Section 42 Licences to cull female deer during the months of May/June
June 14th 2010
Press Release
Minister Gormley issues Licences to allow fawns suffer a horrendous death
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) - the main organisation representing the country’s deer hunters - has written to the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD, reiterating their call for an urgent meeting with him to discuss their concerns about Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010.
While Minister Gormley's recent statement concerning the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 that ‘the legislation will have no implications... for deer stalking’ is to be welcomed, there is deep concern that Minister Gormley will publish the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 without any consultation. During a meeting with senior officials from the Department of the Environment and the WDAI on May 18th, a commitment was given that a consultation process would begin within days; to address the concerns of legitimate deer hunters, to date no consultation has taken place.
Minister Gormley’s reassurances relate to Subsection 2, Section 3, Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010, which states ‘Subject to subsection (3), a person, including the holder of a licence or permission granted under this Act, who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence.’
But ignores concerns raised about Subsection 3, Section 3, Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 which states ‘It shall not make it an offence where the person has been granted permission under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to use dogs to drive off land where they are causing serious damage to tree plantations or crops’.
Currently licences issued by Minister Gormley under the same Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, are issued to landowners who in turn nominate a deer hunter to cull deer on their property, where deer are causing serious damage to tree plantations or crops, outside the open season for deer hunting.
It has come to the attention of the WDAI that Minister Gormley is currently issuing licences to landowners under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, to cull female deer during the months of May and June. During these months female deer give birth to fawns, if the female is shot, the fawn will be orphaned and suffer a horrendous death, which can take a number of weeks.
A spokesman for the WDAI said: ‘While the WDAI supports the culling of female deer as part of a proper deer management programme, to reduce deer numbers where over population exists. Culling females when a fawn is born during these months and in fact right up to August – September when the fawn is still dependent on the female, is an inhumane practice and contrary to animal welfare or ethical deer hunting. We call on Minister Gormley to immediately consult with the organisations representing deer hunters, to avoid any further unintended consequences from the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010’
Minister Gormley agrees to amend Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 following WDAI submission
June 8th 2010
Briefing Note from Minister of State Michael Finneran (June 1st 2010)
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 2010
''An issue was raised recently by the Wild Deer Association of Ireland and the Irish Deer Society relating to the practice of deer stalking. They were very concerned that the prohibition on hunting deer with 2 dogs or more would impact on deer stalking in woodlands, where it is now generally regarded as good practice to have a dog for the purpose of retrieving fallen game which can be concealed in undergrowth (it is not uncommon for a deer, even if cleanly shot, to make a last dash for cover). In the event that several hunters were stalking on a property and each had a dog, or if they were bringing two dogs for training or other reasons, they would in effect be breaking the law. Licences for these activities are issued under Section 29 of the Wildlife Acts''.
''It was never the intention that the legislation would place any restriction on lawful deer stalking. Accordingly, the Minister is in consultation with Parliamentary Counsel on an amendment to the Bill to address the fears expressed by these organisations representing deer hunters that the provisions of the Bill will inadvertently affect the legitimate practice of deer stalking. This amendment relates to Section 3 of the Bill.''
While Minister Gormley's commitment is to be welcomed, there is deep concern that Minister Gormley will publish the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 without any consultation. At a meeting with senior officials from the Department of the Environment on May 18th 2010, a commitment was given to the WDAI that a consultation process would begin within seven day with all relevant stakeholders, however todate we have been unable to confirm this meeting with the DOE.
WDAI now available on Facebook
May 30th
Click here to become a fan , ask a question, see the latest events and much more
WDAI submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee
May 25th 2010
Listen to Morning Ireland Report
It is important to note the following statements formed part of the WDAI submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on May 25th 2010
- ''For the first time ever in law, Section 3, Subsection (2) of the Bill creates a new offence that will curb, inhibit and possibly render unworkable the officially recognised and endorsed method of deer stalking. Section 3, Subsection (2) states:
‘Subject to subsection (3), a person, including the holder of a licence or permission granted under this Act, who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence.’ - "I refer to a news report to that effect in the ‘Irish Times’ of Thursday, May 20th and I quote in full:
‘Earlier it emerged that Minister for the Environment John Gormley is prepared to alter forthcoming wildlife legislation to allay the concerns of deerstalkers who claim that further restrictions are about to be imposed.
A meeting took place this week between senior officials in the Department of the Environment and representatives of deerstalking associations who are concerned about the implications of the recently-published Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010.
Mr Gormley’s spokesman said the officials gave assurances at the meeting that there was “no intention to restrict traditional deerstalking”, and that the proposed legislation “could and would be amended to ensure clarity on this issue”. - ''We are prepared to enter wholeheartedly into any process of dialogue recommended by this Committee. However, I have to say that we foresee no solution other than the total deletion of Section 3, Subsection (2). We are open to persuasion, but we do not believe that a suitable formula of words can be found otherwise.''
WDAI invited to meet Oireachtas Committee
May 13th 2010
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) having requested an urgent meeting with Minister Gormely, and calling for full consultation with all stakeholders on the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 before it proceeds any further. WDAI has also written to the main Opposition parties seeking meetings with them on the issue, to which most have responded.
Having reviewed correspondence from the WDAI, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has agreed to hold a meeting on the matter.
WDAI is requesting the support of all members of the Oireachtas in relation to this issue.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 - anger amongst deer-stalkers as Minster Gormley fails to keep commitment
April 26th 2010
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland has received numerous messages of anger and disappointment from deer stalkers throughout Ireland following the publication of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010.
The Bill provides for the repeal of the Section of the Wildlife Act 1976 that allowed the Minister to grant a licence to the master of a pack of stag hounds to hunt deer with that pack. It includes a new provision making it an offence to hunt deer using two or more dogs. This includes the hunting of deer by any holder of an appropriate hunting licence or permission granted under the Wildlife Acts.
It shall not be an offence to use dogs to drive deer off land where they are causing serious damage to tree plantations or crops, where a person has been granted permission to do so under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts. (How does this sit with the Green Party national policy of ‘not setting animal on animal?)
One of the Bills intentions was to outlaw the hunting of stags (carted) with hounds, where now it may have unforeseen consequences for all licensed deer hunters.
It is recognised as best pratice to have a trained tracking dog(s) while deer stalking to ensure the swift recovery of any animals that are not immediately dispatched and avoid unnecessary suffering. In the case of Coillte forestry property it is a requirement of your agreement that hunters must have access to a trained tracking dog. In its current form it is unclear whether the bill would make it an offence for a hunter to have two or more tracking dogs or be part of a hunting group that has two or more tracking dogs while deer-stalking.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 (read here)
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 Explanatory Memorandum (read here)
WDAI member launches DVD on deer hunting in Ireland
April 3rd 2010
WDAI member David Dunne has produced a DVD entitled "Deer Hunting in Ireland", covering aspects of deer management, culling, carcass handling and preparation for the table, along with recommeded stalking equipment which should prove a useful addition to every stalker's DVD library. David is an experienced stalker with a professional background in game handling and butchery.
The DVD is available directly from David Dunne, email lenkadunne@yahoo.ie, telephone 086 357 5917. The cost of the DVD is €25.00.
A contribution is made to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland for every copy sold when purchasers mention the Wild Deer Association of Ireland.
Deer cull blamed on Forestry Commission
April 25th
The Forestry Commission in Scotland has been accused of failing to maintain perimeter fences on its estates, leading to the unnecessary slaughter of deer....
Green Party launch consultation to ban hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland
April 16th 2010
The Green Party has launched a consultation on banning hunting with dogs and all types of coursing in Northern Ireland. This consultation is a fore runner for MLA Brian Wilson to bring a private members bill before the Assembly during the next session. The consultation was launched on the 31st March and will last for six weeks and close at 5pm on Friday the 14th May. Unity is Vital for all country sports and this attack on legal field sports is just the beginging of their overall objective to ban all field sports and angling. The consultation is available for download and we ask all you all to respond to this consultation by indicating that you disagree with their proposals. Click Here to download your copy If you need help or assistance in completing your response please contact Countryside Alliance Ireland on 028-9263-9911 and they will assist you. |
Irish Coursing Club offer €20,000 reward
April 11th 2010
...for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the injury and suffering of the hare released on video by Association of Hunt Saboteurs, alleging to be at Powerstown Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary on February 2010.
The hare in this video, which was released on the Youtube website eight weeks following the National Meeting, is clearly restrained with a wire or thin cord, and appears to be convulsing. Closer inspection will show the hare is trying to escape from being restrained, and is possibly partly sedated or poisoned. Claims are made this video was taken during the third day of the National Coursing Meeting, February 3, 2010, but due to the constant presence of paddock stewards/other personnel, and other related details, this is extremely unlikely. A break-in to the hare park prior to the National Meeting was previously reported to the Gardai. The Gardai at Clonmel are currently investigating this act of cruelty.
The Irish Coursing Club unreservedly condemns the maltreatment of this hare. We strongly urge anyone with relevant information to come forward on whoever perpetrated this act of cruelty to discredit coursing.
Please contact the Clonmel Detective Branch Office 052 6122222 or the Garda Confidential number 1800 666111
Further Information:
DJ Histon. Irish Coursing Club, 087-6358127. dj.histon@sportingpress.ie
Countrywide Radio 1 - Mary O'Regan talks about women in deer stalking
Hunt Saboteurs send 'doctored' video to TDs and Senators
March 31st 2010
ICC Response to “Dying Hare” Video
31 March 2010
On Tuesday, 30 March 2010, a disturbingly engineered video purporting to have recorded a "dying hare" at the National Coursing Meeting, February 3, 2010 was released to the Youtube website by the Association of Hunt Saboteurs Ireland. It was also distributed to all TDs as "evidence of the brutality" of hare coursing. The video begins with coursing footage from the National Meeting and ends with its subject matter, the "dying hare".
The ICC completely and unreservedly condemns and rejects the claims of the video and most strongly denies the authenticity of the subject matter itself.
A second inspection of the video by ICC officials and members as well as IT and veterinary experts exposes it as a deliberately orchestrated effort to discredit the hare welfare policies and practices of the ICC.
Beside it being patently impossible for the "dying hare" portion to have taken place during the National Meeting, in several frames it most disturbingly reveals the hare is restrained by a wire around its neck (and possibly one limb), the wire then extending to the right of the hare, intermittently being pulled. It is also worth noting that the camera often pans to the left but never to the right, the direction from which the wire is coming from. This observation is supported by the fact that the hare's head never moves from its original position in spite of convulsing and desperate attempts to free itself. The hare is highly likely to have been poisoned or partially sedated for effect.
.
The location and number of paddock stewards, staff, and 24 hour security personnel during the National Meeting make it virtually impossible for the "dying hare" portion of the video to have taken place at the claimed time, and there are numerous inconsistencies with the video. Differences in the quality of the video between the coursing footage and the "dying hare" footage are obvious, and the PA system background sound from the coursing portion is completely absent from the "dying hare" sequence. In addition, any further claims that this did take place during the National Meeting and the hare was not intentionally restrained are met with the hard fact that it was more important for the person with the camera to "get the shot" than try to relieve the hare’s suffering and seek the help of the on-site veterinarian or paddock stewards.
A break-in to the hare compound was discovered on a day previous to the National Meeting, and was reported to and is on record with the Gardaí. The location of the damage to the fencing from the break-in is in immediate proximity to the angle of the camera and the direction from which the wire around the hare's neck is being pulled.
Further claims of greyhounds breaking into the hare compound during the National Meeting are completely without basis, and these and other details point to people who will go to any lengths to achieve their aims and have no reservations whatsoever of sacrificing one hare to do so. It is a desperate and deplorable agenda. This is a shocking and disgraceful attempt to discredit the dedicated organising committee of the National Meeting and the ICC from a group of people who allege to oppose animal cruelty. Minister Gormley is notified of our findings, given he was provided this footage to investigate the matter. It is well documented how animal rights activists have “sacrificed” animals in the furtherance of their cause. It is worth noting that the alleged authors of this video are claimed to be Polish and therefore difficult to trace or interview; it is unusual at best that it took two months to “launch” their production on the unsuspecting public. The timing of the controlled release of this video was clearly designed to generate impact at an opportunistic time. These are the actions of treacherous people who will stop at nothing to achieve their agenda and must be exposed to the greater public, our elected representatives and the decent people of Ireland.
Legal counsel is being sought, and the video and all other supporting information will be left with the Gardai today, who have already been so notified of this serious matter of inflicted animal cruelty and trespass. Additional confidential evidence and detail will be provided to the Gardai to assist with their investigation. The targeted TDs and other government officials will also be so informed, and we encourage anyone with additional evidence or observations to contact the ICC immediately.
DJ Histon
CEO
Coursing Club
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)
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
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
.
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
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 2009WDAI 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.
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.
NEWS
 |
The Wild Deer Association of Ireland now also on Facebook. For the latest news and events, please visit Our Page |
Related Pages
- Becoming a member
membership page - Deer Management & Safety
Safety page - Deer photography
photography page - Useful links
Our friends and partners
Contact us
Tel: +353 (0)87 2496987
Email: wilddeerireland@gmail.com