The following Press Release was published on the Garda.ie website on Thursday 29th October.
IFA Countryside has written to the Minister of Justice seeking clarification and pending a response, we advise our members to adhere to all COVID-19 regulations.
What about pheasant shooting during Level 5?
Pheasant shooting season begins on Sunday 1st November. This normally involves shooting club members travelling to pheasant shoots around the country, frequently in groups, and is regarded as sport shooting.
Under the current regulations (SI 448), sporting events must be organised under the structure/ licence of a national governing body, funded by Sport Ireland. As such, sport shooting is prohibited in any other circumstances.
Recreational hunting does not fall under any of the exemptions allowed for exercise or sporting events. It has also been clarified that recreational hunting does not come under any permissible exemptions for travel outside of the home.
Shooting of vermin (rats/foxes/crows) is permissible as an essential support service to the farming and agriculture profession.