Deer Hunting Training Course (HCAP)

Approved deer hunter training courses are run throughout the year facilitated by and in partnership with Deer Alliance HCAP and subsidsided by IFA Farm Business Skillnet

Certification has been mandatory for all first-time applicants for a Deer Hunting Licence since 2022 and has been obligatory for all persons hunting on Coillte forest property since 2005. In addition, the recent Irish Deer Management Strategy Group report published in December 2023, recommends phased certification for all hunters (including licensed hunters not hunting on Coillte forest property and/or holding a Deer Hunting Licence prior to 2022) over the next 3 to 5 years. HCAP is the only training programme in Ireland developed in partnership with Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, An Garda Síochána and all principal deer organisations. HCAP completed its twentieth year of operation in 2023 and to date approximately 3700 licensed deer hunters have participated in the programme. For further information see www.deeralliance.ie.

Members can avail of discounted cost of only €120, to include Training Workshop, Stalker Training Manual, MCQ & Range Test.

Deer Alliance HCAP will hold Training Workshops & Assessments on the following dates in 2024:

• Saturday 11th May 2024 (Training Workshop and MCQ and Saturday 18th May 2024 (Range Test) **Bookings now Open**
• Saturday 29th June 2024 (Training Workshop and MCQ) and Saturday 6th July 2024 (Range Test)  **Bookings not open yet**

Training Workshops and MCQs are held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel Kilkenny Road, Carlow and Range Tests are held at the Midland Range, Blueball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. 

Applications are now open for Saturday 11th May 2024 in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow 10am to 5pm with the accompanying Range Test on Saturday 18th May in Midland Shooting Grounds, Bluebell, Tullamore. Other dates will not open until near the time.

Members are notified of upcoming courses through our monthly E-newsletter.  If you are not a member, complete the form below to be notified of the next course.

New and intending members of IFA Countryside should call 0818 924 982 or 01 426 0368 for membership information, which includes insurance cover  compliant with requirements for the HCAP Range Test.