The Open Season for wild bird hunting will open on 1 September 2022.
Considerable work has been undertaken by NPWS to set out a range of options available for future Open Seasons Order, and a wide ranging consultation with stakeholders and interest groups in relation to future orders will be undertaken over the coming months. While there is no doubt that this will be a challenging process, I am keen to listen to the views of all of the interested parties.
I would also remind the public that only certain species may be hunted, and only at certain times, as set out below. The hunting of deer species may only be done with a rifle and still requires a specific Deer Hunting Licence which may be applied for online at npws.ie
The species, and dates between which hunting may take place is in keeping with previous orders. Based on the information available, the number of species under conservation threat, and our legal obligations under the Birds Directive, changes in the ambit of the 2023/2024 order are very likely. In effect, this will mean the likely removal of certain species from the order. I do, however, intend consulting with the sector on these changes in advance of their application.
It is known that the conservation status of some of the species that may be hunted in Ireland is declining. In order to continue to protect and preserve the conservation status of these species, and to support sustainable hunting practices, a new way forward is required. This must be collaborative, and based on scientific evidence.
HUNTING SEASONS FOR WILD BIRDS & HARES
SPECIES |
OPEN SEASON |
| Red Grouse | 1 September to 30 September |
| Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe. | 1 September to 31 January |
| Red-Legged Partridge, Cock Pheasant, Woodcock, Woodpigeon | 1 November to 31 January |
| Canada Geese
Countrywide The counties of Cavan (exclusive of the townlands of Eonish Island, Rinn, Deramfield) and Leitrim (exclusive of the River Shannon) |
1 September to 15 October 16 October to 31 January |
| Greylag Geese
Countrywide Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford and Gearagh East, Gearagh West in Co. Cork only |
1 September to 15 October 16 October to 31 January |
| Ruddy Duck | 1 September to 31 January |
| Hares (excluding the following townlands in Co. Wexford: North East Slob, North West Slob, Big Island, Beggerin Island and the Raven). | 26 September to 28 February |
HUNTING SEASONS FOR DEER SPECIES
| SPECIES | OPEN SEASON | LOCATION |
| Red Male | 1 September to 31 December | Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry |
| Red Female & Antlerless Deer * | 1 November to 28 February | Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry |
| Sika Male | 1 September to 31 December | Throughout the State |
| Sika Female & Antlerless Deer * | 1 November to 28 February | Throughout the State |
| Fallow Male | 1 September to 31 December | Throughout the State |
| Fallow Female & Antlerless Deer * | 1 November to 28 February | Throughout the State |
| Muntjac Deer | 1 September to 31 August | Throughout the State |
*Antlerless deer will be construed as including any male deer without antlers, of less than one year, i.e. a calf.