Application forms and guidance notes for the 2021/2022 deer hunting system have been made available on the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website.

The NPWS has said it is striving to ensure all applications are delat with in a timely manner and measures have been put in place to minimise disruption caused by COVID-19.

Applications can now be emailed or posted and there will be no requirement for a landowner’s signature, but landowner details must be provided on the application form.

Welcoming hunters back to the countryside, Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan said: “As restrictions ease, I’d like to welcome hunters back to the countryside and encourage anyone with an interest in hunting to engage with the relevant groups.

Abundant populations

“Deer populations are abundant across much of the country, and in some places can cause extensive damage to habitats, native woodlands, commercial timber forests and arable crops.

“For many years, I’ve been a committed vegetarian and animal rights activist. However, I also believe that responsible hunting, with the correct training, oversight, equipment and - of course - licence can reduce pressures on biodiversity and have an overall positive impact on nature by helping to manage deer populations at a sustainable level, in the absence of predators.”

Commitment to mandatory training

Minister Noonan reaffirmed his commitment to introducing mandatory certification training for first-time hunters.

He said it had been intended to be introduced for this season, but has been delayed due to the pandemic.

Under the Wildlife Acts, annual licences are required to hunt deer during the open season, which operated generally from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer.

About 5,500 deer-hunting licences are issued each season, of which in the region of 1,000 are first-time applicants.