With the hunting season for wild deer opening on Tuesday 1 September, there may be less interest than normal from licensed commercial shooters.

That is because prices for venison, and therefore for wild deer carcases, are very low at around €1/kg to €1.10/kg. This compares to a more typical €2.30/kg.

COVID-19

The drop in prices is a fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen the closure of restaurants here in Ireland and on export markets such as the UK.

Much of the wild venison produced here goes into the food service sector, with a share also going into manufacture of venison sausages and so on.

The lower prices means a shooter may get paid €20 to €30 for a carcase, making it difficult to cover the costs involved.

Consumption

Pat Doyle of Wild Irish Game Ltd said consumption of venison and game has dropped.

"As a result, there are large volumes of product worldwide in chilled and frozen storage, overhanging the market.

"Because of low prices, New Zealand deer farmers are now culling their breeding stock, adding to the overhang of product," he told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Licensing for deer shooting starts from 1 September. Deer may be shot out of season under a special license where they are causing damage to property.

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