Deer Hunting in Ireland

Deer hunting in Ireland is a sport that has been going on for centuries here. Here we will look at a everything deer hunting from the species hunted here in Ireland and the seasons, to how to get a license to hunt deer.

 

Deer Species in Ireland and their seasons

Type of Deer	Hunting Period	Where
Muntjac Deer	September 1 – August 31	All Counties
Female and Antlerless Red Deer	November 1 to February 28	All Counties
Male Red Deer	September 1 to December 31	All Counties
Female and Antlerless Sika deer	November 1 to February 28	All Counties
Male Sika Deer	September 1 to December 31	All Counties except Kerry
Female and Antlerless Deer	November 1 to February 28	All Counties except Kerry
Male Fallow Deer	September 1 to December 31	All Counties

 

 

Male Fallow Deer

 

 

Deer Hunting License

To hunt deer in Ireland, you need a deer hunting license. A deer hunting license in Ireland is part of the Wildlife Act in 1976. The License is issued by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Deer hunting licenses are issued for a year from August 1 to 31 July. Applications should be in before July 1 to allow time to process your application. You can find the deer hunter license application here. You have to email your application to deerlicences@housing.gov.ie