Game shooting has been banned by the Department of Justice in accordance with Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, just as the traditional pheasant shooting season was due to open on 1 November.
An Garda Síochána said recreational hunting does not fall under any of the exemptions allowed for exercise or sporting events. However, the shooting of vermin such as rats, foxes and crows is permissible as an essential support service to the farming profession.
As it stands, I can go out for a walk with my dog through the fields within my 5km radius, no problem
National chair of the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) Dan Curley has called for the ban to be overturned.
“We are hoping for an allowance to be made which will see our members permitted to hunt game within their 5km radius from home,” he said
“As it stands, I can go out for a walk with my dog through the fields within my 5km radius, no problem. If I have my gun with me it becomes illegal and I’m prohibited from shooting pheasants as part of efforts to prevent COVID-19 transmission.”
We only found out about the prohibition on Thursday 19 October through a message circulated on WhatsApp
The NARGC has criticised what it describes as a lack of communication from the gardaí.
“The communication of the order was very irresponsible from the gardaí. We only found out about the prohibition on Thursday 19 October through a message circulated on WhatsApp,” Curley said.
“Some members may have been out hunting on November first, totally unaware of the new restriction.
“We’ve since advised all members to follow garda advice until a concession can be reached.”
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Game shooting has been banned by the Department of Justice in accordance with Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, just as the traditional pheasant shooting season was due to open on 1 November.
An Garda Síochána said recreational hunting does not fall under any of the exemptions allowed for exercise or sporting events. However, the shooting of vermin such as rats, foxes and crows is permissible as an essential support service to the farming profession.
As it stands, I can go out for a walk with my dog through the fields within my 5km radius, no problem
National chair of the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) Dan Curley has called for the ban to be overturned.
“We are hoping for an allowance to be made which will see our members permitted to hunt game within their 5km radius from home,” he said
“As it stands, I can go out for a walk with my dog through the fields within my 5km radius, no problem. If I have my gun with me it becomes illegal and I’m prohibited from shooting pheasants as part of efforts to prevent COVID-19 transmission.”
We only found out about the prohibition on Thursday 19 October through a message circulated on WhatsApp
The NARGC has criticised what it describes as a lack of communication from the gardaí.
“The communication of the order was very irresponsible from the gardaí. We only found out about the prohibition on Thursday 19 October through a message circulated on WhatsApp,” Curley said.
“Some members may have been out hunting on November first, totally unaware of the new restriction.
“We’ve since advised all members to follow garda advice until a concession can be reached.”
Read more
MEPs called on to pull the trigger on ammunition vote
Hunting licenses cannot be extended - Minister
Lead ammunition laws force farmers to ‘purchase new guns’ – Department
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