Deer Open / Closed Seasons
Open Seasons – Mammals
Certain wild mammals, including some deer species and hares, may be hunted at certain times of the year. The full list of species types which may be hunted, including locations, is provided in the Table below.
There are certain areas throughout the country where the hunting of these species is not permitted. Only the manner of hunting described in the table below is allowed. Deer Hunters must be in possession of a valid Deer Hunting Licence.
Further details are available in the Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) (Amendment) Order 2024 (S.I. No 66 of 2024).
| Species of Wild Mammal | Hunting Period | Manner of Hunting | Places in the State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male Fallow Deer | 1st August – 30th April | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State |
| Female and Antlerless Fallow Deer | 1st November – 31st March | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State |
| Male Sika Deer | 1st August – 30th April | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State |
| Female and Antlerless Sika Deer | 1st November – 31st March | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State |
| Male Red Deer | 1st August – 30th April | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State (exclusive of County Kerry) |
| Female and Antlerless Red Deer | 1st November – 31st March | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State (exclusive of County Kerry) |
| Muntjac Deer | 1st September – 31st August | Shooting with firearms | Throughout the State |