Code of Practice - Sustainable Hunting and Shooting of Deer, Game, and other Quarry Species - Minimum standards and licensing requirements

Oct 3, 2026

Upload by Oliver

Code of Practice defines minimum standards for hunting and shooting deer, game, and other quarry species on Coillte lands. It explains background and legal context, outlines Coillte’s commitment to multiple-use forestry, and describes how annual assurances are sought to protect sustainability of native quarry populations. The document sets expectations for trained, competent, safe, and responsible licensed persons, plus requirements for hunter competence and humane, sustainable hunting practices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time17 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Context

Forest Certification

Hunter Competence

Hunter competence policy from 1 January 2021

Hunting wild deer licensing conditions

Safety

Firearms

Code of Practice Sustainable Hunting and Shooting of Deer, Game, and other Quarry Species Background and Context The hunting and shooting of game, deer and other quarry species are amongst the oldest forms of forest recreation which continue to be legally enjoyed by many people across the country today. Acknowledging such traditions, respecting requirements of different interest groups, and recognising the social, environmental and economic benefits associated with these activities, Coillte permit certain types of hunting under licence on designated areas of their estate. This is in line with the Companies Recreational Policy and fully supports the principles of multiple-use forestry. Coillte owns most, but not all of the sporting rights 1 on its estate. Some of these rights are independently owned and exercised by third parties. In addition, a small number of Coillte’s sporting rights are exercised by third parties under long-term lease arrangements. To ensure that Coillte’s hunting licencing practices are not adversely affecting the sustainability of local populations of native quarry species, Coillte obtain annual assurances from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. All persons licensed to exercise sporting rights on Coillte lands are required to be appropriately trained and competent, safe and responsible, compliant with legislation and licence conditions, and to commit to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained at all times. This Codes of Practice aims to outline the minimum standards expected of all persons involved in the hunting and shooting of deer, game and other quarry species on Coilltelands. 1 Sporting Rights – In broad terms this is the legal right to enter lands to capture or kill the wild animals and fish upon it. 1. Forest Certification Coillte is fully committed to managing its lands in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management. All aspects of Coillte’s forestry business is assessed annually by independent auditors against standards derived from international Principles and Criteria. By successfully demonstrating that its forests are managed in accordance with strict environmental, social and economic criteria, Coillte have obtained certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® )1 since 2001, and the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFCTM ) since 2014. It is Coillte’s expectation that all persons exercising sporting rights on its lands would do so in a safe, responsible manner, supporting the principles of Sustainable Hunting as outlined in the relevant certification standards. Further information on the certification process can be obtained from Coillte forest management and full copies of the standards can be obtained directly from:- 􀂃 Forest Stewardship Council® -FSC link 􀂃 PEFCTM (Ireland) Ltd-PEFC link 1 Coillte’s current licence code number = FSC-C005714 2. Hunter Competence Coillte believe that it is incumbent on all hunters to develop and maintain their skills and competencies with their firearms in order to minimise any associated safety risksand to avoid potential injury and unnecessary suffering by the quarry species. Regular practice on approved target ranges will assist a hunter in maintaining familiarity and proficiency with their firearm. (Note:- The zeroing of rifles or other forms of target practice including clay pigeon shooting are not permitted on Coillte lands except under licence) . Coillte is rapidly moving to a position whereby only persons who have demonstrated their competence by satisfactorily completing recognised qualifications in safe firearms use and humane / sustainable hunting practices, will be licensed to hunt and use firearms on its lands. Coillte’s current policy on this is :- 2.1 The hunting of game birds and other small quarry species :- Coillte highly recommended that all game hunters complete a Nationally recognised, certified, firearms safety t

FAQs

What is the purpose of this Code of Practice?

It outlines the minimum standards expected of all persons involved in hunting and shooting deer, game, and other quarry species on Coillte lands.

How does Coillte support sustainable forest and hunting principles?

Coillte manages land under principles of sustainable forest management and operates multiple-use forestry, while also seeking annual assurances to avoid adverse effects on local native quarry populations.

What hunter competence requirement applies to hunting deer after 1 January 2021?

Only persons who have satisfactorily completed an approved, certified hunter competence assessment are permitted to stalk and shoot deer, with specific qualification routes including the HCAP program for licence holders.

Oct 3, 2026

Upload by Oliver