Deer licences in Ireland run on an August–July licence year. The dates below reflect the 2025/26 NPWS open seasons, which continue into the 2026/27 year. Always confirm before you hunt — regulations can be updated annually.
| Species | Sex | Open Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sika deer | Stag | 1 Aug – 30 Apr | Longest open window; statewide |
| Sika deer | Hind | 1 Nov – 31 Mar | Statewide |
| Red deer | Stag | 1 Sep – 31 Dec | Wicklow & Cork/Munster populations |
| Red deer | Hind | 1 Nov – 28/29 Feb | Wicklow & Cork/Munster populations |
| Fallow deer | Buck | 1 Sep – 31 Dec | Statewide; lowland woodland areas |
| Fallow deer | Doe | 1 Nov – 28/29 Feb | Statewide |
Source: National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Deer Hunting Licence. Always verify the current season at npws.ie before your hunt.
Mating season creates the best window for a trophy stag. Key rut periods in Ireland:
| Species | Open Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | 1 Nov – 31 Jan | Driven shoots on managed estates dominate |
| Partridge (Grey) | 1 Nov – 31 Jan | Very limited wild populations |
| Woodcock | 1 Nov – 31 Jan | Ireland is a world-class woodcock destination |
| Snipe | 1 Sep – 31 Jan | Longer window than most bird species |
| Duck (Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler) | 1 Sep – 31 Jan | Subject to specific wildfowling rules |
| Goose (Greylag, Canada) | 1 Sep – 31 Jan | Protected geese excluded — check current OSO |
Game bird dates per the Wildlife (Open Seasons) Order. Always verify — the order is amended periodically.
The NPWS deer hunting licence year runs 1 August to 31 July. You apply (or renew) online via the NPWS licensing portal. Visitors to Ireland typically use the outfitter's permission rather than a personal NPWS licence — your outfitter will handle this, along with the temporary firearm import permit from An Garda Síochána.
Each species has its own dedicated page covering habitat, behaviour, where to find them in Ireland, and which outfitters operate on that ground.
Ireland's most widely hunted deer. Aug 1st – Apr 30th (stag). Found from Wicklow to Donegal.
Ireland's only native species. Sep 1st – Dec 31st (stag). Kerry native herd and Wicklow/Cork populations.
Woodland species with palmate antlers. Sep 1st – Dec 31st (buck). Lowland demesne and mixed farmland.
Wild walked-up wingshooting in the Atlantic west. Season Sep 1st – Jan 31st.
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