HUNTING OF THE Kerry female red deer has been banned, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan announced today.
The female of the species of deer has been removed from the Open Seasons Order which means that both male and female Kerry red deer are now prohibited.
Deenihan said the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been monitoring red deer in Killarney National Park and has recorded a significant decline in red deer density in recent years.
“I have, therefore, decided that, in order to conserve the special lineage of red deer in Kerry, to prohibit the hunting of these unique species,” he said.
The Minister also said he believed that hunters would support this measure and he was aware that some hunting organisations had urged his department to take action to address the poor status of the Kerry red deer.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will be closely monitoring compliance of the initiative.
The Minister has also decided to commence a more general review of the Open Season Order for other deer species. He said
The last substantial change to the Open Season for deer species was in 2005 so I believe it is timely that a review is now undertaken. I would ask that various interest groups partake in this consultation process as it is important that I have the views of a wide range of interests which will assist my department in considering if changes are needed to the order.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Des Crofton of the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) said the Kerry red deer is seen as the only true native red deer left in the country and there had been a big effort made by both the government and hunters to protect that particular herd and gene pool.
It’s possible that some farmers might react badly because the deer that stray onto their land tend to eat the grass but I’m sure that the government will enter into discussions with them if problems arise,” he said.
Crofton said he welcomed the general review as it “will give us an opportunity to look at all the data that’s there”.
“We are responsible hunters and we believe if it’s not sustainable then it shouldn’t be hunted so I would certainly welcome it,” he added.
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