About Us

Irish Deer Society members value the countryside of Ireland and all its wildlife and regard the 3 species of deer as part of our heritage.

We are devoted to improve the welfare of wild deer in Ireland and recognise and accept that this may involve culling for the greater good of the overall herd.

The Objectives of the Irish Deer Society

1. The conservation of deer and their habitat in Ireland.

2. The advancement of the study and the dissemination of the knowledge of deer, their distribution and ecology.

3. The establishment of sound methods of management and humane control of deer.

4. The achievement and observance of adequate legal protective provisions.

5. The formulation of a code of conduct and rules for deer stalking.

Extracts from IDS Policy on Deer Matters

Education on deer is a priority.

That the special position given to our native red deer in Co. Kerry continues to be recognised and that appropriate steps continue to be taken to ensure their long term survival and welfare.

A hunting test should be a prerequisite to the granting of a hunting licence

The IDS does not support the introduction of any further deer species into the wild.

For the purpose of deer management, the IDS recommend that the rifle calibre should be a minimum .240 inch, with a muzzle energy of 1700 foot pounds and a minimum bullet weight of 100 grains.

(The minimum legal calibre is currently .22/250.)

Background of the Irish Deer Society

The IDS was established in 1968.
It covers the 26 counties and is divided into 5 branches, Kerry, Munster, Connaught, Donegal, and Leinster.

Membership

Our membership is made up of a wide cross section of people from all walks of life such as deer stalkers, deer farmers, those with a scientific interest, photographers or simply those who enjoy nature and observing deer in the wild.

An expert knowledge of deer is not essential to be a member.

Activities of the Irish Deer Society

The IDS operates on 2 levels.

The national council deals with matters of policy and of national importance to the Society.

The branches manage the activities of the Society at local level.

The National Council is mainly concerned with forming policy and speaking on behalf of the Society in public.

It also makes representations to government and other bodies on deer welfare.

In the past the efforts of the council were directed towards legislative protection for deer but are now turning to improving the standards of herd management and deer stalking.

The branches run the activities in which members participate.

The activities either bring members into close contact with deer or into discussion on topics concerning deer.

The main types of activities are field meets and indoor events.

Field meets could involve the observation of deer, a practical demonstration or a shoot for stalking members.

Indoor events involve lectures on the management of deer and related subjects and sometimes courses for those intending to participate in the HCAP test.

The Society also participates in game fairs and rural shows in order to publicise our activities.

Each year a national AGM and associated activities are held in a different part of the country hosted by one of our branches on a weekend usually in April, where deer lovers gather together to meet and share information in an enjoyable atmosphere.

Hunter Competency Assessment Programme

The IDS has been involved in collaborating with other organisations and running Tthe Hunter Competency Assessment Programme (HCAP) stalker training programme in an effort to maintain a high standard of management for wild deer in Ireland.

At present this is a requirement which applies only to those who shoot on Coillte leases.

The “Stalker Training Manual” is an excellent guide and essential reading for anyone interested in deer in general, or deer stalking in Ireland.

Links to other organisations

The IDS has close links with other likeminded organisations such as NARGC, FACE and other conservation organisations both at home and abroad.