Countryside Alliance

with us. This is invaluable for alerting us to information of immediate and current interest and we thank you for this. We also enjoy hearing about our members’ events and activities – please keep these communications coming and if we can publicise a relevant event for you, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Deer Management in Ireland

As our largest wild land mammal, deer are magnificent creatures and fully deserving of their place in the environment. However, in the absence of predators to control their numbers, it falls on deer hunters to manage deer at sustainable levels, minimising damage to crops and the environment. In Ireland, we are increasingly seeing evidence that such damage does not exist or is reduced significantly. An example of this is data recently released by National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) that contradicts previous claims that Ireland’s wild deer population is increasing and out of control. The NPWS report contains details of deer cull returns, a requirement for licensed deer hunters who wish to cull wild deer during the open hunting season, from September 1st to February 28th. Hunters must declare the location, species, gender, and number of deer culled. These latest cull returns, show 29,766 animals were culled in 2014, a continuous decline since 2009, when 34,820 deer were culled. The decline in the national deer cull is despite a significant increase in the number of deer hunters, with 4,651 deer hunting licenses granted in 2014, an increase of over 2,100 licenses in the last ten years. County Wicklow, which accounts for over one third of the national deer cull, saw the largest decline with a 22% decline in the number of deer culled since 2010. The NPWS data also includes details of permits requested by landowners under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts. “Section 42” of the Wildlife Acts, permits the culling of deer during

Game and Country Fairs

National Countrysports Fair, Scarvagh, County Down – 6 & 7 June 2015

Our first event of the season is the National Countrysports Fair which will be held at its new location of Scarvagh. This year CAI will have a significant presence with an extended marquee that will host the British Deer Society (NI) and Firefly of Newtownards. We are looking forward to exhibiting at the event’s wonderful new location and there are many activities and attractions to suit all ages. We wish the organisers well at their new venue. The Great Game Fairs of Ireland – discounted entry - exclusive for CAI members Shanes Castle, Antrim – 27 & 28 June 2015 & Birr Castle, Birr – 29 & 30 August 2015 Countryside Alliance Ireland is delighted to announce that we have procured tickets on behalf of our members to attend the Game Fairs at Shanes Castle (Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June 2015) and Birr Castle (Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August 2015) at a discounted rate. As such, we are offering two adult entry tickets for the price of one. Two adult tickets for £10! These Fairs give CAI the ideal opportunity to showcase the organisation’s work while engaging with members, potential members and the public in general. At Shanes Castle, our marquee will play host to the British Deer Society (NI) and PAW NI and to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, The Irish Red Grouse Association Conservation Trust and The Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum at Birr Castle. The Fairs offer something for all of the family and we are once again delighted to be playing such a vital part. Discounted tickets must be ordered in advance through the CAI offices, they cannot be purchased at the Fairs. Tickets for Shanes Castle are available to order now! To avail of this superb offer, please contact our NI office on +44 28 9263 9911 quoting your membership number and we can take payment by debit or credit card. Last date for ordering discounted tickets to ensure delivery is Tuesday 23 June 2015. No exceptions. (Birr Castle tickets will be available for order from the beginning of July – we shall keep you updated.) Available from your n ws ge ts or by subscription

THE NATIONAL COUNTRYSPORTS NEWSPAPER

Every issue of The Countryman’s Weekly is packed full of articles covering a wide range of subjects that will be of interest to you. Whether you regularly participate in countrysports activities or are more of a spectator, quality articles on Gundogs, Lurchers, Terriers, Ferrets, Hunting, Shooting, Wildfowling, Stalking, Country Shows, Gamekeeping, Pest Control, Sporting History, Country Recipes, Falconry and Angling are sure to appeal. The Countryman’s Weekly is available from all good newsagents or you can take advantage of our discounted subscription offers and have it delivered to your door.

Tel: 01752 762990 Fax: 01752 771715 Web: www.countrymansweekly.com

Countryside Alliance Ireland

Grassroots