Republic of Ireland Deer Hunting Licences - 2023/24 season

Applications for Deer Hunting Licences for the 2023/2024 season, under Section 29(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2018, are now available. The following documents can now be accessed:

• Email Application Form (Fill Electronically, Save and Send by Email)
• Manual Application Form (Print, Sign and Post)
• Guidance Note
• Wild Deer Open Season Dates

Licences are issued on an annual basis and cover the period from 1 August to 31 July. All Wild Deer Open Season dates must be adhered to. To ensure timely processing of applications please apply before 1 July 2023.

Note: If you are a first time applicant you must provide proof of completion of deer hunting certified training from one of the nationally approved training bodies, or the equivalent proof from your country of residence. Further details on this requirement can be found in our mandatory certification documents.

There are two options in relation to how you fill out your application form. You can open the email application form above which will allow you to type in your information in the yellow fields. Just click into the box and start typing and it will expand as you type. You can type in your signature when finished and then save it to your own computer. You can then attach the document to an email and email it in to NPWS at deerlicences@npws.gov.ie.

The second option is you can print out the manual application form above, fill it in, sign it and post it in to NPWS.

You must complete all sections of the application form. Incomplete forms will be returned to you. All application forms should contain a valid email address and the processing of your licence may be delayed where one is not provided. A typed signature on emailed applications will be accepted and treated in the same manner as a ‘wet signature’ on manual applications in signing the declaration.

Applicants must provide all landowner permission details on the application form. You must complete the application form and have permission from a landowner(s) to hunt deer on land of at least 100 acres (42 Hectares). By including the name and address of the landowner and signing the declaration – you are stating that you have sought permission.

However, if you are applying to hunt deer on your own lands, the 100 acre (42 hectare) requirement does not apply. Applicants can still provide Coillte permits with their applications.

Application forms can be submitted to deerlicences@npws.gov.ie or by post to: