Hunting Seasons in Ireland 2026
| Species / Season | Open Season | Night Hunting | Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Stag Season Ireland | 09/01 – 12/31 | no | rifle | Rut in October. Mainly in Kerry and Wicklow. Stalking and stand hunting. · Deer hunting licence required, NPWS |
| Red Deer Hind Season Ireland | 11/01 – 02/28 | no | rifle | Winter hunting. · Deer hunting licence required |
| Sika Deer Season Ireland | 09/01 – 02/28 | no | rifle | Stags Sep-Dec, Hinds Nov-Feb. Common in Wicklow and Kerry. · Deer hunting licence required |
| Fallow Deer Season Ireland | 09/01 – 02/28 | no | rifle | Bucks Sep-Dec, Does Nov-Feb. Widespread in the Midlands. · Deer hunting licence required |
| Wild Rabbit Season Ireland | year-round | no | rifle, shotgun | Year-round. Often with ferrets and dogs. · No closed season, firearms licence required |
| Irish Hare Season Ireland | 09/26 – 02/28 | no | rifle, shotgun | Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus). Limited hunting season. · Protected outside season |
| Fox Season Ireland | year-round | no | rifle, shotgun | Year-round. Also hunted with hounds (trail hunting). · Firearms licence required |
| Woodcock Season Ireland | 11/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Important winter visitor. Hunting with spaniels and setters. Popular hunting type. · Daily bag limit, firearms licence |
| Snipe Season Ireland | 09/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Wetlands and bogs. Traditional Irish hunting. · Daily bag limit |
| Mallard Season Ireland | 09/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Waterfowl hunting. Lakes and estuaries. · Lead shot banned in wetlands |
| Teal Season Ireland | 09/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Wetlands and bogs. · Lead shot banned in wetlands |
| Wigeon Season Ireland | 09/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Winter visitor. Coasts and estuaries. · Lead shot banned |
| Pheasant Season Ireland | 11/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Driven and rough shooting. Popular hunting type. · Cocks only, firearms licence |
| Wood Pigeon Season Ireland | 11/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Decoying and stand hunting. Year-round pest control possible. · Firearms licence |
| Greylag Goose Season Ireland | 09/01 – 01/31 | no | shotgun | Goose flighting. Coastal and wetland areas. · Lead shot banned in wetlands |
Note: Summary from the HuntKit hunting seasons database (as of 2026-08-02). Seasons may vary regionally and change at short notice — the official regulations of the respective country/state prevail. Not legal advice.
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