Main pic: A spectacular sunset captured by Joseph Brennan near Fintown.
The open season for deer hunting in Ireland has been extended by three months for male deer and by one month for female and antlerless young males.
Extending the period was one of the key recommendations of the Deer Management Strategy Group that reported last December.
The group was set up in response to problems arising with the expanding deer population and the impact that was having on road safety, agriculture, forestry and biodiversity. This was a particular problem across Donegal. Last summer, the county was included on a deer ‘hotspot’ list for planned culling.
Prior to the changes the hunting season for most deer was due to close on the last day of February.
In the case of female and immature male deer, the season has now been extended until the last day of March. In the case of mature males the season has been extended to the last day of April.
The season will reopen a month earlier this year too.
Male deer can be shot by licensed hunters from 1 August, which is a month earlier than before. The reopening date for female and antlerless deer remains unchanged on 1 November.
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