KILDARE Hunting Dates: When the Curragh Plains Come Alive - Pheasant, Snipe and Irish Field Sports Traditions

Hunting Regulations & Seasonal Framework in Kildare County Kildare operates under Ireland's Wildlife Acts with seasons regulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The pheasant season runs October 1 to January 31, while snipe may be hunted November 1 to January 31. Duck seasons vary by species - mallard September 1 to January 31, teal September 1 to January 31. Deer seasons differ by species - fallow buck August 1 to April 30, fallow doe November 1 to February 28. Kildare's unique combination of open plains and bogland creates diverse hunting opportunities, with extended seasons compared to mountainous regions. Recent reforms include mandatory non-toxic shot requirements in all wetland areas (2023) and electronic reporting for deer harvests through the Kildare Wildlife Management Portal. Unlike Northern Ireland, Kildare maintains Sunday hunting restrictions and requires hunter competency certification for first-time firearm license applicants. Peak Hunting Windows & Game Behavior in Kildare Pheasant shooting peaks November through December when birds concentrate in the hedgerows bordering the Curragh Plains. The Kildare Gold Cup Shoot each November tests marksmen across multiple estates. Snipe become most active during frosts in January, particularly in the Bog of Allen wetlands. Duck shooting thrives October through November along the Grand Canal and Barrow River. The famous Curragh Driven Hunts utilize the open plains and surrounding woodlands. Fallow deer are most active during the rut in late October through November in the Donadea and Castletown demesnes. The Kildare Game & Equestrian Festival each September showcases the county's unique combination of hunting and horse traditions. Absolute Bans & Special Restrictions in Kildare All protected species including curlews and hen harriers are strictly protected. Hunting is prohibited in all nature reserves and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Lead shot is banned within 500m of all waterways and wetland areas. Sunday hunting remains prohibited except on licensed estates. Deer hunting restrictions include: no night hunting, no use of vehicles to pursue game, and mandatory training for first-time stag hunters. Complete closures apply during the ground-nesting bird season (March 1 through August 31) on the Curragh Plains and other protected grasslands. Licensing & Access Requirements in Kildare Hunters require an Irish Firearms Certificate and Game License (species-specific). The Kildare Hunting Association provides: Detailed maps of permitted hunting zones Wetland conservation guidelines Deer management course certification Game meat hygiene training Most hunting occurs through estate syndicates (€350-€900/season) or paid day permits (€100-€250). The mandatory Horse County Hunter Safety Course covers: Firearms safety in open plains Boundary recognition on unfenced land Game identification First aid for field sports Penalties for Violations in Kildare Illegal deer hunting carries fines up to €5,000 per offence. Taking protected species risks €25,000 fines and imprisonment. Use of lead shot in prohibited zones draws €1,000 penalties. Trespassing for hunting purposes can result in €2,500 fines and firearm confiscation. Recent enforcement near the Bog of Allen saw €20,000 in collective fines for illegal snipe hunting. Expert Tactics & Irish Gear in Kildare For pheasant and snipe, 12-gauge shotguns with #6 or #7 steel shot work best in Kildare's open terrain. Deer stalking requires .243 Winchester minimum (larger for fallow deer) with 100+ grain bullets. Essential equipment includes: High-visibility clothing for open plains Quality waterproof boots for bogland Compact binoculars for long-range spotting GPS with Irish grid references Lightweight game carts for open country The Kildare Hunter's Companion details estate boundaries and flight patterns. Local guides recommend hunting along windbreaks during windy conditions when game seeks shelter. The Naas Hunting Academy offers specialized courses in: Open terrain marksmanship Bogland navigation Deer recovery in open country Irish hunting legislation updates The Curragh Snipe Challenge each January tests marksmen in bogland conditions. The Donadea Deer Week in October offers guided hunts in historic demesnes. The Kildare Country Sports Fair each August features falconry and traditional hunting demonstrations. All events emphasize sustainable practices in Kildare's unique landscape. The Plains Driven Shoot each December is a highlight where teams compete across the Curragh, followed by the famous "Hunter's Ball" at Castletown House. Always verify access permissions as many estates require advance booking through the Kildare Hunting Association.