LAOIS Hunting Calendar: When the Slieve Blooms Awaken - Pheasant, Woodcock and Midlands Game Traditions

Hunting Regulations & Seasonal Framework in Laois County Laois operates under Ireland's Wildlife Acts with seasons set by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The pheasant season runs October 1 to January 31, while woodcock 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 - red stag August 1 to April 30, red hind November 1 to February 28. Laois's unique mix of bogland, farmland and the Slieve Bloom foothills creates diverse hunting opportunities, with traditional seasons maintained despite recent lead shot bans in wetlands (2023). Unlike border counties, Laois maintains stricter Sunday hunting prohibitions and requires certified marksmanship tests for first-time deer license applicants through the Laois Wildlife Management System. Peak Hunting Windows & Game Behavior in Laois Pheasant shooting peaks mid-November through December in the hedgerows of the Barrow Valley. The Laois Golden Plume Challenge each November tests handlers across the county's mixed terrain. Woodcock become most active during January frosts in the Slieve Bloom oak woods. Duck shooting thrives October-November in the Clonaslee bog lakes. The famous Midlands Driven Hunts utilize Laois's patchwork of fields and woodlots. Red deer stags roar most vigorously late September to mid-October in the Killeshin hills. The Laois Hunting Heritage Days each September showcase traditional gamekeeping methods and hound training. Absolute Bans & Special Restrictions in Laois All protected species including hen harriers are strictly protected. Hunting is prohibited in all nature reserves and the Slieve Bloom Mountains Park. Lead shot is banned within 400m of all waterways and bogland. Sunday hunting remains prohibited except on licensed estates. Deer hunting restrictions include: no night hunting, no vehicles for pursuit, and mandatory training for first-time hunters. Complete closures apply during ground-nesting season (March 1-August 31) in moorland areas. The use of electronic callers is prohibited countywide. Licensing & Access Requirements in Laois Hunters require an Irish Firearms Certificate and Game License (species-specific). The Laois Hunting Association provides: Detailed maps of permitted bogland and farmland zones Deer density reports Traditional game preparation workshops Boundary dispute resolution Most hunting occurs through estate syndicates (€300-€750/season) or paid day permits (€70-€180). The mandatory Midlands Hunter Safety Course covers: Firearms safety in mixed terrain Bog navigation skills Game identification First aid for remote areas Penalties for Violations in Laois Illegal deer hunting carries fines up to €5,000 per offence. Taking protected species risks €25,000 fines. Lead shot violations draw €1,000 penalties. Trespassing for hunting can result in €2,500 fines. Recent enforcement near Portarlington saw €15,000 in collective fines for illegal woodcock nets. Expert Tactics & Midlands Gear in Laois For pheasant and woodcock, 12-gauge shotguns with #6 steel shot suit Laois's dense cover. Deer stalking requires .243 Winchester minimum (larger for red deer) with 100+ grain bullets. Essential equipment includes: Waterproof bog shoes Brush-resistant camouflage Compact binoculars for wooded areas GPS with Irish grid references Lightweight game sleds The Laois Hunter's Companion details microclimates and flight paths. The Mountmellick Hunting School offers specialized courses in: Bogland marksmanship Deer tracking in mixed terrain Traditional game hanging Midlands hunting laws The Bogland Snipe Trials each January test skills in challenging conditions. The Slieve Bloom Stag Week offers guided hunts in October. The Laois Country Sports Fair each August features hound demonstrations. All events emphasize sustainable practices in Laois's fragile ecosystems. The Golden Plume Shoot each December concludes with the famous "Hunter's Stew" banquet at Emo Court. Always verify permissions as many bogs require special access permits.