MONAGNAN'S Hunting Calendar: When the Emerald Fields Come Alive - Pheasant, Deer and Irish Game Pursuits

Hunting Regulations & Seasonal Framework in Monaghan County Monaghan operates under Ireland's Wildlife Acts and EU Habitats Directive with distinct seasons for game species. The pheasant season runs from October 1 to January 31, while woodcock may be hunted from November 1 to January 31. Deer seasons vary by species - red deer (stags) August 1-April 30, (hinds) November 1-February 28; fallow deer (bucks) August 1-April 30, (does) November 1-February 28. The region's damp temperate climate means most hunting occurs October-February, avoiding the wet spring months when ground-nesting birds breed. Unlike Northern Ireland, Monaghan maintains stricter deer hunting regulations and requires proof of marksmanship for first-time license applicants. Recent reforms include mandatory lead shot bans in wetland areas (2022) and electronic tagging of deer carcasses to combat poaching in the region. Peak Hunting Windows & Game Behavior in Monaghan Pheasant shooting peaks November-December when birds gather in woodland edges around Lough Egish. The Monaghan Pheasant Challenge each November tests handlers and marksmen across multiple estates. Woodcock become most active during cold snaps in January, particularly near Drumlin bogs. Red deer stags roar most vigorously in late September-early October in the Sliabh Beagh uplands. The region's unique Drumlin Driven Hunts utilize the natural topography to flush game between hills. Fox control operates year-round but intensifies during lambing season (March-April) when predators target vulnerable newborns across the county's sheep farms. Absolute Bans & Special Restrictions in Monaghan All protected species including hen harriers and red squirrels are strictly protected. Hunting is prohibited in all nature reserves and national heritage areas. Lead shot is banned within 300m of wetlands and waterways. Sunday hunting remains prohibited on most estates. Deer hunting restrictions include: no hunting at night, no use of dogs (except for wounded deer recovery), and mandatory training for first-time hunters. The region enforces special protections during the ground-nesting bird season (March 1-August 31) when even access to many hunting areas is restricted. Licensing & Access Requirements in Monaghan Hunters require an Irish Firearms Certificate and Game License (species-specific). The Monaghan Hunting Association provides: Estate access maps showing permitted zones Ground-nesting bird protection guidelines Deer stalking proficiency courses Game handling certification Most hunting occurs on private estates through paid arrangements (€150-€500/day). The mandatory Irish Hunter Safety Course covers: Firearms handling in wet conditions Boundary recognition Game identification First aid for hunting accidents Penalties for Violations in Monaghan Illegal deer hunting carries fines up to €5,000 per offence. Hunting protected species risks €25,000 fines and imprisonment. Use of lead shot in prohibited areas draws €1,000 penalties. Trespassing for hunting purposes can result in €2,500 fines and firearm confiscation. Recent enforcement near Castleblayney saw €18,000 in collective fines for out-of-season pheasant hunting. Expert Tactics & Irish Gear in Monaghan For pheasant, 12-gauge shotguns with #5 or #6 steel shot work best in the region's hedgerows. Deer stalking requires .243 Winchester minimum (larger for red deer) with 100+ grain bullets. Essential equipment includes: Waterproof Irish tweed or camouflage High rubber boots for boggy terrain Quality binoculars for spotting in mist GPS with Irish grid references Game carriers for Drumlin terrain The Monaghan Hunter's Companion details estate boundaries and flight patterns. Local guides recommend hunting windward sides of Drumlins during rain showers when game moves predictably. The Clones Hunting School offers specialized courses in: Driven shoot positioning Wet weather marksmanship Deer gralloching in field conditions Irish hunting law updates Many Monaghan hunts conclude with traditional "Huntsman's Breakfasts" - participation shows respect for local customs. Always confirm access with estate managers, as informal agreements often supersede written permissions in this region.