WEXFORD Hunting Calendar: When the Slaney Valley Calls - Pheasant, Duck and Coastal Game Pursuits Hunting Regulations & Seasonal Framework in Wexford County Wexford operates under Ireland's Wildlife Acts with seasons set by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The pheasant season runs October 1-January 31, while duck hunting spans September 1-January 31 for most species. Woodcock may be hunted November 1-January 31. Deer seasons vary - red stag August 1-April 30, red hind November 1-February 28. Wexford's mild coastal climate and sheltered river valleys allow extended hunting seasons compared to inland counties. Recent reforms include mandatory non-toxic shot requirements in all wetland areas (2023) and electronic tagging for deer harvested in the Blackstairs Mountains. Unlike UK counties, Wexford maintains stricter Sunday hunting restrictions and requires hunter competency certification for first-time firearm license applicants. Peak Hunting Windows & Game Behavior in Wexford Pheasant shooting peaks November-December when birds concentrate in the hedgerows of the Slaney Valley. The Wexford Pheasant Challenge each November tests handlers across multiple estates. Duck activity intensifies October-November along the Slobs and Lady's Island Lake. Woodcock flights peak during cold easterlies in January, particularly in the Blackstairs foothills. The unique Coastal Duck Hunts utilize Wexford's tidal marshes and estuaries. Red deer stags roar most vigorously mid-September to mid-October in the Mount Leinster region. The Wexford Hunting & Conservation Festival each September showcases the region's game management traditions and coastal hunting heritage. Absolute Bans & Special Restrictions in Wexford All protected species including Brent geese and otters are strictly protected. Hunting is prohibited in all nature reserves and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Lead shot is banned within 500m of all coastal zones and waterways. 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 ground-nesting season (March 1-August 31) in the Curracloe dunes and other sensitive habitats. Licensing & Access Requirements in Wexford Hunters require an Irish Firearms Certificate and Game License (species-specific). The Wexford Hunting Association provides: Detailed maps of permitted coastal and inland zones Tidal timetables for estuary hunting Deer management course certification Game hygiene training Most hunting occurs through estate syndicates (€250-€700/season) or paid day permits (€60-€180). The mandatory South-East Hunter Safety Course covers: Firearms safety in coastal conditions Tidal risk awareness Waterfowl identification First aid for remote locations Penalties for Violations in Wexford 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 Carnsore Point saw €15,000 in collective fines for illegal duck hunting. Expert Tactics & Coastal Gear in Wexford For pheasant and woodcock, 12-gauge shotguns with #5 or #6 steel shot work best in dense cover. Deer stalking requires .243 Winchester minimum (larger for red deer) with 100+ grain bullets. Essential equipment includes: Breathable waders for estuary work Saltwater-resistant firearms Polarized glasses for waterfowl spotting GPS with Irish grid references Waterproof game bags The Wexford Coastal Hunting Guide details tidal patterns and flight lines. Local guides recommend hunting rising tides when ducks move predictably. The Enniscorthy Hunting School offers specialized courses in: Coastal wind reading Saltwater marksmanship Deer recovery in dense cover Irish hunting law updates The Slobs Wildfowl Camp each October combines duck shooting with conservation work. The Blackstairs Stag Week in September offers guided mountain hunts. The Wexford Countrysports Fair each August features traditional punt-gunning demonstrations. All events emphasize sustainable practices in Wexford's unique coastal ecosystems. The Slaney Valley Driven Shoot each January is a highlight where teams compete across the valley landscape, followed by the famous "Gunner's Supper" at Johnstown Castle. Always confirm access permissions as many coastal areas require special permits through the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
Post: 21 August 10:40
