Deer stalking not affected by bill to ban stag hunting

THE Department of the Environment has confirmed that deer stalking will not be affected by a contentious bill to ban stag hunting.

Deer stalking is the practice whereby hunters shoot deer. They are licensed by the state to do so because they assist in keeping the deer population under control.

The Wild Deer Association of Ireland claims that the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010, which is expected to become law by the summer, could have severe consequences for deer stalking.