Minister prohibits hunting of Kerry red deer

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan has today announced that the Kerry female red deer has been removed from the open season for hunting.

The removal of the Kerry female deer from the Open Seasons Order means that the hunting of both the male and female Kerry red deer species are now prohibited.

Minister Deenihan said: “"Kerry Red Deer are a unique feature of our heritage.

"The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been monitoring red deer in Killarney National Park and has recorded a significant decline in red deer density in recent years.

"I have, therefore, decided that, in order to conserve the special lineage of red deer in Kerry, to prohibit the hunting of these unique species."

The Minister also said he believed that hunters would support this measure and he was aware that some hunting organisations had urged his Department to take action to address the poor status of the Kerry red deer.

The Minister has also decided to commence a more general review of the Open Season Order for other deer species.

He said: "The last substantial change to the Open Season for deer species was in 2005 so I believe it is timely that a review is now undertaken.

"I would ask that various interest groups partake in this consultation process as it is important that I have the views of a wide range of interests which will assist my Department in considering if changes are needed to the order."