Census figures are not available for each game bird species. Reliable population estimates exist only for the Greenland White-fronted Goose. Approximate estimates of population figures for other game species may be found in a 1980 publication by the Stationery Office entitled A List of the Birds of Ireland by Robert F. Ruttledge.
The hunting of game species is regulated by the fixing, under Ministerial Order, as provided in the Wildlife Act, 1976, of an annual open season. The inclusion of any game species on the open season's list is determined by the Wildlife Service having regard to the conservation requirements of each species. If any species is threatened by undue pressure, hunting of that species can be restricted to certain areas or it can be removed entirely from the Open Seasons Order. The Open Seasons Order does not restrict the numbers that may be shot. The order is published in the national newspapers.
Protection of habitat is effected through the Wildlife Act, 1976 by the creation of a network of nature reserves, refuges for fauna and game bird sanctuaries and by entering into management agreements with landowners with the objective of protecting habitats.
