The introduction of mandatory certification training for first time deer hunters came as a recommendation from the original Irish Deer Management Forum in 2018 for reasons of health & safety. Since then, a standard training course syllabus was published by my Department and three course providers were subsequently approved by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), following an independent review - www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/hunting/deer-hunting-licences-2022-2023/mandatory-certification-deer-hunters.
From the 2022-23 deer hunting season (September 1 2022) onwards, it is a requirement for first time applicants seeking a deer hunting licence under Section 29 of the Wildlife Acts to complete an approved certified deer hunting training course, and to provide evidence of same with their application.
At present, previous licence holders do not need to complete this training in order to apply for a Deer Hunting Licence.