BirdWatch Ireland welcomes temporary suspension of hunting

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government brought in a temporary closure of the hunting season for waterfowl on 6 January 2010, due to a long spell of freezing conditions across the State.

Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe, Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department, said, “These birds depend on lakes, ponds, reed beds and marshy ground to find food, shelter and refuge, but these are now frozen and have been since mid December.”  Met Éireann has confirmed that this cold spell will continue for some time.

The Department has consulted with BirdWatch Ireland and the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC).  Mr Des Crofton, Director of NARGC, said, “The Association supports and welcomes this measure as in current conditions it is necessary and beneficial.”

Alan Lauder, BirdWatch Ireland's Head of Conservation, said, “Reducing hunting pressure will allow wetland birds to conserve their energy resources”, and added that “BirdWatch Ireland would also advise others in the countryside to take extra care to avoid any disturbance of wetland birds while the freeze continues.”

BirdWatch Ireland urges all birdwatchers to take extreme care in wetland and coastal areas to avoid disturbing birds, particularly those in roosting or loafing groups.

The temporary closure of waterfowl hunting is to protect wild ducks, geese and waders, including the Woodcock, until Friday the 15th of January.  It does not affect shooting for Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge or pigeons.  The National Parks and Wildlife Service has urged all hunters to respect this measure which willclearly benefit the long-term populations of game species.