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Extension to Temporary Closure of Open Season for Birds

14/01/10

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has today (14 January) decided that the temporary closure of the hunting season for waterfowl which is due to expire on Friday 15th January will now be extended to Wednesday 20th January due to the continuing adverse weather conditions across the State.

Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe, Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department said “While the weather has improved and a thaw is expected over the weekend, may wetlands remain frozen and this extension of the closure is considered absolutely necessary." 

The Department has again consulted with the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) which supports the extension of the prohibition.
 
The extension of temporary closure is to protect wild ducks, geese and waders, including the woodcock until 20th of January. It does not affect shooting for pheasant, red-legged partridge or pigeons.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service would again urge all hunters to respect this measure which would clearly benefit the long-term populations of game species.

The situation will be reviewed by Wednesday 20th January.


Note to Editors:
The species concerned are Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Ruddy Duck.

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