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 Posted:
06.01.10, 3.31pm Closure of Wildfowl Hunting |
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January 2010: Republic and Northern Ireland.
The sustained freezing weather conditions have resulted in a temporary closure of the hunting season for waterfowl. All wildlife are being seriously effected at this time of low productivity and foraging difficulty. Opportunistic hunters and carrion feeders such as raptors are adapting by ranging over increased areas. Nocturnal animals are also hunting during midday hours, as the cold night temperatures are freezing foodstuffs. Interestingly Inishowen's now resident Golden eagle was observed scavenging in the snow along side a kestrel high on the Urris hills.
Continuing cold temperatures create great opportunities for tracking and viewing wildlife as many animals forage closer to the coast searching for reduced temperatures.
Dept. of environment press release:
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has today brought in a temporary closure of the hunting season for waterfowl due to the continuing 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 the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) and BirdWatch Ireland. 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, Head of Conservation at BirdWatch Ireland said: “reducing hunting pressure will allow wetland birds to conserve their energy resources”, he added “we would also advise others in the countryside to take extra care to avoid any disturbance of wetland birds while the freeze continues”
The temporary closure 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 urged all hunters to respect this measure which would clearly benefit the long-term populations of game species.
The situation will be reviewed by Friday 15th January.
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.
Shooting is also being restricted in Northern Ireland and Scotland owing to the freezing conditions.
A similar measure was put in place early in 1982 during a prolonged cold spell.
Queries:
Web site: www.environ.ie
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