Open season dates for red, sika and fallow deer, plus game birds, from the NPWS Open Seasons Order. Dates differ by sex and, for some species, location. Always confirm before hunting.
Check the species, sex and permitted location before choosing your dates. An open season does not replace the requirement for a valid Deer Hunting Licence.
Browse outfittersDates from the NPWS Open Seasons Order, checked 2 November 2026; always confirm before hunting.
| Species | Sex | Open season 2026/27 | Permitted locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red deer | Male | 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027 | Throughout the State, excluding County Kerry |
| Red deer | Female and antlerless | 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027 | Throughout the State, excluding County Kerry |
| Sika deer | Male | 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Sika deer | Female and antlerless | 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Fallow deer | Male | 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Fallow deer | Female and antlerless | 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027 | Throughout the State |
The order specifies shooting with firearms for these deer species. Deer hunters must hold a valid Deer Hunting Licence. The red deer open season does not apply in County Kerry.
The dates below cover the birds named here, rather than every bird in the order. The NPWS also identifies areas where hunting is not permitted, including Wildfowl Sanctuaries. Check the permitted location as well as the date. See our wingshooting guide and Cork hunting guide for existing trip information.
| Species | Open season 2026/27 | Permitted locations |
|---|---|---|
| Cock pheasant | 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Red-legged partridge | 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Woodcock | 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Snipe and jack snipe | 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Duck: mallard, teal, gadwall, wigeon, shoveler and tufted duck | 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027 | Throughout the State |
| Canada goose | 1 September 2026 to 15 October 2026 | Throughout the State |
| Canada goose | 16 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 | County Cavan, excluding Eonish Island, Rinn and Deramfield townlands; County Leitrim, excluding the River Shannon |
| Greylag goose | 1 September 2026 to 15 October 2026 | Throughout the State |
| Greylag goose | 16 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 | Lady's Island, County Wexford; Gearagh East and Gearagh West, County Cork |
Source: NPWS Open Seasons Order. The partridge entry is red-legged partridge, the pheasant entry is cock pheasant, and pintail is not listed in the NPWS table.
Male red deer: 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027. Female and antlerless red deer: 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. These open seasons exclude County Kerry. See the Wicklow stalking guide and Cork hunting guide.
Male sika deer: 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027. Female and antlerless sika deer: 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, throughout the State. See the Wicklow stalking guide and Donegal stalking guide.
Male fallow deer: 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027. Female and antlerless fallow deer: 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, throughout the State. See the Cork hunting guide and Wicklow stalking guide.
For red, sika and fallow deer, the male open season runs from 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027. Female and antlerless deer have an open season from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. The red deer open season excludes County Kerry.
Male sika deer have an open season from 1 August 2026 to 30 April 2027. Female and antlerless sika deer have an open season from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, throughout the State.
The NPWS order provides an open season for female and antlerless red, sika and fallow deer from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. Red deer in County Kerry are excluded. Deer hunters must hold a valid Deer Hunting Licence.
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