Urgent Call to Action for Ireland’s Deer Stalkers

We are writing with deep concern and a heavy sense of responsibility. Recent Government actions—through Statutory Instrument No. 374/2024—pose an unprecedented threat to Ireland’s wild deer and to the future of sustainable, ethical deer management in this country. While we have known about this SI for some time, in recent days we have seen testing of the waters from government.

The Government has chosen to classify Fallow and Sika deer as Invasive Alien Species, a designation normally relevant as a prevention measure or species who have been recently discovered. This is despite their centuries-long presence in Ireland and their naturalised role in our landscape since 1184 and 1860 respectively. This reclassification paves the way for deer to be treated not as valued wildlife, but as vermin—an approach that is both scientifically unfounded and morally unacceptable.

The consequences are stark and deeply troubling:

– Potential eradication measures for which no humane or practical methods exist.

– The possible removal of existing open seasons, jeopardising all sustainable deer management.

– The risk of rushed unscientific decisions driven by misinformation rather than ecological reality.

This is a moment that demands unity, urgency, and strong collective action.

We urgently ask each of our members to contact their local TDs and Senators. Your voice matters—your first-hand knowledge, your experience on the ground, and your commitment to ethical wildlife stewardship carry enormous weight.

Please use the link below to find contact details for your local representatives or to contact all TDs directly, we have also attached suggested text for your email.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/contact-us/

Tell them:

– To raise this matter with Ministers Christopher O’Sullivan and James Browne and seek an urgent meeting with the Irish Deer Commission and other relevant stakeholders.

– That eradication is neither achievable nor humane.

– Ask that the lawful EU Derogation is applied to this SI.

– That Ireland already has a functioning, science-based management system.

– That SI 374/2024 threatens wildlife welfare, public trust, and Ireland’s conservation reputation.

Every message counts. The future of Ireland’s wild deer now depends on immediate, collective action.

Thank you for standing with us at this critical moment.

Yours sincerely,

Irish Deer Commission

If you are not an Irish Deer Commission member you are welcome to apply to become a member online on the following link and support our work. Ordinary annual members is €20 and family membership €25