Irish Extra October 2019
Fast Ducks, Swimming Teckels & Gun Law Changes
It is unusual for me to bag a duck on the opening day but this year I bagged two. I don’t normally get any as I am usually not out, tending to leave the ducks until a little later and aside from that we usually don’t have any influx until early October. This year I was at a loose end on Sunday 1ST September and decided I would take my Teckel bitch Poppy and go to a local duck area. As we rounded a bend, a pair of Teal lifted from the water and I folded one. Poppy obliged me with a retrieve in strong water and we walked further down the bank as the light fell. On our return we were met with the silhouette of a Mallard coming up river and a lucky shot dropped him onto the far bank. My Teckel is a sight retriever I suppose is my excuse and I don’t have her trained to a standard where I could send her across a river for a bird. However, luck came in the form of our good pal Liam O, who happened to be on the far field and had rung me after he heard my first shot. He also obliged with a retrieve as it would have taken me the best part of 30 minutes to return to the jeep, drive around the opposite side and walk the long route down to where the bird was. He landed the bird midway into the river and Poppy swam out for it, but changed her mind after a mouthful of water and returned. Liam’s Spaniel “Blue” launched himself into the river and with a few commands from Liam he had it at my feet.
Its not a subject I care to write about but its one we cannot not avoid. It seems country sports will even be effected by Brexit and it the following information from the NARGC I found quite, especially for those living on border areas who sometimes cross back and forward in rural areas without even knowing.
In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, British and Northern Irish residents will no longer be able to use a European Firearms Pass.
Firearm holders resident in Ireland seeking to travel to Britain or Northern Ireland should consult the appropriate authority for the appropriate authorisation.
The UK Government has issued a guidance document which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/travelling-with-a-european-firearms-pass-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/travelling-with-a-european-firearms-pass-if-theres-no-brexit-deal
UK Visitors:
In the absence of a European Firearms Pass, British and Northern Irish visitors seeking to shoot in Ireland should apply to An Garda Síochána for a Non-Resident Firearm Certificate. The application should be made to the Superintendent of the Garda district where the applicant first wishes to shoot.
In the absence of a European Firearms Pass for UK residents, visitors may submit a firearm licence issued by an appropriate UK authority that is acceptable to the issuing Garda officer. The relevant can be found online – https://www.garda.ie/en/About-Us/Online-Services/Firearms-Licensing/Non-Resident-Form-Amended-16-1-13.pdf
Licenced firearm holders from Britain and Northern Ireland transiting the State can apply to the Department of Justice and Equality. In the absence of a European Firearms Pass, visitors may submit a firearm licence issued by an appropriate UK authority that is acceptable to the issuing officer. The relevant information can be found here – http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/an_individual_transiting_the_state
Aside from these changes in the event of a “No Deal” Brexit, there have been changes to Irish Gun Law which we should all be aware of. The Minister for Justice and Equality,Charlie Flanagan, T.D., has signed into law the Following Regulations.
These Regulations transpose into Irish legislation amendments to the EU Firearms Directive 91/477/EEC, as amended by Directive (EU) 2017/853. They come into effect from 1 September 2019.
The main changes for ROI firearms holders and those visiting/transiting the state are:
New Storage requirements
Statutory Instrument No: 307 of 2009: Firearms (Secure Accommodation) Order 2009 defines the minimum security required for the storage of firearms
by holders of firearm certificates. In addition to these requirements, the new regulations require the following:
Storage of ammunition
- When the firearm is not in use, all ammunition for the firearm must be stored in a locked receptacle that is separate from where the firearm is
stored.
Transporting firearms or ammunition
- When transporting a firearm or ammunition, the firearm must be
concealed from view and stored separately from the ammunition. - The ammunition must be stored in a locked receptacle.
*Note – t is acceptable to transport firearms and ammunition within the boot of a vehicle so long as the ammunition is in a locked receptacle.
Banning of Certain Firearms
The following firearms are prohibited*:
-
- Automatic firearms which have been converted into semi-automatic firearms,
- Centre fire semi-automatic handguns which allow the firing of morethan 21 rounds without reloading, if:
A. magazine with a capacity exceeding 20 rounds is part of that
firearm; or
B. a detachable magazine with a capacity exceeding 20 rounds is
inserted into it;
- Centre fire semi-automatic rifles and shotguns which allow the firing of
more than 11 rounds without reloading, if:
A. a magazine with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds is
part of that firearm; or
B. a detachable magazine with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds is inserted into it. - Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that can be reduced to a length of less than 60 cm by means of a folding or telescoping stock or by a stock that can be removed without using tools.
*The Regulations provide for a period of six months until 29 February 2020 to allow for compliance by Registered Firearms Dealers and holders of firearms certificates with the new prohibition. In points B and C above, in most cases this would involve disposing of a magazine whose excess capacity makes the firearm subject to prohibition.
Irish Shots
(Photo Ethan Doherty)
This month’s Irish Shot is Ethan Doherty from Northern Ireland who bagged his first Jackdaw with his father Nigel using a .410 shot gun! Well done Ethan, that’s a great calibre and one I use myself! I wish you good shooting in the future.
Date for your Diary
The WDAI Annual Rut walk will take place on October 12th this is a huge social event where like minded people with an interest in deer can witness something spectacular that has been taken place for 1,000’s of years in Killarney National Park. We will have speakers from NPW in attendance to speak on the Rut & the history of the park. On the day everyone will be treated to sampling barbecued Venison & a cookery display by renowned Chef & restaurateur Paul Treyvauds. This is a free of charge event & is open to members/non members & is suitable for all levels of fitness. To book your place please text “Rut” & your name to our secretary alternatively ring leave a message on 0876878228 & you’re booked you will NOT receive confirmation of the booking. The WDAI Team look forward to meeting everyone at this event STARTING TIME 9am