Welcome to the NARGC website. In the below we list a range of topics which are both educational, informative or of an advertising nature. Our aim is to provide the best service we can to Associate Members and Clubs everywhere. So if we can help you or in some way meaningfully contribute to a venture that has at its core the art or science of hunting, game or game management, let us know and we'll endeavour to exhibit your cause. Positive feedback and constructive criticism may be directed to our FREEFONE No. 1800 222 444 (Office hours only please). Thank you.

NOTICE TO ALL FIREARMS HOLDERS

We are receiving a significant number of complaints from firearms owners who are telling us their firearms licence applications were lost by the Gardai. Read more.......

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE OF 18th JUNE 1991 ON CONTROL OF THE ACQUISITION AND POSSESSION OF WEAPONS (91/477/EEC)

The above EU Directive, more commonly known as the "Weapons Directive" has been amended and all EU Member States were required by the 28th July 2010, to have brought into force the national laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the amended version of the EU Firearms Directive (Directive 91/477/EEC amended by Directive 2008/51/EC). See the amended Directive here.....

CONCESSIONS OFFERED TO THE GREYHOUND INDUSTRY AND HUNTING ASSOCIATION

 Read all about it here. 

WILDLIFE (AMENDMENT) ACT 2010 RECTIFIES GAME HUNTING LICENCE

As a result of Judicial Review proceedings taken by NARGC National Director, Des Crofton, the controversial Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010, which banned the Ward Union Stag Hunt, included another wildlife amendment which temporarily rectifies the game hunting licence issue for game shooters. The amendment states:

"(5A) (a) A firearm certificate to which this subsection applies shall for the purposes of sections 22(4) and 23(5) of this Act be deemed to be a licence granted by the Minister under this section and, subject to Section 75(l) and to the restrictions contained in Section 33 of this Act, such certificate shall, for so long as it is in force, operate to authorise the person to whom it is granted, with the firearm to which the certificate relates, to engage in the activities referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of Subsection (5)(a).

(b) This subsection applies to a firearm certificate that is granted -

(i) In respect of a shotgun, and

(ii) on or after 1 August 2009 but before 1 August 2012."

Therefore, all firearms certificates issued for shotguns under the new firearms licensing system are now deemed by law to be also game hunting licenses. It should be noted that this applies for firearms licenses for shotguns issued for the current licensing period only. This issue will have to be re-visited prior to the next renewal date in 2012. Des Crofton stated "It's a great pity that we, as a national sporting organisation, have to go to a Court to force our National Authorities to simply do their job or to act reasonably. This error was well flagged to them in 2009 but nothing was done to rectify it until we were granted leave for Judicial Review on 24th March 2010. As usual, the taxpayer now picks up the tab and no one is held accountable."

PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE MOVED

Please note the NARGC Office for the National Director has now altered and his revised contact details are as below.......

NARGC,
Castle Street,
Cloghan,
Tullamore,
Co. Offaly.

Telephone/Fax:  0906 457757
Email:  nargc@iol.ie
Web:  www.nargc.ie

 GAELTEACHT BURSARIES

The NARGC has elected to provide eight (8) part Bursaries for children of NARGC Members who may be attending the Gaelteacht in 2010. Each Bursary will carry a value of €250.00 and applications.....read more........

SUPREME COURT RULES IN FIREARMS RELATED MATTERS

The Supreme Court on 11th May 2010, delivered its Judgement in 3 cases requiring interpretation and consideration of the Firearms Acts. The Supreme Court did not deliver three separate Judgements but elected to deal with the 3 cases together in one composite Judgement. In substantive terms there were only two issues of legal principle which fell to be considered by the Supreme Court........read more

UK GAME FAIRS 2010

Interested in travelling by Coach to the UK Game Fairs this year ?
If so check out here for more information.

NARGC NATIONAL CLAYSHOOT 2010

 
Well Readers, the 2010 National Clayshoot is now over and even with spells of inclement weather, some 570 claybirds shooters braved the elements to partake.  Full details of the winners are available here.

The Monster Draw was also held and we are delighted to announce the winners as follows:-

1st Prize: Michael and Ann Fitzgerald, Ballyadams, Co. Laois.

2nd Prize: John Cullen, Drumnacol, Co. Sligo

3rd Prize: Lisa Hoban, Loughrea, Co. Galway

The Association is delighted to be associated with Ardee Sports Ltd in the hosting, organisation and most importantly the sponsorship of this, the largest shooting event in Ireland. The NARGC once more would like to thank its many sponsors apart from Ardee Sports Ltd who also include, CCI (UK), Milbro Sports and Joe O'Loughlin (Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare). We also wish to thank all our helpers, referees, ushers and indeed anyone else who helped to make the venture the success it again was. Thanks  to one and all.

NARGC RETURNS TO THE COURTS TO DEFEND SHOOTING SPORTS

In another District Court case in Killorglin on 11th February 2010, the appeals of a father and son against a decision by a Chief Superintendent not to renew their centre fire handguns was upheld and the Judge granted all licenses. National Director Des Crofton gave evidence in the case..... Read more

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS WHO HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED A WRITTEN REFUSAL IN RESPECT OF A FIREARM CERTIFICATE RENEWAL APPLICATION.

William Egan & Associates Solicitors are currently dealing with a significant number of District Court Appeals on behalf of former firearm certificate holders whose recent applications for renewal have been turned down by the Gardai. As a general proposition, William Egan & Associates are of the view that if you provide evidence that secure accommodation regulations have been complied with and in the case of a restricted firearm there is not another type of firearm suitable for your intended use, and there has been no significant material change in your circumstances, your application for renewal of your firearm certificate should not in the first instance have been turned down. Where the District Court affirms decisions to refuse in the foregoing circumstances such decisions are capable of being challenged by way of Judicial Review. If you wish to appeal a firearm certificate renewal refusal, William Egan & Associates will be happy to protect and represent your interests in all aspects of your appeal.

Apply in confidence for an information package on "District Court Appeals", E-mail, fax, telephone or written application, citing the particular heading above which applies to you.

TIPS TO CONTROL GREY SQUIRREL

Grey Squirrels are an alien species in Ireland having been introduced here from their natural habitat in North America. They differ significantly from the native Irish Red Squirrel and they can be easily distinguished from the Reds. The Grey, as it's name suggests, is grey in colour with a lighter coloured underbelly whereas the Red Squirrel, just as it's name suggests, is a deep red all over. The Grey is also significantly larger than the native Red and is considerably more aggressive. It is virtually impossible to confuse the two. Read more....

UPCOMING SAFETY PROFICIENCY COURSES 

Sept. 4th 2010      Mulroy CPC, Milford, Co. Donegal @ 9.30 a.m.
                                 for reservations contact Joe on 086.1708940

Sept 11th 2010      The Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway, Co. Cork - 9.30 am
                                  for reservations contact Tim on 086.6031318

Sept. 12th 2010     The Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway, Co. Cork - 9.30 am
                                  for reservations contact Tim on 086.6031318

Sept 25th 2010      The Hostel, Newgrange, Co. Meath @ 9.30 a.m.
                                  for reservations contact Andrew on 086.8128474

Oct. 9th 2010         Tougher's, Newbridge, Co. Kildare @ 9.30 a.m.
                                  for reservations contact Robert on 087.7847080

Nov. 6th 2010         Ardee Sports Grounds, Pepperstown, Ardee @ 9.30
                                  for reservations contact Jack on 086.8673900

NOTE ANY PERSON HAVING DIFFICULTY OBTAINING ENTRY TO ANY OF THE ABOVE SCHEDULED COURSES SHOULD CONTACT THE SAFETY COMMITTEE SECRETARY ON 1800 222 444.

GARDA COMMISSIONER AMENDS POSITION ON FIREARM SUBSTITUTIONS

We are pleased to announce that as and from 21st October 2009, after a meeting between the Garda Commissioner and Gardai from the Firearms Policy Unit who explained to him the serious problems being encountered by the shooting community and the gun trade, the Commissioner has now agreed to allow the substitution of a firearm on the EXTENDED firearm certificates ONLY. This will only be allowed for Non Restricted shotguns and rifles and the substitutions will only be valid for the duration of the extended licence. All Superintendents and Chief Superintendents have been informed of this decision on 21st October. This welcome amendment to the administration of the new firearms system follows intense lobbying by the NARGC and other associations, including the gun trade. In making this gesture, the Commissioner has recognised the genuine difficulties being encountered by all.

This will alleviate many of the problems currently being encountered on the ground regarding lack of sales by gun dealers and access to new guns for which sports shooters have already made payment. It should be noted that where new applications were made, instead of waiting for the extension period to expire, those applications (which are already in the system) will continue to be processed as new applications.

NEW GUN LICENSING SYSTEM

The flurry of calls to our Director's and the Fund Administrator's Offices in recent days indicates that many of our Members are most anxiously seeking information on the above. Click on this link to find out all you need to know for now.

For every Firearm currently in your possession, it will be necessary to complete a Firearm Certificate Application (FCA1) and then submit this to your local Garda Station within 3 months prior to the expiry of the extension date set out in the letter "Notification of  Extension of Firearm Certificate" which you will have recently received from the Office of the Garda Commissioner.

To assist you in completing this FCA1 and if you are an existing Licence holder,  this 'sample FCA1' link may be of assistance to you.

Note FCA1 forms are available at your local Garda Station or you can download one from the Garda website - www.garda.ie OR YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ONE HERE !

NEW SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREARMS

As you know, there are new minimum standards of security which apply to the possession of firearms. Given that security of firearms is now a requirement, we have negotiated a gun safe/alarm package jointly with Millards and Network Security Solutions which are heavily discounted for NARGC members. We attach the schedule of costs as would apply to the different levels of security in the Secure Accommodation Regulations. In addition, for monitored alarms, Network Security Solutions will provide one year's free monitoring and maintenance which is worth approximately €250 per year. They will also provide all alarm purchasers with a keyfob remote control. This package is available only to NARGC Club Members and therefore to avail of the discounts, Club Members will have to produce their Compensation Fund Membership Card. Where a gun safe only is required, this can be purchased under the scheme separately, also discounted. All enquires in the first instance should be made to Gyles Callan, Network Security Solutions, Unit 510A Grants Avenue, Greenogue Industrial Estate, Rathcoole, Co Dublin. Telephone: 01 257 3600 or 086 387 9012 email - gylescallan@networksecurity.ie   Check this link also.

Also check out -

For Gun Safe enquiries, contact Millards on 01.4298645 or www.milbrosport.com  

PIGEON COURT CASE - NARGC VINDICATES RIGHT OF FARMERS TO PROTECT CROPS

On Thursday morning, 9th July, in Tullamore District Court, the State withdrew all charges in relation to the Pigeon shooting case. When the case opened originally on June 17th, NARGC solicitor, Mr William Egan, made the point very vigorously that if the Court would hear a legal submission from him it would become obvious that the State had no case as no offence had been committed. The Judge refused to hear the submission without first hearing evidence in the case. Nonetheless, copies of the legal submission were circulated to the State Solicitor and the Judge. Read more.....

LAMPING FOXES - THE LEGAL POSITION

Section 45 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 amends Section 38 of the 1976 Act which applied to the use of lamps, mirrors, dazzling equipment etc., for the purposes of hunting. Section 38 of the '76 Act was substituted by this completely new Section. The amendment states that it will be illegal for any person to hunt any protected wild animal or protected wild bird while using a lamp, light, torch, mirror or other artificial dazzling device. Also prohibited are any devices for illuminating, image intensifying or heat seeking, night sights, or any device which the Minister may declare as coming within this category.

It will be lawful to use such devices while ringing or marking or while hunting for educational or scientific purposes under licence issued by the Minister. The Minister may amend or revoke an order made under this Section. The most important thing for hunting people to know about this Section is that the ban on the use of lamps and the other equipment mentioned, applies only to protected wild birds and protected wild animals. Therefore, contrary to what some people would assert, and have asserted in the past, even people in regulatory positions, it is not illegal to hunt by lamping foxes or rabbits, neither of which are protected and no licence is necessary. This is a question which comes up again and again. However, please note that while it is not illegal to lamp a fox or rabbit from a public road for the purposes of shooting, it most definitely is illegal to shoot from a road. This has always been the case and this distinction needs to be emphasised here. The shot should be taken from inside the field and then at a distance of not less than 60 feet (measured in meters now) from the road and shooting away from the direction of the road. Legally, lamping and shooting are two distinctly different acts.

WHAT ARE MY LEGAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS IF STOPPED BY AN AUTHORISED OFFICER?

Section 72 of the Wildlife Act 1976 Act was amended by Section 65 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. This deals with the powers of the Garda Siochana and Authorised Officers (Wildlife Rangers) of the Minister under the Wildlife Acts and also under CITES. For the purposes of the Wildlife Acts and the CITES Regulations, the Minister can appoint Authorised Officers to carry out specific functions. Read more....

HAVE YOU YOUR DOG PROTECTED AGAINST INJURY OR DEATH ?

We don't have to tell you that if your dog becomes diseased or injured nowadays, having it treated is nearly more costly than if it were yourself was in hospital !  Even the most simple of dog procedures can cost four or five hundred Euro and there isn't a week goes by without we getting calls from Members complaining about the enormity of these costs. It was with that background in mind we brought out our Dog Protection Scheme in 2006 and we are glad to see that many of our Members have availed of the service since. Read more about it by clicking here.

MAYO RGC

 LONGFORD SHOOTING & CONSERVATION COUNCIL 

MEATH GAME COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2010/11

IRISH HABITAT TRUST
NATIONAL DRAW 2010

Well folks, the 2010 Draw of tickets sold for the Irish Habitat Trust and the Weatherby Shotgun was held on the  19th of June last. Once again, there was an overhwhelming response from all over the country and we are grateful that this development occurred in recessionary times such as these.

Please click here to see who the lucky winners were. We congratulate all winners and thank you for your support.