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.

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....

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO FIREARMS LICENCE HOLDERS

It has come to our attention that documents are being handed out by some Gardai to applicants who are renewing their firearms certificates in which certain personal and other information is being sought. All of the information sought on these documents is either already captured on the firearms application form FAC1 or are matters for internal Garda queries to be answered by Gardai. We are advising gun club members to tell the Gardai who are handing out these pieces of paper that they will not be completed as the information has already been supplied. These requests for information are on blank paper and are unsigned, and as already stated, the information has already been supplied on the official forms. In view of the fact that the information sought concerns people who have guns in their homes, we advise our Club Members not to entertain any written requests unless they are on official Garda Headed notepaper and are signed by a Member of An Garda Siochana. If Club Members affected experience any difficulties as a result, they should contact the NARGC Office immediately on 01-4974888 or email nargc@iol.ie .

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO GUN CLUB MEMBERS IN THE BALBRIGGAN GARDA DISTRICT

This is a critically important Statement from the NARGC concerning persons whose local Garda Station is Balbriggan insofar as it relates to the renewal of Firearms Licences. Please urgently read the attached link.

AN IMPORTANT FIREARMS QUESTION CLARIFIED!

6/11/2009

The question has been constantly raised as to whether firearms licence holders have to hand their firearms in to a firearms dealer if their licence applications/renewals had still not been processed by the end of the period of extension which was granted by the Garda Commissioner.

This matter was addressed by the Head of the Firearms Policy Unit at Garda HQ, Superintendent Fergus Healy, at a meeting of the Firearms Consultative Panel in the Department of Justice on October 6^th 2009.  At that meeting he stated that the Gardai would be taking a pragmatic approach to this matter and elaborated that it would be the same approach they had historically taken in relation to the payment of licence fees i.e. even those who paid late were not required to surrender their firearms.

Because of continuing questions on this subject as a result of some Garda stations telling licence applicants that they would have to hand in their guns if the licences were not processed at the end of the extension period, NARGC Director Des Crofton raised the issue again at a meeting he had with Superintendent Healy and other officers at Garda HQ on November 5^th 2009 and Superintendent Healy not only repeated what he had said at the FCP meeting on October 6^th, but went on to say that the matter had been discussed with the Garda Commissioner who had agreed to this approach.  He agreed we could quote this by way of publication of the assurance given.

Therefore, if licence applications are in the system at the end of an extension period but not yet issued, guns do not have to be handed in.  If however the applications have not been made at the end of the extension period, then that is a different matter and the guns do have to be handed in.  Also, if a refusal to grant has been made, even before the extension period has expired, the gun owner must dispose of the gun or hand it in to a dealer pending the determination of any appeal to the District Court.

This re-enforces our previous urging of gun owners to get their applications in as quickly as possible.  There are now literally thousands of licences being processed every week.

UPCOMING SAFETY PROFICIENCY COURSES

Feb 13th 2010    Toughers, Naas Rd., Newbridge @ 9.30 a.m.  
                                for reservations contact Robert on 087.7847080

Feb 20th 2010    The Merry Monk, Ballina, Co. Mayo at 9.30 a.m.
                                for reservations contact Chris on 086.3268933

March 6th 2010   The Merry Monk, Ballina, Co. Mayo at 9.30 a.m.
                                for reservations contact Chris on 086.3268933

March 20th 2010  The Merry Monk, Ballina, Co. Mayo at 9.30 a.m.
                                for reservations contact Chris on 086.3268933

If any Gun Club out there is interested in having its own galvanized signs made up, Mid Cork Metalworks Ltd can manufacture these at a very good rate. Gordon Lucey from Clondrohid Gun Club in Cork is a Director of the Company and has askled us to 'vent his wares' so to speak so the below link will give you all the information you require.

http://www.midcorkmetal.ie/gun_club_signs_29.html

BAG RETURNS

Now that the hunting season is nearing an end for the 2009/2010 season, perhaps it is timely to remind site browsers that you can now download the NARGC Bag Return Form HERE. Keep this updated regularly and when the season shortly ends, send it to the NARGC Head Office which is at 6, Sandford Rd., Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Remember all those who make returns, enter a draw. The winner receives a Yilldiz O/U Shotgun as a prize, sponsored by Millard Bros. Ireland Ltd.

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.

URGENT  -  RE THE RENEWAL OF FIREARMS LICENSES

We are informed that a large number (the majority) of those people who have had their licenses extended to October 31st have not yet submitted their renewal applications to their local Garda stations. Two months have now passed since licenses were extended. The letter of extension provided for the possibility to renew within three months prior to expiry of the extension but it seems that many people have put completing the form on the long finger while some have also been given misleading information by some Gardai to the effect that they cannot renew until the end of the period of extension i.e. 31st October. This latter information is completely incorrect. Lest there be any doubt whatsoever, renewals should be submitted to your Garda station as soon as possible. If applicants encounter this response at their local Garda station, they should insist on submitting their applications and refer the Garda concerned to the Firearms Policy Unit at Garda HQ who will confirm that licence renewals should be submitted without delay.

Failure to submit until the end of the month, or even close to it, will in all probability result in a delay in your license being processed as there will then be a rush of applications. There will be no point in contacting the NARGC office as there will be nothing we can do. We simply cannot get everyone pushed to the top of the list for processing. The new system is still ironing out the wrinkles and this is likely to continue for some time.

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 

GUN SAFES OFFER !

Mike Johnson of MacEoin General Merchants in Ballydavid, Co. Kerry has asked us to post the following offer for approved Gun Safes.

2 gun breakdown shotgun safe. 2 locks - € 125.00

3 gun full safe - € 150.00

5 gun full safe - € 180.00

5 gun safe with shelf in top - € 205.00

5 Gun safe with internal locking shelf - € 225.00

7 gun safe -  € 260.00

5 Gun Extra Deep Safe with locking top shelf. Suited for
large Rifles - € 270.00

Persons interested in the above may telephone either 087.2077019 or 066.9155479 or purchase direct via their Web Shop - www.maceoinltd.com

Prices are for NARGC Members and includes delivery

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.....

NOTE FOR NARGC CLUB MEMBERS TRAVELLING TO THE UK IN THE 2009/2010 SEASON

Any person travelling to the UK to shoot, requires a UK Visitors' Permit and this must be issued in advance of arrival. Read more....

FORESTRY SERVICE / NARGC GREY SQUIRREL SCHEME 2009

NARGC / WEATHERBY LIMITED EDITION GAME GUN  

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 yards (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.

NARGC NATIONAL CLAYSHOOT 2009

The 2009 NARGC National Clayshooting Championships were held in Ardee on July 11th and 12th last and it was a truly extraordnary event. Brilliant weather existed throughout and only in the dying moments of the shoot offs, did a few heavy showers descend upon Pepperstown. A massive 603 persons entered the competitions from 26 of the NARGC's 28 Member RGC's. Everyone partaking shot with enthusiasm and dedication and the planning by the NARGC Officials was impeccable. Details of the winners are available on this link.  

MAYO RGC

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2009/10

 LONGFORD SHOOTING & CONSERVATION COUNCIL 

MEATH GAME COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2008/09

IRISH HABITAT TRUST
NATIONAL DRAW 2009

Well folks, the 2009 Draw of tickets sold for the Irish Habitat Trust was held on the  18th of June last. 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. The venture contributed just over €37,000 to the Trust.