Legality of vermin control on golf courses. Ireland

[CillDaraVerminator]

I reached out to a few local golf clubs to myself about some vermin control and one got back asking for me to show them that I can legally shoot corvids, pigeons and rabbits that they have an issues with. My question is for Irish shooters does our vermin control laws allow for this. Been looking and mostly I am seeing it is for crop protection and there aint much crops on the courses


On a related note I seen this BBC article where a golf club in the UK apologised for fox shooting done on its property.

Apology after foxes culled on Enfield Golf Club' grounds

The culling of foxes on Enfield Golf Club has caused outrage amongst wildlife groups.

www.bbc.com

 

[Liveonce]

southern or northern ireland?

guess you have looked at the BASC site

Northern Ireland

All the latest news and advice concerning general licences, in Northern Ireland, and how they affect you.

basc.org.uk

Foxes and rabbits I would say no issue, covids and pigeons may be not.

However if a member of BASC I would contact them for advice.

I shoot a golf course in Kent, but rabbits mainly, occasional fox if requested to do so, but all at night as the golf course is in use by day and unlikely to justify covids or pigeons within the general licences even if it were possible to shoot during the day.

 

[CillDaraVerminator]

Southern Ireland sorry should have mentioned this.

 

[Dunwaters]

As above. No problem with fox and rabbit, the birds need a bit of caution.
Pick up the phone and contact NPWS and your local Ranger. Have a look at the NARGC site too. In general you need to operate within the terms of the derogation to the birds directive or get a section 42 license.
It’s a pain in the ass, but less of a pain than a hefty fine and loss of firearms.

 

[Ranger22]

Birds do damage on greens by sticking their beaks in and making holes. Not crop damage but damage all the same.

 

[Liveonce]

Birds do damage on greens by sticking their beaks in and making holes. Not crop damage but damage all the same.

All depends on what the laws and licences are in Southern Ireland. In the U.K. all birds are protected in law and licences of one sort or another are required to kill them and then only when doing or likely doing significant finsacial or health harm.

beaks making holes in the green may actually be helping.

• Improved Air Circulation:
  Aeration allows oxygen to reach the roots, which is essential for photosynthesis and overall plant health.
• Enhanced Nutrient and Water Uptake:
  By breaking up compacted soil, aeration allows water and nutrients to reach the roots more easily.

 

[Ranger22]

All depends on what the laws and licences are in Southern Ireland. In the U.K. all birds are protected in law and licences of one sort or another are required to kill them and then only when doing or likely doing significant finsacial or health harm.

beaks making holes in the green may actually be helping.

• Improved Air Circulation:
  Aeration allows oxygen to reach the roots, which is essential for photosynthesis and overall plant health.
• Enhanced Nutrient and Water Uptake:
  By breaking up compacted soil, aeration allows water and nutrients to reach the roots more easily.

If the birds could only do it in nice straight rows and make nice round holes, I could see it not being a problem!