New Application Questions

Gumbo

Hopefully these haven't been asked before.

New Application for a .22 Rifle.

I have an invitation from a land owner (Friend) who shots on his own land for me to join him.

If I select this option on the Application. am i restricted to shooting on his land only in the future with this rifle?

For example, if I join another group on another piece of land (with the land owners permission), can I shoot on their land?

If i get into target shooting and join a range, can i do this ok on the current licence or is the licence restricted to the land in question on inital application?

Thanks.

skipking

once you have permission you can shoot away. same license will cover you on a range.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119999535#Comment_119999535

Thank you.

So I can proceed with my application while deciding what range I want to join or use afterwards.

One last question, I am Dublin based. Any concerns for the FO if the land is in Meath?

Feisar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119999644#Comment_119999644

I never heard of an issue around land permission in a different county.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119999929#Comment_119999929

Thank you.

Cass

The only limitation on land usage is in section 5.2 of the FCA1 which only applies to shotguns. This declaration replaces the old system of the "Farmers license". You are limited to the lands nominated but the license is cheaper.

None of that applies to you.

Once you provide the 2 land permissions, which is the minimum legal requirement, then you have satisfied the conditions for applying. After you get the license, for the reason you claimed, you can use it on all lands you have permission on.

As for target shooting. If you're not a member of a range now or when you apply then I'd leave out as they will demand proof of membership which you cannot provide.

If you decide to take up target shooting later then you can do so and decide if you wish to inform your FO of the changes in circumstances immediately or at renewal time. Its a wired situation that applies to those granted a license for hunting who take up target shooting after being granted a license for hunting only, but does not work as well in reverse (granted for target shooting only and take up hunting later) due to the way the firearms act is written, especially section 2(4)(d) on.

None of that should concern you now though. Fill in the FCA1, skip section 5.2, provide the land permissions you have now, and then shoot whenever you have permission to (assuming you gain permissions after being granted the license) regardless of whether it was declared in the FCA1 when applying.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120000026#Comment_120000026

So I need a letter from the owners of 2 separate pieces of land if I skip Section 5.2?

Cass

Not "if" you skip section 5.2 , but you MUST skip section 5.2.

As said above section 5.2 only applies to applications for a shooting to be used on nominated lands and ONLY those lands.

For every other application (rifle or shooting) you provide two written permission letters from the land owners and apply as normal.

Here is a guide I wrote some time back that might be if help in filling out the FCA1.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120000167#Comment_120000167

I actually came across that post but I thought the new 2020 form had been altered and made it redundant.

For example,

If I select “Hunting” and “Yes” to section 5.1, it now asks for a copy of the licence (wildlife ?)

Cass

It always did that.

The "updated" form is essentially identical to the previous form. The same sections are there and it's filled in the same way.

The licenses have always been your gun license. On the old paper licenses this was listed on the license but when the new licenses come out in 2009 it was not included due to lack of space but the firearms act still states that license to hunt these is covered by the gun licenses.

The only separate licenses needed for hunting are deer, foreshore and perhaps one other I cannot think off right now but all other species under the regular open seasons are covered by your gun license.

So the guide is as valid now as when I posted it

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120000289#Comment_120000289

Thanks Cass.

Do the land owners have to be "Farmers"?

Could they just be substantial Land Owners?

J.R.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119999644#Comment_119999644

There are lots of hunters living in Dublin who have shooting permission in Wicklow, Kildare, Meath & even further afield. Hunting land permission in Dublin is quite scarce with all the housing & developments.

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120000459#Comment_120000459

Any landowner(usually with a proviso of holding more than a usual house plot's worth of land ;-)).

Cass

As said above any land owner will suffice.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120001243#Comment_120001243

Thanks, hopefully 40 acres should cut it!

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120001323#Comment_120001323

Thanks again Cass.

Is one Land Owner enough?

And do i just include a letter separate to the Application Form?

Cass

If I recall correctly there is no legal requirement to have more than one. So one should suffice. You might be asked for more but there is no way to know until you apply.

While there may not be a legal requirement for two or more section 3 of the firearms act says the issuing officer may ask for any and all information relevant to making a a decision in granting a license . It's vague and annoying but don't worry yourself too much as they generally aren't too bad or harsh.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120001403#Comment_120001403

Thanks.

All done now, so just have to draft the letter from the land ower.

Keep it simple, state the owners name and address, the address of the land, maybe show a map to indicate scale of land area?

Cass

No need for anything more than a line or two. Something along the lines of;

"I *insert landowners name* give Gumbo permission to hunt and control vermin on all lands owned by me".

Sign it, date and include their name, address and contact number.

That simple.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120001426#Comment_120001426

Thanks.

I thought that was the hard part, now to pick a Gun!

Edging towards a Ruger 10/22 based on consistent recommendations here and out in the field so to speak!

Gumbo

Final Question. Lodging Application today!

Question 5.1 - Wildlife Act Requirements.

Do I tick yes or no here? I won’t be hunting any restricted animals. Just small game, vermin etc

Checklist States

“Deer Hunter Licence / relevant licence from the National Parks and Wildlife 

Service, if applicant intends hunting and killing exempted wild mammals 

within the meaning of the Wildlife Act 1976”

I assume I need a wildlife licence if i select yes in 5.1? So I should tick No?

thanks.

slipperyox

yes. tick no

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120024133#Comment_120024133

Thank You.

itisnotgrand

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120021073#Comment_120021073

Best of luck with it! Welcome to the shooting sports world.

Q: anyone know if Hares are protected or not?

Uinseann_16

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120028375#Comment_120028375

Thats a wholekettle of fish yes you can shoot them

Hares (excluding the following townlands in Co. Wexford: North East Slob, North West Slob, Big Island, Beggerin Island and the Raven).26 September to 28 February

Howeverrr some people argue you can only use a shotgun...

itisnotgrand

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120029076#Comment_120029076

Interesting why are Wexford hares protected ?

shotgun or rifle. On a similar note technically a slug could be licensed to hunt deer

Uinseann_16

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120029117#Comment_120029117

..... Jaysus you're right hold on a second lemme double check that

Dunno its always been the case to have certain protected areas

itisnotgrand

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120029179#Comment_120029179

Haha I just shook up your world there

Grizzly 45

Interesting why are Wexford hares protected 

Proably because that area is the main wildfowl sanctuary of migratory birds and under Birdwatch Irelands protection?So maybe they figured its easier to prevent poaching or lurching/coursing by banning any hunting in this area with guns and dogs?

On a similar note technically a slug could be licensed to hunt deer

It could and should be.But it won't be!

itisnotgrand

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120029646#Comment_120029646

That makes sense. Wexford has a few unique quirks about it!

Why won’t it be? Can slugs be licensed to shoot other animals here?

Cass

@Uinseann_16 Howeverrr some people argue you can only use a shotgun...

That is because of section 33(3) of the Wildlife act. It makes it an offence to hunt, kill or injure any wild mammal with a shotgun, OTHER than a Hare. Some read that as shotgun only and others use only a shotgun out of a sense of sportsmanship.

I think most people, the vast majority, would not see it as right to shoot Hares with a rifle. It evokes a certain sentiment and most stick to shotguns only.