NPWS deer liscense application goes[totally?] online

Grizzly 45

OK some good points here. One is losing the contrary to the Wildlife acts minimum 100 acre requirement.

Would like to know why they now want a photograph with your application?

Like everything technical and computer-driven these days and looking at you, HAMS. Expect glitches and screwups before this beds down properly.

http://irishdeercommission.ie/deer_hunting_licence_online_portal/?fbclid=IwAR3KSBKFlZzkZiZtxmsR6FRc5PQd4QwGNWlf1bdjTikcDVllCKoj2Hh380c

garrettod

Is there sufficient comfort around data protection, including your photo?

Grizzly 45

A question that has to be asked by us and our deer hunting organisations.

kunekunesika

No landowners permissions required?

Just a promise to only hunt where you have permission.

So the permissions required to get the firearm licence won't be vetted by npws for deer?

keith s

In fairness, removing the 100 acre is (in my mind) a good step.

For lads trying to get in to deer shooting this was a big blocker.

Any hunter should already know that they can't shoot where they don't have permission.

Big number of deer in some areas causing issues and the 100 acre requirement blocking people getting a licence to shoot.

Rescueme0007

Has anyone received txt messages or Whats App messages referencing the deer license renewals, purportedly from "housing" and/or "heritage"? I have had three and I'm not at all inclined to trust them.

Cass

@Rescueme0007 Yeah.

First one I thought was a scam, then a few days later I got one saying saying the first was sent in error, ignore it as the online portal is not fully up and running, but I'd receive a new message in the coming weeks when it is.

I didn't click on any links, just in case but it seems to be legit with many other lads getting the same messages.

If in doubt, never click on a link in an email or message and instead go onto a browser and go to the NPWS site yourself.

Rescueme0007

I too am very cautious with unsolicited emails, texts, WhatApp etc., so I shall contact the NPWS by 📞 tomorrow and confirm or deny!

Asus1

Ive dealings with the npws and they are incorporated into the department of heritage and housing overseen by minister Malcolm noonan so they're probably legit contacts.

Rescueme0007

Spoke with a nice lady on the NPWS switch board this morning, she did try to connect me to staff, but all I got was a voice mail. Subsequently received another email requesting that I ignore the previous ones as the system is not active yet. That leads me to believe they're legitimate. Time will tell!

Grizzly 45

ANy updates on how this system is progressing?

lmk123

I’m thinking of buying a rifle for deer as they’re a nuisance to say the least around here for myself and neighbouring farmers. I already have a .17 and a shotgun. Is this new online system any easier / quicker than the previous one, I was going to get a rifle for deer this time last year but just didn’t bother when I found out about the courses and all that rubbish that had to be done. I saw a nice rifle last week in my local RFD but they won’t even take deposits on deer rifles because it takes so long to jump through the hoops the first time.

TheEngineer1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121971829#Comment_121971829

You'll still have to do the courses unfortunately

keith s

They won't take a deposit?

I'd be going somewhere else so!

What happens if you get refused, will they give your money back, you need to confirm that with any RDF or anyone you buy a rifle from.

I'd do the course, then put a deposit down and slap in rilfe licence application.

You could also, do the course and (when it's available) complete the NPWS deer hunting application, using a friends rifle (I think). Then when you get that back, you can put a deposit down and slap in the rifle licence application.

That way you can demonstrate a need for the rifle (deer hunting) and can include the deer hunting licence with the application.

lmk123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121973839#Comment_121973839

yeah that’s what he said, it takes too long for licenses to come through so they won’t keep a gun that long except it’s fully paid for. I was probably going to put a deposit on it there and then but he made me think twice about it and if it’s worth all the hassle and expense at all.

keith s

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121973860#Comment_121973860

It seems a long road ahead, but just do one thing at a time and you'll get there. Book the course, that's (I would say) the first thing. After that you can take your time and decide what you want to do, but now you have 1 less (Big) blocker.

Deer stalking is great crack, it helps farmers, puts food on your table and it's a few hours out doing something with a mate, son, daughter....

So, if you are to ask me, it's definitely worth the hassle 😂... Now ask me that when I'm dragging a yoke up a hill or through a forest and I'm might have to take a minute before saying Yes, it's still worth it!

sthilmick

ANY news when the 2024/2025 application form is coming online ?

Grizzly 45

Figured this would happen like most things Govt depts in Ireland.

lmk123

do any of ye know if the deer hunting courses are ran throughout the year or just during the summer before the start of the season. I want to do the course and know there are some available during the summer but I can’t commit during the summer, bad time of year with the job and farm unfortunately.

Squint.89

There is one on in Tullamore next weekend and one in Kerry in August

If you look up the NARGC webiste or one of the Deer associations pages you will see them update every few weeks with courses. There is a link to the one next weekedn in Tullamore, Co. Offaly https://www.nargc.ie/events/nargc-deer-stalking-course-co-offaly-2

Grizzly 45

Next countryside sports Ireland one that you could do is 13th /14th of July in the Midlands range.

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122087313#Comment_122087313

They do them year round, contact CSI or the IFA and ask them for courses around months that suit you.
Since you mentioned you farm, the IFA also do a discount for the course if you are a member.

Rescueme0007

Don't be put off by the obstacles. The deer stalking course is enjoyable and not very expensive, once you have that completed, get the details of the rifle you intend to purchase and submit the application for the deer licence (most difficult part is getting the folio numbers from the landowners), they come back with the licence pretty quick (all online). Once you have the deer hunting licence prepare and submit the application for a firearms licence. You implied you have land of your own and that the neighbours are keen to see the deer reduced, so there ought not to be a problem. The NPWS and the government are keen to see the numbers of deer reduced so it ought to be relatively stress free. Hope it works out for you.😊

keith s

I understand that they are no longer looking for the 100 acres .. that you now just have to sign to say you will only shoot on land you have permission on!

lmk123

Perfect I’ll give them a ring, I’ll just have to get my arse in gear and do it because I’m thinking about it long enough at this stage, just a pity it’s 2 days long, all good info to have, thank all 👍

Grizzly 45

UPDATE. Had a chat with the head of CSI yesterday at MidlandsRR RE the online application.It should be apprently trialled this week coming for a demo to the relevant deer organisations and then go online mid/end of May.

I expressed one point that should be hammerd home to NPWS when demoing this system and tweaking it. A security and data protection issue Re having all deer hunters' licenses with pictures floating about. Obviously, the idea is that somehow NPWS will be able to check a picture of someone in the field with a central database by some electronic device EG PDA or phone etc? Be a right bummer for all parties concerned NPWS,AGS,and the hunter if one of those devices is lost or stolen and falls into the wrong hands of antis or criminals. All that info is totally outside a controlled environment of an enclosed computer system.

keith s

Endpoint management [MDM. MAM], been around a long time and works well for lost,stolen devices .

Grizzly 45

From the Irish Deer Soc on FB page update

Online Deer Hunting Licence application process, to be known as the Heritage Online Portal will go live on June 4th.For those who have used the Coillte HAMS portal, a similar registration and account set up is required when using the Heritage Online Portal for the first time, including the upload of a profile photograph which will also appear on your licence.Applicants will also be required to upload a copy of their Firearms Licence Certificate and for first time applicants a copy of their Certificate of Competence such as HCAP or equivalent (optional for renewals).There will be a phone help line and FAQ section to assist applicants with the new process once live, and the portal login will be available via the National Parks & Wildlife Service website. Post or email applications will no longer be accepted.There is no requirement for landowner written permissions instead a declaration will be signed by the applicant, and Coillte Permits can still be uploaded.Licence renewals for future applications will be completed online and cull returns can be completed online in real time, or at the next application stage. Further permits, such as Section 42 permits, maybe available online in the future. All licenses will be emailed to applicants, in time for the new season, with no licenses posted.The requirements for commercial operators vary to those listed above.

Squint.89

Just on this point, "Applicants will also be required to upload a copy of their Firearms Licence Certificate", do you think First time applicants will have to wait and get the Firearm certificate before they can apply for deer licence? before you just had to give details of the firearm, right?

Rescueme0007

Hi Guys,

Just checked the NPWS Deer Hunting section. It's official, all S29 Deer Hunting licences for 2024/05 must be applied for through the new online portal. Which opens at 14:00hrs on the 04 June 2024. Link below:

https://www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/hunting/deer-hunting-licences doesn't mention photographs or rifle licence being required with the application.

Grizzly 45

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122206658#Comment_122206658

What's the betting it will crash and burn within an hour of its opening when we all apply enmasse. Get the popcorn on for the unmerciful slagging on social media if it does from everyone.

Grizzly 45

And here we have the PDF file from IFA Countryside dated May 10th and oddly,or not, we have to go hunting for this info as somehow our organisations forgot to mention this document to their members? Yup on page 3 of this 52-page instruction book, they state a requirement for both photo and deer legal cal rifle

DHL-Portal-Demo-10.5.2024.pdf

liscense

Chiparus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085278#Comment_122085278

Next Tuesday.

Chiparus

2pm Tuesday

https://www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/hunting/deer-hunting-licences

Bensimp

Just did my renewal, only hard part was finding a passport type photo for your profile!

Just create a profile, upload copy of firearms license, tick a few boxes, fill out last years numbers and done. Took about 10 minutes ( only delay is due to looking for copies of photo and license)

Much quicker and easier than the paper version. Be interesting to see how long before the license is issued. I'll update when received.

Grizzly 45

Just finished as well.About the same time,had to reload info twice on the personal page,as it didnt like my picture.Apart from that a box ticking exercise. Indeed lets see how long the liscense takes now online.

TheEngineer1

I supplied calibre and bullet weights for two rifles but only uploaded a certificate for one. On the old paper form you had a few lines for different firearm details, but I imagine that was just to confirm you had a deer legal calibre as opposed to some kind of firearm registry. It'll be interesting to see if I hear back from them looking for the second firearm certificate.

steyrman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122219336#Comment_122219336

hi I had the same went to upload 3 firearms but just took one cert number hopefully it will be a success

tomtucker81

I can't seem to enter the number of deer in the returns section. And thus I can't get past that stage. Anyone similar?

Edit...seems to be working now

Alpha Delta

Any other first timers having trouble getting through the process?

I've been trying to upload my Course Cert and my Proof of Purchase my so far it has rejected the .pdf of the Cert, the screenshot, and the photos I took on the phone. Going to try printing the Cert tomorrow and uploading another photo but no joy today I'm afraid.

keith s

Same for me Alpha, I'm getting a quick "forbidden " message followed by "This file has been rejected".

Tried, png and Adobe scans all failing.

Alpha Delta

I sent the tech support side of it an email this evening Keith, I'll post an update with any info that I get back.

Grizzly 45

Reckon the system has overloaded already and is in crash mode. FB Irish deer groups have reports of people having the same problems.

keith s

Some suggesting that the uploading docs issue is related to using a phone, and that it doesn't happen on laptop/PC. I can't check that right now, but will at some point .

Grizzly 45

As predicted.Its crashed and burning!Update from NPWS

“Unfortunately, we became aware of an issue with the elicensing system in relation to the uploading of documents that occurred yesterday evening and we are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.

We will be in touch again when this issue has been resolved and applicants will be able to complete their applications.”

Shroughaun

I couldn’t upload documents form my laptop, however it was excepting the documents from my phone once I had them saved in my photos.

keith s

Uploading docs, wasn't working yesterday from my phone, but worked this evening.

Alpha Delta

Same for me, got an email reply from NPWS or whoever is handling the technical end, with a how to guide but it's simple enough. Took photos of the docs I had printed and uploaded all from the phone this evening.

Rescueme0007

Has anyone had an outcome at this point?

I had thought that with it all being online and presumably straight into the data base, that responses would be very quick (allowing that all the required documents & photo are provided), particularly for those of us who are applying for a renewal. I know we've plenty of time in hand and our current DHL does not expire until the 31 July. I thought the entire point of setting up the new system was to take advantage of current technology and thereby increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the system, foolish of me I know.😒

Grizzly 45

The npws got back to mesaying my FAC hadn't uploaded.Despite it showing as logged.Three attempts later,both sides of the lic pics are registered. Next as I use a gmail account that is in my patents first and maiden name they are back to confirm under GPDA rules that it is me.Its now hopefully "being considered " by the revelant crowd.

Im expecting next a dna sample is required.

Stiletto72

Are we required to have an entry for each species on the list? As in, 0's for anything that wasn't shot.