Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the reported poaching of wild deer in Donegal; the estimates of the extent of such activity; the steps being taken to prevent such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42927/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Deer may only be hunted under licence by my Department. The open season for most deer species, including Red, Fallow and Sika, operates annually from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the gender and age of deer. However there is a 12-month open season for Muntjac Deer. My Department has received reports that illegal deer hunting has increased recently in County Donegal. My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff are continuing to monitor the situation and are carrying out additional patrols in areas of alleged poaching activity.