National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC)

National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) is the largest voluntary organisation. It is also a Seanad Nominating Body.

The Association has 25,500 members in 1050 Clubs spread throughout the country – one Club in almost every parish. It has enjoyed an increasing membership year on year for the past ten years with an average increase of 500 per annum. The Association co-ordinates the activities of its members and clubs through a regional structure comprising 28 regions. The NARCC also represents the interests of all

its members at both a national and international level. Since its establishment in 1968, the Association has been instrumental in the development of significant beneficial legislation since that time. Of particular note was The Wildlife Act 1976, The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, The Firearms Non-Residents Act 2000 etc. The NARGC has been to the forefront in leading challenges through the Courts against misuse and abuses of Ireland’s environmental and shooting legislation. The NARGC is at the forefront of conservation projects in Ireland with regional projects on the introduction of native grey partridge to suitable habitat, grouse projects that have received international recognition. We work with farmers around the provision of wild bird cover
mixes and game crop and our most recent habitat improvements around duck nesting with the provision of nest tubes have been recognised locally and nationally. Key to the success of projects is:

• The provision of suitable habitat
• Control of predator species

The NARGC advocates for sustainable hunting of game species in the natural environment and believes that conservation and hunting go hand in hand. We believe that education around these topics instills responsibility, ethical behaviour, improves skills and knowledge, and encourages the involvement of beginner and veteran hunters alike.

📌 Important Notice for Clubs & MembersAs you may be aware, under the EU Birds Directive, all EU Member States, including...
08/06/2026

📌 Important Notice for Clubs & Members

As you may be aware, under the EU Birds Directive, all EU Member States, including Ireland, are required to protect wild birds and their habitats.

The Directive does allow for derogations in certain circumstances, including where particular species are causing damage to crops, livestock or wildlife, or where there is a risk to public health. These derogations allow for the lawful control of certain species, such as grey crows, magpies, rooks and jackdaws, at certain times of the year and under specific conditions.

If you or your club carry out any control work under the derogations, it is very important that you keep a clear record of what was done and send them in at the end of the year.

Please record:

✅ Species controlled
✅ Location and county
✅ Method used
✅ Reason for control
✅ Number controlled
✅ Whether the action was successful
✅ Any alternative or non-lethal measures considered

This information is important because it helps show the work being carried out on the ground and supports the continued use of practical and workable derogations. Good records matter. They help demonstrate responsible use of the derogations and provide the evidence needed decision-making.

More information below

https://www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations

01/06/2026

🐕 EU Dog Transport Rules: A €10,000 Problem for Hunters?
Are Europe’s hunting dogs facing disproportionate new regulations?
In this episode of We, The Hunters, FACE Secretary General Dr David Scallan discusses the proposed EU rules on dog welfare and transport, and what they could mean for hunters, dog owners and wildlife management across Europe.
The conversation explores concerns that some of the proposed transport requirements could impose significant costs on hunting dog owners without delivering meaningful welfare benefits. In some cases, dog transport units could require major upgrades costing thousands of euros.
The discussion also highlights the role of hunting dogs in wild boar management and African swine fever control, raising questions about the unintended consequences of regulations that may not fully reflect the realities of hunting activities.
Another key topic is the persistent stereotype that hunters are poor dog owners. Data and experience from across Europe tell a different story. Hunting dogs rarely end up in shelters, are highly valued by their owners, and in some countries even show lower insurance claim rates than non-hunting dogs.
🎙️ Watch the full discussion with Dr David Scallan and discover why evidence-based policymaking matters for hunters, dogs and wildlife conservation: https://youtu.be/xvbH6gbutxI

01/06/2026

Great weekend ahead at Harbour House Sports Club with competitions taking place.

Cilldara Hunting will be open Saturday from 10am to 5pm for ammo, range kit, accessories and last-minute competition supplies.

Good luck to everyone taking part.

01/06/2026
01/06/2026

BRC Shooting Club will host a National Competition on Saturday, 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026

Disciplines:
50m Prone Rifle
50m Benchrest Rifle
Smallbore Gallery Rifle
Smallbore Target Pistol

⏰ First Detail: 10:00am
⏰ Last Detail: 16:30pm
🥪 Lunch will be available for €7

📋 Online registration and squadding will apply.
https://nss.underware.ie

Scores from this match will count towards the 2026 National Leagues & Championship.
📧 For more information: [email protected]

01/06/2026
01/06/2026
01/06/2026

Dear Members and supporters,
May has been another busy month for FACE, with significant activity across several of our core policy and conservation priorities.
At European level, work continues on key legislative and policy files, including lead in ammunition under REACH, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Birds and Habitats Directives “Stress Test”, and the ongoing evaluation of the Fi****ms Directive. These files will have significant implications for hunters in the years ahead, and FACE remains actively engaged to ensure that the interests of Europe’s 7 million hunters are fully represented.
At the same time, we continue to strengthen the evidence base underpinning sustainable hunting. A good example is the launch of the first European Quail Monitoring Days, bringing together hunters and scientists from six countries in a coordinated effort to improve knowledge of this important migratory species. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of Europe’s hunters to conservation, monitoring, and science-based management.
Finally, the month was marked by an important milestone in Albania, with FACE and other organisations participating in a high-level roundtable that supported our Member’s efforts to establish a modern framework for sustainable hunting and wildlife management. The event highlighted the growing recognition that effective conservation requires strong governance, local engagement, and responsible wildlife management.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy the May report.
Warm regards,
Dr. David Scallan
FACE Secretary General
👉 Read more here: https://www.face.eu/report/

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