Deer hunting licence applications (S29 of the Wildlife Acts) for the 2025/26 deer hunting season can now be made online by visiting:
Please Note
- If profile photographs do not meet the required standard, applications will be returned to the applicant. The requirements for photographs, which will appear on your official Government issued licence, are outlined in the FAQ document located at the bottom of this page. Profile pictures are updated on the profile page of the Heritage Licensing Portal. Once updated, please resubmit your application by clicking through the declarations and then submitting.
- Current licence holders do not need to re-register on the system - they just need to submit an application for their new licence.
- Any draft applications that were not completed will be moved to a status of ‘Previous Season Draft’ and won’t be accessible, a new application should be completed
- When uploading your Firearms Certificate, you are required to upload both the front and back of the certificate.
- Proof of Purchase documents are for first time applicants who have yet to receive a Firearm Certificate. Renewal applications must always provide a copy of their Firearm Certificate.
- Licences are issued on an annual basis and cover the period from 1 August to 31 July. All wild deer Open Season dates must be adhered to. Open Seasons dates can be found here.
- If you are a first time applicant you must provide proof of completion of deer hunting certified training from one of the nationally approved training bodies or the equivalent proof from your Country of residence. Further details on this requirement can be found here.
- Out of State applications (not connected with Commercial Tour Operator) must provide details of their land owner permissions. This can be uploaded to the Heritage Licensing Portal via the documents page using 'Other'.
Microsoft Authenticator
From 27 November 2025, the Heritage Licensing Portal will switch to using the Microsoft Authenticator App. The video below explains how to activate this new service.
A number of documents are provided below to assist you with the process of applying for a Deer Hunting Licence (DHL):
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Registering for Heritage Licensing Portal
- Submitting DHL Renewal Application on the Portal
Contact details
Deer Hunting Licence Queries
- Wildlife Licensing Unit: deerlicences@npws.gov.ie
01 – 888 3242
Portal Registration Queries
- Technical Helpdesk: heritage.licensing@housing.gov.ie