National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC)

18/10/2026

🦆 Non-lead am******on: Addressing hunters’ concerns with science
🔍 In our ongoing series examining hunters’ concerns about non-lead am******on, we look at scientific research addressing some of the most frequently raised questions.
This time: Does steel shot lead to more wounded birds?
One of the main concerns about switching from lead to steel shot is whether it can deliver equally effective and humane results in the field.
🔬 A peer-reviewed study published in Wildlife Society Bulletin compared lead and steel shot during mourning dove hunting in Texas, USA.
The double-blind field trial involved 53 hunters and 5,094 shots, comparing one lead load with two steel loads.
📊 What did the researchers find?
✅ No statistically significant differences in the proportions of birds harvested or wounded between the three am******on types tested.
✅ Hunters could not reliably distinguish between lead and steel am******on during the hunts.
✅ All three am******on types demonstrated sufficient lethality under typical hunting conditions.
🎯 An important finding: When pellets have sufficient energy to pe*****te vital organs, shot pattern density becomes a key factor in am******on performance.
This highlights the importance of choosing suitable am******on, choke combinations and effective shooting distances.
⚠️ The study focused on mourning doves and specific am******on loads. Its findings cannot automatically be generalised to all species or hunting conditions.
At FACE, we recognise that the transition to non-lead am******on raises legitimate questions about effectiveness, animal welfare and practical hunting conditions.
Through this series, we aim to examine these concerns using scientific evidence, while recognising the importance of hunters’ practical experience.
📖 Source: Pierce et al. (2014), A comparison of lead and steel shot loads for harvesting mourning doves, Wildlife Society Bulletin.
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.504
The Lead Phase-Out Couldn't Be Stopped. The Goal Was the Best Outcome | We, the Hunters #10: https://youtu.be/cjU-tT8s8Go

14/10/2026

🦆🌿 WADER & GAME BIRD SEMINAR – ALL WELCOME!

The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) is delighted to invite everyone with an interest in our native game birds, waders and their habitats to a special evening dedicated to conservation, research and sustainable hunting.

We have three excellent speakers lined up, bringing together practical experience, scientific research and conservation knowledge.

🎤 Our Guest Speakers:

🇫🇷 Xavier Ibled – Snipe
A French hunter from the C.I.C.B., sharing a European perspective on snipe conservation, management and sustainable hunting.

🌿 Dr James O’Neill – Woodcock & Red Grouse
Exploring the ecology, current status, management and conservation of these important game bird species.

🪶 Owen Murphy – Waders & Their Habitats
From the Breeding Waders E.I.P., discussing current research, habitat conservation and the practical work being undertaken to protect our breeding waders.

📅 Thursday, 5th November 2026
📍 Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co. Tipperary
🕗 8:00 PM
☕ Refreshments provided.

This evening is not just for hunters! We warmly welcome landowners, farmers, conservationists, researchers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in the future of our bird populations.

Protecting our wildlife requires knowledge, cooperation and practical conservation. This seminar is a great opportunity to hear from those actively involved, exchange ideas and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing these species.

✅ Everyone is welcome – we look forward to seeing you there!

📢 Please share this post with your clubs, friends and anyone who may be interested.

10/10/2026

Shoot on in Carlow

10/10/2026

Great charity shoot in Cork, well worth supporting if your in the area.

10/10/2026

Sportsden.ie is Irelands leading online outdoor sports store, We stock a huge renge of products and offer a superb Next Day Delivery Service across Ireland. We carry some of the best outdoor clothing brands such as Barbour, Harkila, Deerhunter & Helly Hansen. Huge range of Hunter Wellies & Aigle Boo...

08/10/2026

**FACE Ireland at Stormont**

NARGC as part of our work with FACE Ireland we were delighted to attend the Agriculture Committee at Stormont today as part of the discussions surrounding the proposed **Hunting with Dogs Bill**.

It was an important opportunity to engage with the issues affecting hunting and rural communities and to support the continued representation of their interests.

We were also delighted to meet up with **Tommy Mayne from BASC** and have a good chat about matters of mutual interest.

**Pictured L–R:** Sean Woods, Dan Curley, Tommy Mayne, Barty Murphy and Austin Fitzpatrick.

08/10/2026

🥾 A special offer for NARGC members from Sportsden.ie!

Get ready for the season ahead with 15% off Aigle wellingtons and footwear at Sportsden.ie for the remainder of October.

🛒 Enter NARGC15 at checkout to receive your discount.

📅 Offer ends 31 October 2026.

Many thanks to Sportsden.ie for supporting NARGC members with this offer. Please share with your club and fellow members!

Sportsden.ie is Irelands leading online outdoor sports store, We stock a huge renge of products and offer a superb Next Day Delivery Service across Ireland. We carry some of the best outdoor clothing brands such as Barbour, Harkila, Deerhunter & Helly Hansen. Huge range of Hunter Wellies & Aigle Boo...

06/10/2026

📣 **Free shipping offer for NARGC members!**

Hunter’s Friend Europe has activated the code **NARGC2026**, giving NARGC members **FREE SHIPPING to Ireland on all orders over €35 + VAT**.

🛒 Simply enter **NARGC2026** in your cart to apply the offer.

Shop here: [www.huntersfriend.eu](https://www.huntersfriend.eu/)

Thanks to Hunter’s Friend Europe for supporting NARGC members. Please share with your club and fellow members!