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The Police Service’s Firearms and Explosives Branch is pleased to introduce to Northern Ireland Any Other Lawful Quarry (AOLQ). The AOLQ condition will automatically apply to Deer and Feral Goat conditioned FACs from 22nd November 2021 – please read below for details.

AOLQ will be automatically applied to the firearm conditioned for Deer and/or Feral Goat as of 22nd November 2021. Qualifying FAC holders do not require this condition stated on a printed certificate on or after 22nd November and do not need to apply for a re-print or Variation. Instead, existing FACs with Deer or Feral Goat conditioned firearms will reflect the new AOLQ wording only when next reprinted, such as for Regrant, Variation or Regrant-Variation.

FEB’s adoption of AOLQ begins to reflect the position in GB firearms licensing. AOLQ allows those with Deer or Feral goat conditioned firearms to shoot with that firearm any quarry that is lawful, which is smaller than the quarry they have primary authority to shoot, on land which they have permission to shoot, placing the onus on the FAC condition holder to know which calibre is suitable for which quarry and when certain quarry is lawful.

For clarity, the wording that will feature on certificates is as follows:

1) AOLQ for Deer Hunting Condition
Use of the <<FIREARM>> is restricted to the lawful shooting of <<Deer >> and any other lawful quarry on lands for which the holder has lawful authority to shoot over. The holder must ensure the land is suitable for this type and calibre of firearm and the use of this firearm on the land presents no danger to public safety. The firearm may also be zeroed on these lands or on approved ranges if access to such ranges is lawful.

2) AOLQ for Feral Goat Condition
Use of the <<FIREARM>> is restricted to the lawful shooting of <<Feral Goat>> any other lawful quarry excluding any and all Deer on lands for which the holder has lawful authority to shoot over. The holder must ensure the land is suitable for this type and calibre of firearm and the use of this firearm on the land presents no danger to public safety. The firearm may also be zeroed on these lands or on approved ranges if access to such ranges is lawful.

Any queries about AOLQ and your FAC, please email Firearms@psni.police.uk or speak to your local FEO.

Our Enquiries Helpline is currently closed. If you have an urgent enquiry please email firearms@psni.police.uk. The email facility will be monitored during normal business hours (Monday-Friday) and our staff will endeavour to deal with your enquiry as soon as possible.

You will need to obtain a certificate from the police before you can purchase or own any firearm or ammunition in Northern Ireland. Our obligation is to protect the public and ensure their safety, which is why there are certain laws that anyone owning or using firearms must follow.