Summer hunting season begins in Cyprus with strict safety and fire prevention regulations

The summer hunting season in Cyprus commences on Sunday, August 23, 2026, amid heightened concerns regarding high temperatures and wildfire risks. The Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation has prioritized safety, urging hunters to exercise extreme caution, verify targets before firing, and maintain required distances from other individuals and private property. Furthermore, the Department of Forests has issued warnings, as the country remains under high alert for forest fires.

Specific regulations apply to different game species. While hunting for woodpigeon is permitted starting August 23, the hunting of turtle doves and quails is strictly prohibited during the first two outings on August 23 and August 30. Harvest of these species will only be allowed beginning September 2, 2026. Additionally, the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, has authorized a derogation for hunting the palm dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) from August 23 to September 20, 2026. This is limited to 30,000 birds nationally, with a maximum of 50 per hunter for the season and 20 per excursion. Mandatory harvest recording via the 'Artemis Cy' mobile application is required for all hunters throughout the season.

Strict prohibitions remain in place against discarding cigarette butts or empty cartridges in the countryside. The unauthorized lighting of fires in forest or agricultural areas is a criminal offense, permitted only in designated Department of Forests picnic areas.