Cyprus hunting season for indigenous game to begin on November 1

The hunting season for indigenous game, including hares, partridges, and francolins, will officially commence in Cyprus on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The Cyprus Federation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation announced that the season will run until December 27, 2026, with hunting permitted on Sundays and Wednesdays, totaling 17 outings. Approximately 37,000 hunters are expected to participate, and they are required to log their catches via the 'Artemis CY' mobile application to assist in data collection for sustainable wildlife management.

To boost local wildlife populations, the Game and Fauna Service, in collaboration with local hunting associations, has released approximately 75,000 partridges and about 200 hares into the natural environment. Officials, including Federation president Elias Pekris and Game and Fauna Service spokesperson Petros Anagiotou, have emphasized the necessity of strictly adhering to established harvest limits, respecting private property, and practicing firearm safety.

The Department of Forests has issued a stern warning regarding fire prevention, noting that the risk of wildfires remains high despite recent rainfall. Hunters are strictly prohibited from lighting fires in unauthorized areas, discarding cigarettes, or leaving litter and empty cartridges in the countryside. These measures aim to protect critical wildlife habitats and agricultural land from further degradation.