Cyprus hunting season for resident game begins

The hunting season for resident game in Cyprus officially commences on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and will continue until December 27, 2026. During this period, approximately 36,000 to 40,000 hunters are expected to participate across 17 scheduled outings, occurring every Wednesday and Sunday. The season focuses on hares, partridges, and francolins, with strict bag limits set at one hare, four partridges, and one francolin per excursion.

Authorities, including the Game and Fauna Service, the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation, and the Department of Forests, have emphasized the importance of safety and environmental responsibility. Hunters must hold valid licenses and are required to record their catches using the 'Artemis CY' mobile application before entering a vehicle. To support wildlife populations, officials noted that 75,000 partridges and approximately 200 hares were released prior to the start of the season.

Police and the Department of Forests will conduct nationwide patrols to enforce regulations and prevent illegal hunting, which carries significant penalties, including fines starting from 3,000 euros for unauthorized hunting and up to 25,000 euros for nocturnal poaching. Furthermore, authorities have issued strict warnings against fire hazards, urging hunters to avoid lighting fires in non-designated areas.