Cyprus hunting season for resident game begins with safety and conservation focus

The hunting season for resident game, including hares, partridges, and francolins, officially commenced in Cyprus on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The Cyprus Hunting & Wildlife Conservation Federation reported that tens of thousands of hunters, estimated between 34,500 and 40,000, participated in the opening day. The season, which runs until December 27, 2026, consists of 17 permitted outings, scheduled every Sunday and Wednesday.

Authorities, including the Police and the Game and Fauna Service, have mandated strict compliance with safety and legal regulations. Hunters must carry valid licenses, observe daily bag limits of one hare, four partridges, and one francolin, and record all catches via the 'Artemis CY' mobile application. To support population growth, 75,000 partridges and approximately 200 hares were released into the wild prior to the season.

While many participants reported positive experiences, concerns persist regarding the declining population of certain game in areas like Paphos. The opening day saw one incident involving a hunter injured in a ravine in Paphos who required rescue, as well as nine formal reports of regulatory violations, ranging from hunting without a license to weapon mishandling. Authorities continue to monitor the countryside to enforce laws and prevent illegal poaching.