Around 36,000 hunters are expected to take to the fields of Cyprus on Sunday, marking the beginning of the small game hunting season. This estimate comes from Petros Anayiotos, a spokesman for the game and fauna service, who reported the numbers following the recent renewal of hunting licences.
The small game hunting season will run every Sunday and Wednesday until December 28. Despite the high turnout expected this weekend, Anayiotos noted a gradual decline in the number of hunters over recent years. This trend reflects broader changes in lifestyles and a reduced availability of game, a situation not unique to Cyprus; studies indicate that similar patterns are observed globally.
Importantly, Anayiotos clarified that the decline in hunting participation is not primarily linked to environmental concerns or animal welfare issues. Instead, he emphasised that the department’s focus remains on the protection and growth of wildlife populations. By preserving natural habitats and benefitting from favourable weather conditions, the department hopes to see an increase in game numbers and, correspondingly, hunting licences in the future.
As hunters prepare to embark on their outings, safety remains a top priority. Participants are urged to adhere to several safety rules: wearing high-visibility orange clothing, handling firearms responsibly, and observing all legal limits to minimise the risk of accidents.
The hunting season permits the hunting of various small game, including hares, partridges, and francolins. The bag limits set for hunters are one hare, one francolin, and four partridges per outing, while there are no limits on other game species.
In light of the current dry conditions, the forestry department has issued a caution to hunters regarding the risk of wildfires. They are advised to avoid lighting fires in unauthorised areas and to take care when discarding cigarettes or matches. The public is encouraged to report any signs of smoke or fire in or near forested areas by contacting the nearest forest station or calling 1407 (forestry department) or 112 (fire service).
