The new hunting season officially begins on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with an estimated 37,000 hunters gearing up to take part. This season allows hunting for all game species, predominantly targeting partridge, hare, francolin, wood pigeon, and woodcock, as confirmed by Petros Anayiotos, a spokesman for the Game and Fauna Service.
Hunting season: Excursions Start at Dawn
Hunters are expected to commence their outings at first light on Sunday, a time that typically draws the majority of participants eager to engage in the sport. Anayiotos noted that the initial hours are particularly significant for many hunters.
Operational Plan for Enforcement
The Game and Fauna Service has outlined a comprehensive operational plan for the hunting season. Staff will be active from Saturday afternoon through late Sunday evening, conducting checks for hunting licences and ensuring the integrity of prohibited hunting areas. This proactive approach aims to encourage responsible hunting practices while safeguarding wildlife.
Season Dates and Bag Limits
The hunting season for migratory and endemic game is set to run from November 2 through December 28, 2025. Hunting will only be permitted on Sundays and Wednesdays, allowing for a total of 17 excursions during this period.
Permitted Game Species and Limits
- Hare: One per hunter per excursion
- Partridge: Four per hunter per excursion
- Francolin: One per hunter per excursion
- Other Game: No limit
Hunters must also adhere to mandatory recording of all game harvested through the Artemis Cy application. This declaration needs to be completed before entering any vehicle, either for transport or upon concluding the outing. In cases where the app cannot be accessed, hunters can send a text message to designated numbers with details of their catch.
Essential Requirements for Hunters
The Game and Fauna Service has emphasised the importance of responsibility and adherence to safety measures for all participants. Hunters must carry the following documents:
- Renewed hunting licence
- Firearm possession licence
- Hunting dog use permit (if applicable)
Moreover, hunting dogs must be registered on the licence through the electronic platform provided by the service.
Prohibitions and Safety Guidelines
- Lighting fires outside designated areas is strictly prohibited.
- Transporting weapons on agricultural or non-asphalt roads is not allowed 60 minutes before and after permitted hunting hours.
- Wear hunter orange (either a hat or 30% of clothing) to enhance visibility.
- Utilise protective glasses during hunting activities.
- Inform someone of your hunting location and avoid hunting alone.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol before or during excursions.
- Ensure to identify targets clearly before shooting, and never fire instinctively or carelessly.
- Unload weapons when navigating obstacles or difficult terrain.
- Weapons must be transported only when disassembled and placed inside a case.
Hunters are reminded that shotguns can cause severe injuries from a distance of up to 100 metres, emphasising the need for caution.
Hunting Restrictions Near Residential Areas
There are specific proximity restrictions for hunting near residential and military areas to ensure safety:
- Prohibited within a 500-metre radius of residential areas.
- Prohibited within 200 metres of isolated houses.
- Prohibited within 300 metres of military installations.
Consequences for Violations
Hunters are urged to check their excursion areas using the Artemis Cy application. Violations can lead to significant penalties, such as:
- Hunting without a licence or in a prohibited area: Out-of-court fines starting at €2,000.
- Poaching during the night: Out-of-court fines starting at €25,000.
The Game and Fauna Service has also provided specific contact numbers for reporting illegal hunting activities, in addition to the police hotline 1414.
Social Media and Hunting Conduct
In a recent statement, the Game and Fauna Service has called on hunters to be mindful of their social media presence, advising against sharing photos or videos that could misrepresent the sport. They stressed that hunting is both a passion and a responsibility that should be respected.
