Hunters are being urged to exercise increased caution and strict adherence to safety rules as Cyprus' summer hunting season opens, with the first outing scheduled for Sunday, 23 August. The Cyprus Federation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation has placed particular emphasis on the correct identification of game, the registration of kills, and the heightened risk of fire caused by high temperatures.
In a press release, the federation called for increased attention, responsibility and strict compliance with the law, stressing that safety must be the absolute priority for all hunters. It urged hunters, before every shot, to be absolutely certain of their target and of what lies behind and around it, to observe the prescribed safety distances, and to show respect toward fellow hunters, landowners, private property and everyone else active in the countryside.
Turtledove and quail hunting begins 2 September
Hunting of turtledove and quail is banned during the season's first two outings, on 23 and 30 August 2026, with hunting of both species beginning on 2 September 2026. Hunting of the palm dove begins on 23 August 2026. Because of the overlap between the opening of the season and the ban on turtledove and quail, the federation called on hunters to pay particular attention to correctly identifying their game before every shot.
Mandatory kill registration
Registration of kills through the Artemis Cy application is mandatory for all game and throughout all hunting seasons, the federation said. For turtledove, quail and palm dove specifically, registration must be carried out immediately and separately for each bird killed. The federation described kill data as an important tool for the rational management of game populations and for documenting hunting activity, and stressed the importance of accurate and timely registration.
High temperatures raise fire risk
Given the high temperatures currently prevailing, hunters were urged to prepare adequately, carry sufficient water, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and avoid overestimating their physical limits. Particular care should also be taken to protect, rest and adequately hydrate hunting dogs. The federation said the increased risk of fire requires maximum attention from everyone, reiterating that lighting fires in undesignated areas is prohibited.
The federation also called on hunters, when renewing their hunting licences, to select the hunting club of their choice, noting that doing so carries no additional cost and helps strengthen organised hunting associations and the work they carry out locally for hunting, wildlife and the Cypriot countryside. Hunters were urged to study permitted hunting areas before each outing and consult the relevant maps through the Artemis Cy application, with the federation stressing that safety, responsibility, legal compliance and respect for nature and for others are the responsibility of everyone.
Source: CNA
