Northern Cyprus's Big Game hunting season officially opens this Sunday. Hunters will have a total of 11 designated hunting days throughout the season. The Police Press Office has called on all hunters to comply with the law and to avoid causing harm to the natural environment.
According to the police statement, hunting between sunset and sunrise is prohibited. It is also forbidden to hunt within 500 metres of dams or ponds, within 250 metres of residential areas, or from inside a motor vehicle. Hunters must use only the methods and equipment permitted by law, and may not hunt with more than three dogs or with dogs not registered in their name.
Vehicle access to hunting areas is restricted: hunters may not drive more than 50 metres off the nearest dirt or paved road, and must continue on foot beyond that point. Parking vehicles in closed hunting zones is also prohibited.
Shotguns must be transported broken into two parts and stored in a case or box within the vehicle boot. Carrying firearms in tractors, ATVs, trucks, and other agricultural or commercial vehicles is banned, as is using such vehicles for hunting purposes. On hunting days, it is illegal to enter dirt roads armed before 04:00 or after 19:00. Possessing or hunting with ammunition of Republic of Cyprus origin is also a criminal offence.
Permitted game species for the season include hare, francolin, pheasant, partridge, wood pigeon, woodcock, quail, and others. Each hunter is limited to a daily bag of no more than 40 animals in total, with specific limits per species: one hare, five partridge or francolin, eight woodcock, five pheasant, eight snipe (fassa), and 20 quail (cikla).
Posting photographs or footage of bloodied or dismembered game animals on social media or any public platform is banned, as is sharing images showing kills exceeding the legal daily limit. Police stated that checks will be conducted across all areas and that legal action will be taken against those who violate the regulations.
