KARACHI: Sindh Wildlife Department has lifted four-month ban on hunting, allowing hunting season to commence from November 3 and continue until February 28, 2025.

Under new regulations, hunting can only occur on Saturdays and Sundays using approved shotguns, while adhering to designated hunting zones.

Wildlife Department issued formal notification allowing start of non-breeding season hunting (when nesting and young birds are not present) with permission of relevant authorities. Hunting season will officially begin on November 3, 2024 and end at sunset on February 28, 2025. During this period, hunters must comply with established regulations regarding approved shotguns.

Notification specifies prohibited hunting areas, which include Kirthar National Park, all wildlife sanctuaries and cantonment areas.

To ensure adherence to hunting laws, wildlife emergency will be implemented during hunting season. Department personnel are mandated to patrol their areas and can collaborate with police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies to enforce regulations.

Chief Conservator of Sindh Wildlife Javed Mehr indicated that for transparency and to prevent any violations, law enforcement agencies, magistrates and local councils including union councils, town committees, district councils and municipal corporations have been granted authority to check permits and bag limits.

According to notification, obtaining permit is mandatory for hunting, allowing hunters to take specified number of game birds-10 partridges and 15 ducks per license.

Deputy Conservator of Sindh Wildlife Mumtaz Soomro, mentioned that both local residents and foreign guests can obtain hunting permits by paying fee of $ 100.

Soomro noted that Wildlife Department staff, including field officers, inspectors and watchers, will conduct regular patrols to enforce regulations.

Pakistan is among countries that adhere to international standards for hunting regulations.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 01 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.