Hunting in North Cyprus: Tradition, Regulations, and What You Need to Know

Hunting in North Cyprus: Tradition, Regulations, and What You Need to Know

🏹Hunting in North Cyprus

Hunting has long been part of the cultural fabric of North Cyprus. With its rolling hills, pine forests, and Mediterranean scrubland, the island offers an ideal habitat for game species. For many locals, hunting is not only a pastime but also a tradition passed down through generations. However, it is strictly regulated, and visitors should understand the laws and customs before considering participation.

📆The Hunting Season

Hunting in North Cyprus is only permitted during the official season, which usually runs from November to January, though there are shorter spring hunting periods for certain species. The specific dates change each year and are published by the local authorities. Hunting outside of these dates is illegal and strictly enforced.

🐦Game Species

The most commonly hunted species in North Cyprus include:

• Partridge (Chukar) – The most traditional and popular quarry.

• Wood Pigeon – Common across the island’s agricultural and forested areas.

• Rabbit – Once abundant, now regulated due to population concerns.

• Songbirds – Though illegal, the trapping of migratory songbirds (for dishes like ambelopoulia) is still a controversial issue in Cyprus, and authorities actively work to curb it.

🪪Licenses and Regulations

Anyone wishing to hunt in North Cyprus must obtain a hunting license issued by the authorities. This involves:

• Proof of gun ownership and registration.

• Payment of license fees.

• Adherence to bag limits and restricted hunting zones.

Hunters are also required to wear high-visibility clothing, usually orange, for safety reasons. There are designated hunting areas, while other zones—such as nature reserves, national parks, and villages—are completely off-limits.

♻️Conservation Efforts

The government and local hunting federations emphasize the importance of conservation. Overhunting and illegal practices have previously threatened wildlife populations, particularly partridge and hare. Today, stricter enforcement and designated hunting-free zones are helping restore balance.

👎Controversies and Challenges

Hunting in North Cyprus is not without controversy. Conservation groups often raise concerns about poaching, songbird trapping, and the environmental impact of hunting. Education and awareness campaigns aim to promote responsible hunting and discourage illegal activities that harm biodiversity.

🧳Visiting Hunters

Foreigners may participate in hunting in North Cyprus but must go through the proper legal channels. This usually requires:

• A valid hunting license issued locally.

• Registration of firearms at the point of entry.

• Hunting with a local guide or federation member who understands the rules.

⚖️The Game and Wild Bird Law.

Covers Hunting Season, Hunting Animals, Hunting Regions and Hunting Days. North Cyprus has its own Hunting Federation who oversee and govern hunters and the issuing of licences.  They're also involved in breeding programmes to replenish stock and conduct patrols, to ensure hunters are compliant with the laws. Over recent years environmental groups, biologist groups and the public, have voiced concerns about decimation of wildlife, the rise in the number of illegal hunters being caught and the use of illegal hunting methods to trap song birds.  Hunting will always be a sensitive issue, but other detrimental effects on the natural habitat are also to blame for decreases in bird population, such as major road building projects and prolific property development. In addition to permanent game protection zones and no hunting zones, it's forbidden to  hunt, kill, catch or chase any game or wild birds in the following areas:

·         500 metres or closer to dams and ponds

·         300 metres or closer to picnic areas

·         300 metres or closer to Eleousa Monastery

·         200 metres or closer to residential areas

·         200 metres or closer to the Tashkent Nature Park

·         200 metres or closer to the Central Prison buildings

·         200 metres or closer to Haspolat Treatment Plants

·         200 metres or closer of all shooting ranges

·         200 metres or closer to the new Ercan Airport runway construction

·         200 metres or closer to universities

·         200 metres or closer to formalized corral areas

·         200 metres or closer to Muratağa, Atlılar and Sandallar martyrdoms and massacre pits

·         100 metres or closer to the Animal Waste Storage Area

·         The TRNC Flag drawn on the rocks over the Tashkent village

·         200 metres or closer to the adjacent meteorological station

🌸Final Thoughts

Hunting in North Cyprus is a deeply rooted tradition, enjoyed by many but also carefully monitored to protect the island’s unique wildlife. For those interested, it offers a glimpse into local culture, but it should always be approached responsibly, legally, and with respect for nature.