Saudi Arabia Announces Hunting Season Start Date

The National Center for Wildlife has announced that the hunting season in Saudi Arabia will commence on September 1, 2024, and end on January 31, 2025.

 The center said this decision follows a comprehensive review of hunting practices, with a focus on ensuring sustainable resource utilization while preserving biodiversity and environmental balance. The center has collaborated with hunting experts and conducted extensive research, drawing insights from international best practices and past hunting seasons.

 The hunting season will be restricted to specific species permitted for hunting, which will be clearly detailed on the center's website and the Fitri platform. Individuals seeking to participate in hunting must possess a hunting rifle licensed by relevant authorities and obtain a hunting permit through the Fitri platform.

 The center has emphasized that hunting endangered wildlife is strictly prohibited. Additionally, hunting of any kind is not allowed in areas designated as off-limits, including urban areas, villages, farms, rest houses, population centers, near military, industrial, and vital facilities, within reserves and major projects, and along coastal areas up to 20 kilometers inland.

 The center has outlined permissible hunting methods to ensure responsible hunting practices. Any means that can lead to the capture of multiple birds, such as shotguns, hunting nets, or unauthorized techniques like attraction and calling devices, is strictly prohibited.

 The center strongly emphasizes compliance with the environmental law and its executive regulations for hunting wildlife. Any violations will result in penalties as outlined by the law. The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife and other relevant agencies, will apprehend violators and refer them to the concerned authorities for legal action.