Jazan’s Falcon Hunting Season: A Living Legacy of Saudi Heritage

With the arrival of winter each year, the mountainous and coastal regions of Jazan mark the beginning of the falcon hunting season, a time-honored tradition deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric and a key part of the Kingdom’s desert heritage and identity.

 Falconers begin preparing for the season in late autumn, coinciding with the start of the annual falcon migration from Central Asia to warmer climates. Running from September through January, the season turns Jazan’s mountains and coastline into vital stopovers along the migratory paths. The hunting experience blends tradition, skill, and friendly competition, grounded in a deep understanding of the terrain and the birds' flight routes.

 To ensure sustainability and preserve wildlife, the Saudi Falcons Club, in coordination with environmental authorities, has established clear regulations for falcon hunting. These include mandatory registration for falconers, bans on harmful hunting practices, protection of endangered species, and awareness campaigns aimed at preserving biodiversity.

 In Jazan, hunting techniques range from traditional to modern, with one of the most well-known methods being netting the dove, where a small net is attached to a pigeon to attract and safely capture a falcon.

 Once captured, falcons are trained and cared for by their handlers, often making their way to Saudi Falcons Club auctions. These events attract participants from across the Kingdom and the Gulf, where some falcons are sold for as much as SAR150,000, highlighting the growing economic value of this living heritage.

 In Jazan, the falcon hunting season serves as a cultural hallmark, symbolizing the community’s enduring connection to its natural environment and historical roots. It represents a blend of skill, tradition, and identity preserved across generations.