Hunting season opens with new wildlife laws

The hunting season for quails and other game birds has officially opened in Punjab from August 1 and will continue until April 15, 2025.

Authorities have cautioned hunters that stricter punishments will apply this year under the newly amended Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974.

So far, 132 FIRs have been registered against offenders since the start of the season.

The amended law, effective from 2025, makes illegal hunting and poaching cognisable and non-bailable offences. Violators now face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million and imprisonment of up to seven years.

According to the Punjab Wildlife Act, hunting is permitted only during notified seasons, within daily limits, and with a valid license.

Hunting inside national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and game reserves remains strictly prohibited. This year's schedule specifies that quail hunting is allowed from August 15 to April 15, with a daily limit of 50 birds.

For rain-fed quail species, the limit is six per day between August 1 and September 30. Migratory waterfowl, including ducks and geese, may only be hunted on weekends from October 1 to March 31, with a maximum of 10 birds per day.

Crane hunting is permitted from August 15 to April 15 with a limit of three, while chukar partridge and see-see partridge may be hunted between November 1 and March 1, with a daily bag of five each. Black and grey francolins can be hunted only on Sundays from November 15 to February 15, with a limit of six. Larger game such as blue bulls (nilgai) and urial may be hunted only with special permits.

Previously, poaching cases were considered bailable and prosecuted in ordinary courts. Under the new amendments, however, violations of Sections 9, 11, 12, 13, 20, and 28 of the Act now carry penalties of two to five years in prison and fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs1 million.

For serious crimes, offenders may face up to seven years' imprisonment and fines as high as Rs5 million. Weapons, vehicles, and other equipment used in illegal hunting will also be confiscated, and cases will be heard in special courts.

Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Kamran Bukhari said wildlife rangers have been empowered to register FIRs, which will be prosecuted by district public prosecutors. For now, since the rules are still under approval, FIRs are being lodged with police assistance.