Cyprus Mail - article by Evie Andreou 4 November 2018
The Game and Fauna Service urged hunters on Sunday, the first day of the new hunting season, to respect the law, unwritten codes, their colleagues and the property of other people and warned that offenders face steep fines.
Hunters, as of Sunday and up to the end of December will be able to hunt hares, black francolins and partridges. The quota for each hunter is one hare, one black francolin and four partridges. They are allowed to hunt on Wednesdays and Sundays.
This year, the Game and Fauna Service said, hare and partridge populations are slightly better than in 2017. The growth of the fox population, however, has had an inhibitory effect on further growth of the game population, it said.
It added that hunters ought to show the necessary hunting etiquette and not form large hunting groups that use a large number of dogs “so that the prey has an increased chance of escape.”
Hunters were also urged not to tolerate those poaching during the night time, those who exceed the quota “as well as those who do not understand the role of game-reserve areas.”
The Game and Fauna Service said that persons caught hunting without a permit or in a game-reserve area are subject to on the spot fines starting from €2,000. Penalties rise depending on the severity of offence, it said. Those found night poaching face a €25,000 fine.
Lighting fire in non-designated areas is forbidden, it said, adding that hunters ought to know before their outings in which areas hunting is allowed.
They must also carry on them their permits for hunting, firearm possession and for the hunting dogs they plan on taking with them.
It also said that those wishing to report offences may call the police or 1414.
