With cautious optimism, but also with concern about the state of the Cypriot countryside, hunters are preparing tomorrow for the start of the summer hunting season.
The rains that occurred after January seem to have given a breath of fresh air to vegetation and habitats, creating better conditions for several species of wildlife. At the same time, however, the wounds left behind by the devastating fires of the summer of 2025 in the mountainous province of Limassol remain visible, with some areas still needing time to recover.
Until yesterday, about 15,000 hunting licenses had been renewed, with the Game Service estimating that the number will exceed 18,000 by tomorrow. Given that the first Sunday of the hunting season traditionally attracts a lot of interest, a similar number of hunters are expected to be found in the countryside. The representative of the Game and Fauna Service, Petros Anagiotos, told "F" that the picture is at about the same levels as in previous years.
In recent years, however, there has been a gradual decrease in the total number of hunters. Asked whether this is linked to the reduction of prey, Mr. Anagiotos noted that this is not a phenomenon that concerns only Cyprus, but a general decline observed internationally in rural activities.
The rains brought better indicationsAs far as this year's picture in the countryside is concerned, the rains that followed in January are perhaps the most positive element of the year. "We believe that the rains we had after January had a positive effect," said Petros Anagiotos, making special reference to partridge and frangolina.
More vegetation and available food seem to have helped these species, without of course the picture being the same throughout Cyprus. Regarding the pigeon, Mr. Anagiotos said that its presence remains at good levels. On the contrary, the picture is more difficult for the turtle dove and quail, as the reduction of their populations is not only observed in Cyprus, but more broadly in Europe.
There is also optimism in the ranks of organized hunters with the Secretary General of the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation, Spyros Spyrou noting that "every first hunting excursion there is an optimism", but adding that in recent years the situation of the countryside has caused greater concern.
As he mentioned, the real picture will be seen in the first excursions, since the presence of prey can vary significantly from region to region.
The pigeon keeps the interest high
The pigeon remains one of the species that attract the most interest in the summer season. Data from last year's harvest survey conducted by the Game and Fauna Service show that during the summer season about 18,922 hunters hunted, with an average of 2.8 excursions each. The average harvest reached 4.8 pigeons per hunter, increased by 12% compared to the previous year.
The plagues of 2025 and the changes in the maps
In mountainous Limassol, the large fires of 2025 left a strong imprint on the countryside. Burned areas and affected habitats also led to some changes in hunting maps. Petros Anagiotos said that there were some changes due to the burned areas, clarifying, however, that "in general, there are no significant changes".
Hunters are asked, however, to check the new maps before each excursion and not to take for granted that an area in which they hunted in previous years remains open.
In addition to the fires, the Hunting Federation sees other problems in the countryside, with its spokesman, Spyros Spyrou, referring to the abandonment of rural areas. "This picture affects wildlife as a whole," he told "F", adding that "these habitats have been degraded". At the same time, he also spoke of the increased presence of corvids, foxes and cats, which, according to the Federation, put even more pressure on smaller species.
Turtle dove and quail from September 2
In the first two excursions of the summer season, on August 23 and 30, turtle dove and quail hunting is not allowed. The hunt for both species begins on September 2, while for the turtle dove the season ends on September 20.
For the turtle dove, the limit has been set at six per hunter in each excursion and at 12 in total for the entire season, while the national harvest limit is 15,756. For quail, the limit is eight per hunter on each excursion, with the national limit reaching 66,120. If either of the two national limits is reached earlier, the hunting of the corresponding species will stop immediately.
The framework for the turtle dove on the first two excursions is particularly strict. Its predation on August 23 and 30 is prohibited and the out-of-court fine amounts to €2,000. The Game Service points out that these measures aim to protect local breeding populations and the recovery of the species.
At the same time, the hunting of the palm pigeon normally begins on August 23. For this reason, hunters are asked to be especially careful in identifying the prey, so that there are no wrong shots at turtle doves.
The recording of harvesting through the Artemis Cy application also remains mandatory. For turtle dove, quail and palm pigeon, each bird must be declared directly and separately. For the rest of the game, the recording must be done before the hunter boards a vehicle, either to move to another area or to complete his excursion. In exceptional cases where the application cannot be accessed, the declaration can also be made via SMS.
Safety above all
"No prey is worth more than a human life," Spyros Spyrou stressed, calling on hunters to keep their distance, avoid houses, premises and fenced areas and respect other people's property. On behalf of the Federation, he acknowledged that there is a portion of hunters who do not always follow either the legislation or the unwritten rules of the countryside. "Unfortunately there is a portion of hunters who do not follow the laws," said Mr. Spyrou, noting that such behaviours create problems with residents and landowners and ultimately affect the entire hunting community.
Great care is also needed due to the risk of fire. High temperatures and dry vegetation, combined with the presence of thousands of hunters in the countryside, increase the risk. The Department of Forests especially calls on smokers not to throw cigarette butts on the ground, while reminding that lighting fires in forest and rural areas is prohibited.
At the same time, it is reminded that the disposal of empty cartridges in the environment is also prohibited. Hunters are asked to collect and remove them before leaving the area, thus contributing to the protection of the countryside.
"Composure and patience" asks the hunters Petros Anagiotos in view of the first excursion.
More vegetation and available food seem to have helped these species, without of course the picture being the same throughout Cyprus. Regarding the pigeon, Mr. Anagiotos said that its presence remains at good levels. On the contrary, the picture is more difficult for the turtle dove and quail, as the reduction of their populations is not only observed in Cyprus, but more broadly in Europe.
There is also optimism in the ranks of organized hunters with the Secretary General of the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation, Spyros Spyrou noting that "every first hunting excursion there is an optimism", but adding that in recent years the situation of the countryside has caused greater concern.
As he mentioned, the real picture will be seen in the first excursions, since the presence of prey can vary significantly from region to region.
The pigeon keeps the interest high
The pigeon remains one of the species that attract the most interest in the summer season. Data from last year's harvest survey conducted by the Game and Fauna Service show that during the summer season about 18,922 hunters hunted, with an average of 2.8 excursions each. The average harvest reached 4.8 pigeons per hunter, increased by 12% compared to the previous year.
The plagues of 2025 and the changes in the maps
In mountainous Limassol, the large fires of 2025 left a strong imprint on the countryside. Burned areas and affected habitats also led to some changes in hunting maps. Petros Anagiotos said that there were some changes due to the burned areas, clarifying, however, that "in general, there are no significant changes".
Hunters are asked, however, to check the new maps before each excursion and not to take for granted that an area in which they hunted in previous years remains open.
In addition to the fires, the Hunting Federation sees other problems in the countryside, with its spokesman, Spyros Spyrou, referring to the abandonment of rural areas. "This picture affects wildlife as a whole," he told "F", adding that "these habitats have been degraded". At the same time, he also spoke of the increased presence of corvids, foxes and cats, which, according to the Federation, put even more pressure on smaller species.
Turtle dove and quail from September 2
In the first two excursions of the summer season, on August 23 and 30, turtle dove and quail hunting is not allowed. The hunt for both species begins on September 2, while for the turtle dove the season ends on September 20.
For the turtle dove, the limit has been set at six per hunter in each excursion and at 12 in total for the entire season, while the national harvest limit is 15,756. For quail, the limit is eight per hunter on each excursion, with the national limit reaching 66,120. If either of the two national limits is reached earlier, the hunting of the corresponding species will stop immediately.
The framework for the turtle dove on the first two excursions is particularly strict. Its predation on August 23 and 30 is prohibited and the out-of-court fine amounts to €2,000. The Game Service points out that these measures aim to protect local breeding populations and the recovery of the species.
At the same time, the hunting of the palm pigeon normally begins on August 23. For this reason, hunters are asked to be especially careful in identifying the prey, so that there are no wrong shots at turtle doves.
The recording of harvesting through the Artemis Cy application also remains mandatory. For turtle dove, quail and palm pigeon, each bird must be declared directly and separately. For the rest of the game, the recording must be done before the hunter boards a vehicle, either to move to another area or to complete his excursion. In exceptional cases where the application cannot be accessed, the declaration can also be made via SMS.
Safety above all
"No prey is worth more than a human life," Spyros Spyrou stressed, calling on hunters to keep their distance, avoid houses, premises and fenced areas and respect other people's property. On behalf of the Federation, he acknowledged that there is a portion of hunters who do not always follow either the legislation or the unwritten rules of the countryside. "Unfortunately there is a portion of hunters who do not follow the laws," said Mr. Spyrou, noting that such behaviours create problems with residents and landowners and ultimately affect the entire hunting community.
Great care is also needed due to the risk of fire. High temperatures and dry vegetation, combined with the presence of thousands of hunters in the countryside, increase the risk. The Department of Forests especially calls on smokers not to throw cigarette butts on the ground, while reminding that lighting fires in forest and rural areas is prohibited.
At the same time, it is reminded that the disposal of empty cartridges in the environment is also prohibited. Hunters are asked to collect and remove them before leaving the area, thus contributing to the protection of the countryside.
"Composure and patience" asks the hunters Petros Anagiotos in view of the first excursion.
