Hunting in Cyprus from November 1st. What is worth knowing before your trip?

Hare, partridge, and francolin hunting in Cyprus will begin on Sunday, November 1st. The season will run until December 27th, with Wednesdays and Sundays being the permitted days. This is also important information for walkers, cyclists, and those taking their dogs out into the countryside.

Before your trip, it's worth checking a current hunting map. Hunting is not permitted anywhere on the island, and the mere presence of a trail or dirt road doesn't mean there won't be hunters in the area.

The first outing of the new season is expected to attract approximately 36–37 thousand hunters. Rural areas may therefore see more cars, hunting dogs, and people with guns.

This calendar applies to areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. It does not include the rules in force in the occupied north.

Hunting in Cyprus on Wednesdays and Sundays

The hunting season for the three species mentioned includes: 17 daysThe first will be Sunday, November 1, and the last will be Sunday, December 27. Hunting will be permitted from sunrise to sunset in designated areas.

This isn't a universal calendar for all hunts. Individual species and hunting seasons have their own rules, so don't automatically assume there won't be any hunters in the field outside of the designated days.

The start of the season doesn't mean all trails are closed, but it's still something worth considering when planning your fall getaway.

Check the map before you go

Maps for the season 2026–2027 are available on the website of the Hunting and Fauna Service and in the application Artemis CY. They show areas permitted for hunting and areas subject to prohibition.

This season, printed maps for distribution to hunters are not available. Therefore, please check the electronic version before heading out.

The map is also useful for non-hunters. It's worth comparing your planned route against it, rather than relying solely on the road's popularity with hikers.

If the markings are illegible or the course of the area boundary is unclear, it is best to clarify this with the service before starting the trip.

Walking, cycling and dog during the season

For a trip out of town, it's best to choose clothing in a bold, easily noticeable color. It's also a good idea to stick to the marked route and pay attention to your surroundings.

The dog should remain close to its owner and under their control. Hunting dogs may be present in the area, so it's especially important to avoid situations where the animal wanders off into the undergrowth.

When encountering a hunt, don't approach to investigate the source of the shots. It's wiser to remain in a visible location, engage with the participants from a safe distance, and choose a route away from the activity.

These are precautionary recommendations, not information about a ban on walking in rural areas.

Hunters' inspections and duties

Authorities have announced checks to ensure compliance with regulations. Hunters must have the required permits, adhere to hunting grounds, and adhere to safety regulations.

It is also mandatory to register hunted game in the application. Artemis CYPersons using hunting dogs must ensure that the required animal identification numbers are included on the license.

The hunting federation reminds us to respect private land, crops and other people using rural areas.

Hunting in Cyprus and Fire Safety

The autumn date doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful with fire. Don't light it in unauthorized areas or throw away cigarette butts or burning matches.

Before your trip, it's a good idea to write down the route name, starting point, and car location. This will make it easier to report your location to the emergency services in the event of an incident.

When planning a Sunday walk, it's worth checking not only the weather and route length, but also the current hunting map. This will allow you to better assess where hunting may take place on a given day.