Punjab sets October 1 start for migratory bird hunting season

The Punjab government has announced the 2026-27 hunting season for migratory waterfowl, allowing licensed hunting from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Under a notification issued by the authorities, hunting will only be permitted on Saturdays and Sundays, and hunters must have a valid shooting permit. Hunting of any kind will remain completely banned in protected areas across the province. The notification said hunters must strictly follow the bird quotas set out in Schedule I of the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974, as amended in 2025. The Wildlife Department warned that exceeding the prescribed limit would be considered a violation of the law and could lead to a fine, imprisonment, or both. Malakand protesters announce second phase of anti-tax campaign Hunters will also have to comply with other restrictions under the relevant wildlife laws, as well as any additional directions issued by the authorities from time to time. The government has further prohibited hunting from a moving vehicle or from an occupied vehicle during the season.