Guidelines Set For Bird, Wildlife Hunting Season

Doha, Qatar: The Ministerial Decision No. 26 of 2025, in connection with the regulation of the bird and wildlife hunting season, has been issued and is set to start annually from September 1 to February 15, for a period of two years from its implementation date, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has announced.

The decision, in question, determines the conditions and regulations that should be upheld in the hunting process as part of the ministry's commitment to protecting biodiversity and ensuring the nation's wildlife sustainability.

It stipulates that hunting the Houbara Bustard is permitted only with falcons, while the use or trade of non-traditional hunting tools is strictly prohibited, particularly electronic devices that emit sounds mimicking bird calls (calling devices), with a strict obligation not to disturb bird eggs or tamper with nests, and to avoid causing any harm to wild plants. Hunting is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.

Overall, the decision prohibits the sale, trade, or circulation of captured birds. It identifies areas that are considered off-limits for hunting, namely natural reserves, islands, artificial lakes, urban areas including cities and villages, public parks, as well as areas within 500 meters of public roads.

Hunting is also off-limits on private properties and farms unless explicit consent is obtained from the owners or those with legal rights over the land, MECC stressed.
The decision included a list of species permitted for hunting during the two-year period 2025-2026, which comprises Houbara Bustard, Common Curlew, Mallard Duck, Blue Rock Thrush, Singing Thrush (Al-Rukkhukh), Hoopoe (Safara), Collared Dove, Sand Plover (Madqi), Desert Plover (Hatibi), and European Plover (Mukhadram).

Article 3 of the decision prohibits hunting or possessing any local or resident wild animals, birds, or reptiles, as well as other migratory species (Al-Lafu), throughout the nation for the entire year, for two years from the date of the decision's enforcement.

These species include Cape Hare, Arabian Ostrich, Gazelles, Honey Badger (Ratel), Jerboa, Hedgehog, Shrike, Crested Lark, European Roller, Spur-winged Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, Sandfish, and Monitor Lizard.

In addition, MECC stressed that any potential breach of the decision's provisions will expose violators to the penalties outlined in Law No. 4 of 2002 on environment protection.

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