KARACHI: The Sindh Forest and Wildlife Department has officially announced the commencement of the 2025–26 hunting season across the province. According to a notification issued by the department, hunting of game birds will be permitted from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026. The permission applies only to specific bird species and designated days to ensure protection during their breeding period.

The notification specifies that common game birds such as partridges, houbara bustards, sandgrouse, and various waterfowl may be hunted only on designated days. Hunting of common quails will be allowed from August 15, 2026, to October 15, 2026, while net hunting of quails remains strictly prohibited.

The department has made it clear that only individuals who have obtained a valid hunting permit from the Sindh Wildlife Department will be allowed to hunt.
Applicants must pay the prescribed fee under the relevant rules. Hunters are required to carry the permit at all times and produce it on demand before any wildlife officer, police official, or magistrate.

Under the new regulations, partridge hunting will be permitted only on Sundays, with a limit of 10 birds per hunter, while waterfowl may be hunted on Saturdays and Sundays with a maximum limit of 15 birds per hunter.

The department has also released a detailed list of open and closed areas across Sindh. Hunting is allowed only in designated open zones, while it remains completely prohibited in protected or restricted regions.
These include Kirthar National Park, all wildlife sanctuaries, Nara Game Reserve, Nara Desert, cantonment areas, PAF bases, villages, towns, and urban centers.

According to sources, representatives of the Karachi Hunters Rights Association (K.H.R.A.) recently met with the Conservator of Wildlife (Game) and highlighted the difficulties faced by Karachi-based hunters who previously had to travel long distances to hunt, incurring significant travel expenses.
Taking their concerns into account, the department decided to open hunting areas from Karachi up to Hyderabad for the current season to facilitate local hunters.
The move has been widely welcomed by the hunting community, who have described it as a positive and commendable step.

The Wildlife Department has warned that any violation of the regulations will result in legal action. Wildlife officials, forest staff, police, Rangers, and magistrates will supervise hunting areas to ensure full compliance with the law.

The department has further urged hunters to adhere strictly to the rules, engage only in responsible and limited hunting, and cooperate fully with officials on site to help protect the natural environment.