Hunting Regulations in Northern Cyprus

Hunting is incredibly popular in Northern Cyprus, but it is subject to specific regulations. Here’s a rundown of the essential details.

• Hunting License in Northern Cyprus
• Hunting Seasons in Northern Cyprus
• Hunting Safety Rules in Northern Cyprus
• Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting in Northern Cyprus

Hunting License in Northern Cyprus

Hunting licenses are issued by the Ministry of the Interior and can only be obtained in the capital, Nicosia.

Licenses are available to local residents, and if you hold a residence permit, you can also apply for a temporary license.

Authorities closely monitor both the possession of hunting licenses and adherence to designated hunting days.

Documents Required for Foreigners to Obtain a Hunting License:

• Identification card
• Residence permit (ikamet)
• Two passport-sized photos
• Criminal record certificate
• Medical certificate from a state hospital confirming no disability for hunting license eligibility

Hunting Seasons in Northern Cyprus

Hunting is allowed in several seasons, but not in summer. Before each season, specific days are determined when hunting is permitted. Mostly these are Sundays, sometimes during the main season hunting is also allowed on Wednesdays.

Thin Hunting

From the end of August or beginning of September until October begins the so-called "thin hunting." During this period, hunting is allowed only for 10 bird species listed in the hunting rules.

In 2024, this season started on September 1. In September, four hunting days are allocated — the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd, that is every Sunday except the last one.

Main Hunting

This is the main hunting season in Northern Cyprus, lasting from late October or early November until the end of December or early January. During this period, hunting with dogs is allowed for quails, ducks, geese, pheasants, and rabbits.

In 2024, this season starts on November 3 and ends on January 5. Besides Sundays, Wednesdays are also allowed for hunting. In total, hunting is permitted for 12 days: November 3, 10, 17, 24; December 1, 8, 15, 22, 25, 29 (2024); and January 1 and 5 (2025).

Spring Hunting

This season lasts from early February until the end of March. Hunting is allowed for migratory birds, pheasants, thrushes, and similar birds.

Also, from the end of April until the end of May, hunting woodpeckers twice a week is permitted.

Safety Rules for Hunting in Northern Cyprus

• Hunting is permitted from dawn until dusk; shooting at night is prohibited.
• Weapons are allowed to be transported only in the trunk of a car.
• It is forbidden to approach residential houses closer than 200 meters.
• It is forbidden to approach barbecue zones closer than 300 meters.
• Bringing more than two dogs for hunting is prohibited.
• Setting nets, traps, and other bait is forbidden.
• You should wear brightly colored clothing to be visible to other hunters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hunting in Northern Cyprus

What dog breeds are used for hunting in Northern Cyprus?

The main breeds are the English Setter, English Pointer, and German Kurzhaar (short-haired pointer). Often, local mixed breeds are used, believed to have lived on the island since the Venetian presence.

Can I come to Northern Cyprus with my own gun?

You can bring your hunting or sporting weapon into Northern Cyprus. However, automatic or semi-automatic weapons are prohibited.

How to bring your weapon into Northern Cyprus?

To bring your weapon, you must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Nicosia in advance to obtain import permission and request customs clearance of the weapon.

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