Saudi Arabia’s hunting season begins Sept. 1

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife announced that the Kingdom’s hunting season will run from Sept. 1 until Jan. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

According to the SPA, the center also stated that the country’s hunting regulations have been updated, taking into account the sustainable use of natural resources, and the preservation of biodiversity and environmental balance. The center has reportedly “collaborated with experts in the field of hunting” and “conducted research into international best practices and past hunting seasons, taking into account the Kingdom’s international obligations,” in order to draw up the new rules.

The center stated that a list of species that can be hunted can be found on its website and the Fitri platform.

“Those wishing to hunt who have rifles licensed by the relevant authorities, or falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club, must obtain hunting permits through the Fitri platform.” the center explained.

The center also emphasized that it strictly prohibits the hunting of endangered wild animal species, adding that “hunting of any kind is not allowed in areas designated as off-limits, including urban areas, villages, farms, rest houses, population centers, near military, industrial, and vital facilities, within reserves and major projects, and along coastal areas up to 20 kilometers inland.”

The use of shotguns, hunting nets, or unauthorized techniques including attraction and calling devices, is strictly prohibited, the center’s statement added.

The Interior Ministry’s Special Forces for Environmental Security and other relevant security agencies, in coordination with the NCW, are responsible for arresting anyone who violates the hunting regulations and referring them to the relevant legal authorities.