Punjab announces waterfowl hunting season from October 1
Hunting prohibited in protected areas
The government has made it clear that hunting will remain prohibited in protected areas across Punjab.
The Wildlife Department already lists wildlife sanctuaries as areas where hunting, shooting, and capturing wild animals and birds are strictly prohibited. This means hunters cannot use the opening of the general waterfowl season as permission to hunt in protected locations.
The department also identifies open wetlands without protected status as areas where waterfowl hunting or shooting may be allowed under the applicable notifications and conditions. Hunters are therefore required to know the status of the area before carrying out any hunting activity.
Limits placed on number of birds
The notification also places restrictions on the number of birds that can be hunted. Hunters must follow the limits specified in Schedule I of the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974, as amended in 2025.
These limits are intended to control the number of birds taken during the hunting season and support the conservation of migratory waterfowl.
Hunters cannot exceed the permitted number simply because the season is open. The Wildlife Department has warned that hunting beyond the prescribed limits would be considered an offence under the law.
Violations can lead to punishment
Anyone found violating the prescribed hunting limits could face legal action. According to the notification, violations may result in a fine, imprisonment or both, depending on the nature of the offence and applicable legal provisions.
The warning places additional responsibility on hunters to follow the conditions attached to their permits.
The government has also said that other restrictions contained in the relevant wildlife laws will continue to apply throughout the hunting season. Instructions issued by the authorities from time to time will also remain applicable.
Hunting from moving vehicles banned
Another important restriction concerns the use of vehicles during hunting.
The notification prohibits hunting from a moving or occupied vehicle. This restriction means hunters cannot use a vehicle as a platform while carrying out hunting activities.
The rule is part of the wider set of conditions designed to regulate hunting practices and ensure compliance with wildlife laws. Hunters are expected to follow all permit conditions and instructions issued by the Wildlife Department.
Weekend-only hunting during the six-month season
The new schedule limits hunting to Saturdays and Sundays. The season will begin on October 1, 2026, and continue until March 31, 2027.
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This provides a defined period during which migratory waterfowl hunting can take place under the notified conditions.
The weekend-only arrangement also creates a clear schedule for hunters and enforcement authorities. During the remaining days of the week, hunting under this seasonal permission will not be allowed.
Wildlife protection remains a key concern
Migratory birds travel across different regions during seasonal movements and depend on wetlands and other suitable habitats. Punjab has several wetlands and other areas that attract migratory waterfowl.
The Wildlife Department maintains information on hunting fields, game reserves, and protected areas across the province. Game reserves are areas where hunting and shooting may be permitted under specific conditions, while protected areas have stronger restrictions.
The distinction between these areas is important because a valid hunting permit does not automatically allow hunting everywhere. Hunters must comply with the rules applying to the specific location where they intend to hunt.
What hunters need to know
The upcoming season comes with several important conditions that hunters will need to follow.
First, hunting is limited to Saturdays and Sundays.
Second, hunters must have a valid shooting permit.
Third, the prescribed limits on the number of birds must be followed.
Fourth, protected areas remain off-limits for hunting.
Finally, hunting from a moving or occupied vehicle is prohibited.
Failure to follow these conditions can lead to legal consequences.
The Wildlife Department has also advised hunters to remain aware of any additional instructions issued during the season.
