DOHA: The Wildlife Section at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has warned that people using illegal hunting equipment face hefty fines and even jail time.
The warning comes with the beginning of hunting season for birds that extends until May.
“Anyone caught using illegal hunting tools and equipment as well as violating the law on hunting will be fined not more than QR10,000 and be given an imprisonment of not more than one year. All equipment used in hunting such as car, guns and other tools will be confiscated,” Mubarak Ali Al Marri, head of Wildlife Section at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, told Al Rayyan Channel recently.
“Hunting at night, using all types of guns , webs, devices which attract birds and all other banned hunting equipment are against the law,” Al Marri said.
Houbara and Al Karaween are among the birds allowed to be hunted while Al Adraj is the species that should not be hunted, he pointed out.
The rabbit hunting season, the official said, will run for 45 days starting from November 1 and ending on December 15.
Asked on how the period for the hunting season had been determined, he said it came after studies which showed the right time for hunting. The ministry is set to beef up its patrolling capacity by increasing the number of inspectors especially as the hunting season coincides with the winter camping season, he said. He also urged people to be vigilant and report violators.
There had been some people who are critical of the law on hunting and penalties, he said, adding “Our aim is to maintain balance in the environment.”
