Hunters ‘disappointed’ by lack of huntable animals this year

Hunters have expressed their “disappointment” over a lack of huntable animals present in Cyprus on the first Sunday of the hunting season, Paphos district hunting federation chairman Giorgos Theodosiou said on Sunday.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, he said, “hunters’ work has become quite difficult due to the heavy rain we saw on Saturday, and which is continuing today in some areas of Paphos.

“The first Sunday is always difficult, but this year it became even more difficult for hunters and dogs because of the rain.”

He added that while the number of partridges is expected to be at around usual levels, there has been a decline in the number of pheasants and hares, and that as such, hunters are expected to turn in early on Sunday because “their disappointment is great”.

Other hunters reportedly said their first foray of the season was “not satisfactory” and that the number of animals was “poor”.

The hunting of hare, partridges, and pheasants will be allowed every Sunday and Wednesday from this Sunday until December 22, as well as on December 27 and December 29.

Hunters must have a valid hunting licence on their person at all times, and those who hunt with dogs must ensure that their licence is valid for this purpose.