PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has announced the 2026-27 quail trapping season, allowing the regulated capture of common quail and rain quail across the province under a set of strict conditions aimed at balancing controlled hunting activity with wildlife conservation.
According to an office order issued by KP Chief Conservator Wildlife Dr. Mohsin Farooque under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2015, quail trapping will remain permitted until October 15, 2026.
The department has restricted trapping activities to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and made possession of a valid small game hunting licence mandatory.
Strict Quail Trapping Rules
Under the notified regulations, each licence holder will be allowed a maximum bag limit of 15 quails per day. Trapping or hunting outside the permitted days may result in legal action under the provincial wildlife law and relevant rules.
The department has also limited the trapping method to the traditional Bulara/Lawa technique. The use of electronic gadgets, including electronic calling devices, has been prohibited.
Shooting quails by any means is also banned under the notified framework.
The small game hunting licence fee has been fixed at Rs. 8,000, while an additional Rs. 300 possession licence fee will apply where required.
The Wildlife Department has directed its field staff to closely monitor quail populations and trapping activities throughout the season. Officials have also been authorized to suspend the trapping season if necessary to protect quail populations.
Trappers exceeding the prescribed bag limit will be liable to compensation and applicable charges for possession of protected or unprotected birds, whether alive, dead or in trophy form.
The notified compensation rates include:
- Protected quail: Rs. 3,000 per bird
- Unprotected quail: Rs. 500 per bird
- Protected quail trophy: Rs. 3,000
- Unprotected quail trophy: Rs. 500
Conservation Concerns
The announcement comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns over declining quail populations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In August 2024, the Wildlife Department temporarily stopped issuing quail-trapping licences and netting permits after field reports indicated an “enormous decline” in the province’s quail population.
The latest framework seeks to address conservation concerns through a limited trapping period, restricted days, daily bag limits, traditional trapping methods and closer field monitoring.
Wildlife officials have emphasized the importance of complying with the notified rules and avoiding practices that could place additional pressure on quail populations.
The KP Wildlife Department maintains an official portal containing wildlife laws, rules, notifications and related information for hunters, trappers and the general public.
The regulated season highlights the need to ensure that traditional wildlife activities remain within sustainable limits while protecting bird populations and maintaining the ecological balance of the province.
