Nicosia, Cyprus. The Game Fund in Cyprus says complaints about hunting in restricted areas continue even as the number of hunters declines, attributing the trend to shrinking areas where shooting game is permitted.
Hunter numbers and licensing figures
Official figures show about 30,000 legal hunters are active on hunting days. During the last hunting year, there were 37,817 valid hunting licences, and 4.4 per cent of licence holders said they did not go hunting despite renewing their annual licence.
Complaints during hunting seasons
Head of the Game Fund Pantelis Hadjiyerou told the Cyprus Mail that complaints were received every Wednesday and Sunday during the three hunting seasons, which start at the end of August and last until the end of February of the following year.
Staffing and patrol capacity
The Game Fund has fewer than 250 employees across Cyprus working shifts to provide 24-hour coverage year-round. Hadjiyerou said that at any given time there are three to six patrols in each district, adding that it is impossible to track all hunters, legal or not, with current staffing levels. The Game Fund said it cannot respond to all complaints.
Role of the Game Fund and guidance on community relations
The fund’s role includes protecting wildlife, assisting in firefighting and regulating hunting. Hadjiyerou said increased staffing would improve oversight but that it is not possible for every hunter to have constant supervision. He also cautioned against excessive complaints and urged hunters to avoid conflict with local residents, saying hunting is a tradition and that, statistically, there are no injuries of people. He said hunters should not shoot near homes and noted that gunshots and dogs can be disturbing, calling for mutual respect and tolerance.
How do you think authorities and local communities should address complaints about hunting near residential areas?