**Paphos Hunters Report Poor Start to Wood Pigeon Season**
Paphos, Cyprus – The summer wood pigeon hunting season commenced on Sunday, attracting a significant number of hunters to the countryside at dawn. However, the initial outing yielded disappointing results, with many hunters reporting a scarcity of game and expressing concerns about the diminishing hunting grounds available to them.
Andreas Krotalias, a local hunter, voiced his frustrations regarding the increasing challenges faced by hunters each year. He noted that the competition for limited game has intensified due to a growing number of hunters and a reduction in accessible hunting areas. Krotalias highlighted the impact of prohibited hunting zones and regions where birds are protected year-round, which have further constrained the land available for hunting activities. He characterized the current situation as “tragic,” emphasizing the need for a reassessment of hunting regulations and zones.
Krotalias also raised questions about the appropriateness of proceeding with this year's summer hunting season, given the prevailing environmental conditions. He urged authorities to consider the overall ecological context when managing hunting areas and issuing permits, advocating for the preservation of sufficient hunting grounds for enthusiasts.
Another hunter, Andreas Papagapiou, echoed Krotalias's sentiments, reporting that he managed to shoot only one wood pigeon during the outing. He acknowledged the scarcity of game but emphasized that the appeal of hunting extends beyond the number of birds harvested. Papagapiou suggested that the limited availability of game could be attributed to the extensive areas designated as off-limits for hunting. He proposed that wood pigeon hunting should be allowed in more locations, including those currently open for hare and partridge hunting, to enhance opportunities for hunters.
“The birds need peace and quiet for you to be able to hunt them, not a crowd of people,” Papagapiou remarked, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to hunting regulations that considers both conservation and the interests of hunters.
Evros Michaelides, who traveled from Larnaca to participate in the hunt, also described the day’s results as meager. He called upon the game and fauna service to open additional areas for hunting, stating, “We want new areas.” Michaelides's comments reflect a broader sentiment among hunters who feel constrained by current regulations.
In a related note, the Cyprus hunting and wildlife conservation federation reminded hunters that the hunting of turtle doves and quail will not be permitted during the first two outings of the summer season, which includes the opening day on Sunday and another scheduled for August 30. Additionally, hunters are required to record their catches using the Artemis Cy mobile application, a mandate that applies to all game and all hunting seasons. Each bird hunted, particularly turtle doves, quail, and wood pigeons, must be documented separately and immediately.
As the summer hunting season unfolds, the concerns raised by Paphos hunters may prompt discussions about the future of hunting regulations in Cyprus, particularly in light of environmental considerations and the need for sustainable practices. The balance between conservation efforts and the interests of hunters will likely remain a topic of debate as the season progresses.