Opening of wildlife hunting season announced for 2026

The Government of Dominica has approved a temporary lifting of the ban on wildlife hunting from October 1 to December 31, 2026, subject to the possession of a valid hunting licence.

The Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division of the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Upliftment announced, via press release, the temporary hunting season and outlined the conditions governing the activity.

The release said that during the three-month period, licensed hunters will be permitted to hunt crabs, including all members of the Gercarcinidae family, agouti and manicou (opossum) only.

The sale and possible limited export of wildlife or wildlife parts will be permitted from October 2, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Exportation will require a valid wildlife export permit.

The Division warned that after January 31, persons found selling or exporting wildlife, including wildlife parts, may be prosecuted and face a EC$5,000 fine for each offence.

The public is also reminded that hunting or fishing in freshwater streams without a valid licence is an offence under the Forestry & Wildlife Act. Persons who engage in hunting or fishing without the required documentation may be fined EC$2,500 per offence.

The hunting of all other animal species remains prohibited during the season. This includes all frogs, birds, snakes and iguanas.

Hunting licences and wildlife export permits will be available from October 1 at the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division office on the Windsor Park Link Road and at the Sub-Treasuries in Portsmouth and Marigot.

The permit-issuing schedule is as follows:

The Division is urging members of the public to support efforts aimed at managing and sustainably using Dominica’s wildlife and other natural resources.

For further information, the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division can be contacted at 266-5863 or 266-5852.