KP Sets Duck Hunting Days and Rules for 2026

PESHAWAR: To regulate duck and other waterfowl hunting, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allowed hunting until December 31, 2026. However, only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

According to a notification, hunters will need a Small Game Shooting Licence, for which the annual fee has been fixed at Rs5,000. Special permits will only be issued to people who hold a valid shooting licence. A maximum of five ducks can be hunted per gun in a day. Hunting before sunrise and after sunset has been banned, while the use of electronic devices for duck hunting is also prohibited.

The notification states that 53 wetlands across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been declared prohibited areas for waterfowl hunting. These include Warsak, Mohmand and other dams, along with several areas in Chitral, Swat, Kohistan and southern districts.

Wildlife officials will monitor waterfowl populations during the hunting season. Hunting will be stopped if officials find that the bird population is being adversely affected. Strict action will be taken against those found hunting in prohibited wetlands. Hunters will also be required to follow the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Act and other applicable rules.

Duck hunting is a seasonal activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where wetlands and water bodies attract a large number of migratory birds during the winter months. The provincial wildlife authorities regulate hunting through specific  seasons, licences and restrictions to protect bird populations and conserve natural habitats.

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