The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has announced the 2026 season for the live capture of cranes and introduced strict rules for hunters and camp operators.
Under the department’s notification, the season will run from September 1 to October 15. Authorities have set a province-wide limit of 100 camps across different districts, with each camp allowed to capture up to 15 cranes alive during the season.
The rules allow the capture of only Common Cranes and Demoiselle Cranes. Hunters cannot hunt or capture any other bird species. Authorities have also imposed a complete ban on crane hunting in specified areas, including the Kurram River and designated refuges in Lakki Marwat and Zarmilan.
Only residents of authorized districts can obtain permits. The department has also restricted crane capture to traditional methods and prohibited the use of electronic devices, firearms and nets.
Authorities will allow the movement of captured cranes between 6 a.m. and midnight, while transportation from midnight to 6 a.m. will remain prohibited. Camp operators must dismantle their camps and register all captured cranes when the season ends.
The department has set the camp permit fee at Rs. 15,000 and the annual ownership fee at Rs. 400 per bird. The rules also prohibit the commercial use of captured cranes. Violators will face license cancellation and a five-year blacklist. Authorities will also take action against camp leaders involved in illegal hunting.
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