The Cuban Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled new rules governing the 2026-2027 hunting season, specifying which species can be hunted, the designated hunting areas, and the restrictions hunters must adhere to across the nation.
These regulations are outlined in Resolution 166/2026, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and published on Wednesday in the Republic of Cuba's Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 93 of 2026.
The document establishes the hunting season from September 5, 2026, to March 28, 2027, meaning the season was already underway when the resolution was released.
Signed by Minister of Agriculture Ydael Jesús Pérez Brito on August 31, the regulation aims to manage the use of wild fauna and safeguard species whose hunting is banned.
Key Species Exclusions
Among the main measures is the removal of two dove species from the huntable list: the white-crowned pigeon (Patagioena leucocephala) and the scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioena squamosa).
The white-crowned pigeon is listed in the Red Book of Vertebrates of Cuba, necessitating its protection through legal prohibition. The scaly-naped pigeon, meanwhile, is classified as a species of special significance, requiring a specific environmental license for hunting.
General Regulations and Penalties
According to the resolution, any species not listed as authorized is off-limits for hunting. Capturing these animals is deemed illegal and subject to penalties under current legislation.
Annex I of the regulation lists authorized game species and the maximum quantities allowed per session and hunter, while Annex II identifies approved hunting areas and reserves for the season.
Conditions for Hunters
These provisions apply to Cuban hunters, foreign residents in Cuba, and, under certain conditions, international hunters.
Members of the Cuban Federation of Sport Hunting, whether local or foreign residents, may only hunt on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, within authorized areas and with permits issued by the State Forestry Service.
Hunting is permitted from sunrise to sunset, and hunters must target authorized species in their natural movement, such as birds in flight or mammals in designated hunting zones. It is strictly prohibited to shoot from moving land or water vehicles.
Prohibited Methods and Equipment
Hunters must use dogs to retrieve game and follow identification rules. Birds must retain the head and a wing with feathers, while mammals should be transported eviscerated.
The Ministry bans the use of snares, sticks, hooks, nets, traps, explosives, poisons, and bait, as well as other methods not involving authorized weapons. The use of live birds as lures, including blinded or mutilated ones, tape recorders, artificial lighting sources, dazzling objects, or devices to illuminate targets is also prohibited.
Permits and Special Authorizations
Captured animals may be consumed by the hunter but not sold commercially. Individual permits are valid only for the specified season and can be used in any authorized hunting area nationwide until new regulations are established.
The State Forestry Service will issue permits, with the Cuban Federation of Sport Hunting involved in distribution and oversight of activities.
The resolution also allows for exceptional authorizations for capturing certain species not listed in the hunting calendar, provided legal and environmental conditions are met. For species of special significance, an environmental license from the Office of Environmental Regulation and Safety is required.
International sport hunting activities are not planned for the 2026-2027 season but can be authorized through special permits from the State Forestry Service. Interested entities must submit requests at least 15 business days in advance, demonstrating security, organization, and area availability.
The new regulations replace those from the previous season, established by Resolution 282/2025, which covered the hunting calendar from September 2025 to March 2026.
FAQs on Cuba's 2026-2027 Hunting Regulations
What are the dates for the 2026-2027 hunting season in Cuba?
The hunting season in Cuba for 2026-2027 is set from September 5, 2026, to March 28, 2027.
Which species are excluded from the hunting season?
The white-crowned pigeon and scaly-naped pigeon are excluded from the list of huntable species during the 2026-2027 season.
Can international hunters participate in Cuba's hunting activities?
International hunters may participate under certain conditions, though international sport hunting activities are not planned for the 2026-2027 season. Special permits may be issued by the State Forestry Service.
What methods and equipment are prohibited for hunting?
The use of snares, sticks, hooks, nets, traps, explosives, poisons, bait, and other unauthorized methods, including live birds as lures and artificial lighting, is prohibited.