KP Announces New Rules for Crane Capture Season

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has announced the 2026 season for live crane capture, implementing strict regulations for hunters and camp operators. The season will span from September 1 to October 15, with a province-wide cap of 100 camps in various districts. Each camp is permitted to capture up to 15 cranes during the season. Only Common Cranes and Demoiselle Cranes are eligible for capture; other bird species are off-limits.

Hunters are prohibited from capturing any bird species other than the designated crane types. Specific areas, including the Kurram River and certain refuges in Lakki Marwat and Zarmilan, are also under a complete ban on crane hunting. To obtain permits, hunters must be residents of designated districts. The department has restricted crane capture to traditional methods, disallowing the use of electronic devices, firearms, and nets.

Captured cranes may be moved between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight. Transportation outside of these hours is prohibited. Upon the season's conclusion, camp operators must dismantle their camps and register all captured cranes. Permit fees are set at Rs. 15,000, with an annual ownership fee of Rs. 400 per bird. Commercial use of captured cranes is strictly prohibited.

Violations will result in license cancellation and a five-year ban. Authorities will also take action against camp leaders involved in illegal hunting activities.