- Partridge hunting is allowed from November 15, 2026, to January 11, 2027
- Hunting is limited to game reserves officially opened by the government
- A valid shooting licence and a special permit are both mandatory
- Permits may be suspended if bird populations decline
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has opened the partridge hunting season in designated game reserves across the province. The permitted period runs from November 15, 2026, to January 11, 2027.
Hunting is allowed only in reserves that the provincial government has officially declared open for the season, according to the department's notification.
Four Species Permitted
The notification allows the hunting of four bird species during the season: the Chukar partridge, Black partridge, Grey partridge and See-See partridge.
Hunting is confined to the designated game reserves and may take place only under special permits issued by the Wildlife Department.
| Species |
|---|
| Chukar partridge |
| Black partridge |
| Grey partridge |
| See-See partridge |
Licence and Permit Rules
Only hunters who hold a valid shooting licence can obtain a special hunting permit, the department said. It made clear that anyone without both a valid licence and a special permit will not be allowed to hunt partridges.
Timeline
- August 31Earlier order on quail hunting issued, later amended
- November 15, 2026Partridge hunting season opens in designated game reserves
- January 11, 2027Partridge hunting season ends
Monitoring and Possible Suspension
The Wildlife Department will regularly monitor partridge populations in the game reserves to protect bird numbers and support conservation. If monitoring shows a decline or other concerns about the birds, the department may suspend the issuance of special hunting permits.
This means the availability of permits during the season will depend on the condition of the partridge population.
Earlier Quail Hunting Decision
The provincial government had earlier lifted its ban on quail hunting. The Chief Conservator of Wildlife allowed hunters to take both common quail and rain quail under revised rules, with a daily bag limit of eight quails per hunter across the province.
The new conditions were introduced through official order number 58, which amended an earlier order dated August 31. Quail hunting is permitted only for licensed individuals within designated areas and limits, and the Chief Conservator has directed wildlife personnel to enforce the rules strictly.
The Wildlife Department will keep monitoring partridge numbers in the game reserves and may suspend special permits if the population declines.
Questions and answers
When is partridge hunting allowed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
Hunting is permitted from November 15, 2026, to January 11, 2027, in designated game reserves officially opened by the government.
What do hunters need to hunt partridges?
Hunters need a valid shooting licence and a special hunting permit issued by the Wildlife Department. Hunting without both is not allowed.
Which partridge species can be hunted?
The Chukar partridge, Black partridge, Grey partridge and See-See partridge.
Image: מינוזיג – MinoZig / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
