Qatar’s migratory bird hunting season officially began on September 1 and will run through February 15, 2027, providing local hunters and falconers an opportunity to engage in a long-standing cultural tradition under regulated conditions designed to protect wildlife. The season, established by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), applies specifically to migratory species and excludes resident birds, aiming to balance heritage preservation with environmental conservation.
Several Qatari hunters and falconers have expressed support for the regulated season, emphasizing the importance of responsible practices. They encourage adherence to the ministry’s list of 10 authorized species, compliance with designated hunting areas, and avoidance of excessive harvesting. Hunters also called for increased field monitoring to prevent the accidental hunting of protected or resident species and stressed caution around populated and prohibited zones to safeguard both wildlife and public safety.
Abdulhadi al-Breidi, a local falconer, welcomed the formal hunting season as a long-anticipated measure. He noted that the houbara bustard—a key target species—is protected during its breeding period, and ministry rules require its hunting exclusively with trained falcons. Al-Breidi highlighted the extensive effort invested in training falcons and supported restrictions intended to maintain sustainable populations of important species. He described falconry as encompassing more than the catch itself, incorporating desert camping, early morning excursions, and traditional hospitality rituals.
Al-Breidi also pointed out that before the introduction of Qatar’s hunting season, many falconers traveled abroad to countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan to practise their sport. His own technique involves releasing falcons from vehicles to pursue birds like the houbara or curlew, with GPS devices used to track the falcons' positions and confirm successful captures.
Khaled al-Abbasi underscored the ecological concerns tied to migratory bird populations, noting that while significant numbers visit the Gulf annually, fewer return due to hunting pressures. He urged hunters to focus on the ministry-approved species and to avoid overhunting, cautioning that some may lack the expertise to distinguish between legal targets, rare, or protected birds. Al-Abbasi indicated that falconry might inherently limit overhunting, given that falcons typically catch one bird per outing and hunt only once a day.
For enthusiasts like al-Abbasi, the appeal of hunting lies as much in the experience of outdoor life—such as preparing meals, spending nights in the desert, and early morning departures—as in the actual capture of birds.
Other voices in the hunting community have echoed support for the MoECC’s initiative. Abdullah al-Quraisi pointed out that targeting migratory rather than resident birds minimizes impact on the local ecosystem, as these species are seasonal visitors with robust numbers. Similarly, Abdulrahman al-Mutawa welcomed the timing and focus of the season, noting that many migratory birds arrive as temperatures drop in Europe and later return northward, reinforcing the region’s role as a seasonal habitat.
Al-Mutawa added that historically, migratory bird hunting served as both a food source and a livelihood, with various hunting styles linked to cultural identity. As the season unfolds, Qatari hunters emphasize that protecting wildlife populations through strict adherence to regulations is essential to ensuring the longevity of their tradition alongside the conservation of the region’s migratory avian species.