The hunting season for game birds starts in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      April 10, 2026 16:24 Society Starting April 11, the season for amateur and sport hunting of game birds will open in the southern zone of the Nizhny Novgorod region. In the northern areas, hunting for capercaillies, black grouse, and woodcock will be allowed from April 18, the regional forestry ministry reported.

      Hunting is permitted in publicly accessible lands with a complete set of documents, including a valid hunting license, a permit for the storage and carrying of weapons, and a permit for the hunting of game resources. In the case of hunting on designated areas, a hunting ticket will also need to be obtained, the agency clarified.

      The ministry emphasized that strict restrictions on hunting methods are in place during spring to preserve bird populations. Thus, hunting for woodcock is allowed only during evening flights, for black grouse — exclusively from a hide during the lek, and for capercaillies — from an approach during the lek. The latter is the only species for which this method of hunting is permitted in spring.

      Hunting dates in the region are determined based on zoning into southern and northern territories. The duration of the season in each zone is ten days, which helps reduce the pressure on the lands and minimize the impact on the ecosystem during the breeding period of birds.

      According to the established dates, hunting for game birds and woodcock in the southern zone will take place from April 11 to 20, and in the northern zone from April 18 to 27. Hunting for waterfowl (geese and male ducks), except for hunting using live decoys, is allowed from April 18 to 27 in the southern zone and from April 25 to May 4 in the northern zone.

      The forestry ministry reminded that hunting without the necessary permits entails administrative responsibility, and illegal hunting may lead to both administrative and criminal penalties under Article 258 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as the obligation to compensate for the damage caused.

      Residents of the region who witness violations of hunting rules are asked to report them to the round-the-clock environmental dispatch service or to the inter-district hunting supervision departments.

      Earlier, the spring hunting season for feathered game began in the region. Hunting for bears has also opened.

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