In a number of regions across Ukraine, despite the state of martial law and the enormous impact of the war on biodiversity, hunting of game birds has been permitted for the 2026–2027 season. Following a four-year ban, the Khmelnytskyi region has also adopted this approach. However, right from the start of the season, environmental inspectors have been recording breaches by hunters.
This was reported by the Khmelnytskyi news agency "HM-INSIDE".
The hunting season in the region began on 22 August. The relevant order from the Khmelnytskyi Regional State Administration was signed on 30 July. Hunters must adhere to a number of restrictions and comply with specific conditions. In particular, they must notify the Regional State Administration of any pre-determined hunting locations within hunting grounds at least three days in advance.
However, there were violations right from the start. According to the State Environmental Inspectorate in the Khmelnytskyi region, as early as 22–23 August, environmental inspectors carried out raids to prevent poaching and immediately identified the offenders.
Although hunters are required to hold a specific set of permits, the men were hunting without a game bag record card. This constitutes an administrative offence, and so two reports were drawn up against the hunters under Part 1 of Article 85 of the Code of Administrative Offences. This relates to a breach of hunting regulations.
The penalties set out in the article are purely symbolic — a fine of between 102 and 1,020 UAH, or simply a warning.
"During the operations, inspectors also held preventative and educational discussions with hunters regarding compliance with hunting regulations and the conservation of wildlife," the environmental inspectorate reported.
Rules for the culling of birds
In general, in 2026, hunting of game birds will be permitted in the Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, Zakarpattia and Khmelnytskyi regions. This was announced by the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Anglers.
Hunting is permitted only in accordance with the law, and subject to the requirements of the users of the hunting grounds and the regional military administrations.
Hunting seasons for specific bird species have also been set. Thus, quail may be hunted from August to November, pheasants and partridges from October to December, geese from August to January, and ducks, teals, waders and pigeons from August to December.
Experts, campaigners and the general public are actively calling for a total ban on hunting in Ukraine. This is due both to the impact of military operations and to the loss of animals’ natural habitats as a result of human activity.
At the same time, a number of MPs, on the contrary, want to turn hunting into a profitable form of tourism. They set out their vision in draft law No. 15431. It has sparked public outrage, as it is, in fact, even more cruel than the previous regulations. In particular, the draft bill permits hunting during the closed season and at night, and introduces the concept of ‘harmful’ animals, which may be hunted without restriction.
