Hunting season opens October 1

THE hunting season officially opens on October 1 and runs till February 28, with the sale of State Game Licences (SGL) beginning on September 22, at a cost of $100 per game species. Hunters will be limited to three licences each.

A release from the Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ministry urged hunters to become familiar with the Conservation of Wild Life Act chapter 67:01.

The act says SGL permits the hunting of the game species specified on hunters’ respective licence on state lands and forest reserves.

The act prohibits the hunting and possession of iguana during January, February and March, imposing a fine of $10,000. Hunting of Iguana ends on December 31. Hunting lizards is also prohibited within the municipal boundaries of Port of Spain.

Hunters have until March 31, to dispose of game animal carcasses from their property and or their possession. Game animal iguanas must be disposed of on or before midnight on December 31.

Holders of SGLs for the 2025-2026 season must complete and submit the mandatory data return forms on or before May 31. Failure to comply may result a fine of $2,500 per data form.

First-time hunters should present one form of valid ID and a utility bill not older than three months, with an authorisation letter if the bill is in another person’s name.

Permits can be obtained at the Forestry Division offices' Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development sales centres.