Hunting for hare, chukar partridge and black francolin which began on Sunday saw an estimated 40,000 lovers of the sport taking trips in designated areas all across Cyprus.
Hunting for these resident game species is allowed in designated areas on Wednesdays and Sundays only and up until the end of December.
The season’s first season expedition was described by many hunters as quite successful with a satisfactory number of chukar partridge but not so for hare, Philenews reported on Monday.
Game and Fauna Department spokesman Petros Anayiotos also said that five hunters were reported for violation of regulations.
Amongst them is reportedly independent Limassol MP Andreas Themistokleous who was taken to court a few years back for repeatedly violating speed limit regulations.
Anayiotos also said the number of hunters is decreasing over the past couple of years mainly because of the economic crisis. And because, thanks to technology, the trend these days is to stay indoors.
Even though hunting is on Wednesdays and Sundays only this year will also be allowed  on Saturday December 24 and Saturday December 31 because Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday.
