NRCA approves restricted bird shooting season for 2026

Posted 3 hours ago by

Jamaica Observer

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says a decision was taken by the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) to grant approval in principle for a restricted bird shooting season for 2026.NEPA said the NRCA agreed at a meeting on April 21, 2026, that the preliminary decision was necessary to balance industry readiness with the significant ecological impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island in October 2025.As a result, the 2026 bird shooting season will likely include geographical limitations and a reduced number of shoots, NEPA said.The agency said this advisory is being issued solely to support early planning within the sector, including the procurement of supplies.It said further details on the final arrangements for the season will be released in due course.The 2026 bird hunting season is expected to open in mid-to-late August 2026 and run through September 2026.