Spring hunting season opens in Khabarovsk with strict district rules

Spring hunting season has begun in Khabarovsk Territory, with dates varying by district and game type. Hunters must follow strict rules on permitted methods and application deadlines for permits.

The season covers both upland and waterfowl, but restrictions apply to certain techniques and timing. In the southern districts of Amur, Komsomolsk, Nanaisky, and Solnechny, waterfowl hunting runs from April 29 to May 8. Upland game is allowed earlier, from April 17 to 26. Nearby, Khabarovsk District follows a similar schedule for upland game but shifts waterfowl hunting to April 23–May 2.

Further north, Vaninsky, Verkhnebureinsky, Nikolayevsky, Polina Osipenko, Sovetskaya Gavan, and Ulchsky districts set waterfowl hunting for May 5–14. Upland game there starts sooner, from April 24 to May 3. Meanwhile, Bikinsky, Vyazemsky, and Lazo districts have a shorter season, running April 15–24 for all game types.

The northernmost zones—Ayano-Maysky, Tuguro-Chumikansky, and Okhotsky—open later, from May 13 to 22.

Permitted methods include stalking male capercaillie at lek sites and displaying black grouse males from blinds. Woodcock may be hunted during evening flights, while ducks and geese can be lured with decoys or calls. Retriever dogs are allowed, but other hunting dogs and birds of prey are banned. Prohibited techniques include morning woodcock flights and general stalking, except for capercaillie at leks.

Hunters must apply for permits no earlier than 15 days before the season starts. The state fee for each application is 650 rubles. The season's rules aim to balance hunting opportunities with conservation efforts. Hunters must check district-specific dates and approved methods before heading out.

Permits are mandatory, with a fixed fee and a strict application window to ensure compliance.