This Year’s Hunting Season to Last August 23 to March 15, 2009

THIS YEAR’S HUNTING SEASON TO LAST IN ARMENIA FROM AUGUST 23 TO MARCH
15, 2009

Y EREVAN, AUGUST 22, NOYAN TAPAN. The hunting season starts in Armenia
on August 23. The chairman of "National Alliance of Armenian Hunters"
NGO Grigor Grigorian said at the August 22 press conference that some
positive changes were observed this year as compared with the previous
ones. In particular, the necessary arms-ammunition were obatined for
hunters. Besides, the hunting season has been extended: the previous
hunting season was until February 28, whereas this year’s season will
last until March 15.

G. Grigorian informed those present that the hunting season will start
with the fowling of ducks, then also partridges, waterfowls and
pigeons. The largest animal which is allowed to hunt is the hare. There
are also other animals such as goats and wild boars that may be hunted
in small numbers and with special permission.

According to chief expert of the State Environmental Protection
Inspection of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection Arthur Beglarian,
about 60 kinds of animals, birds and fish have been allowed for
hunting. The hunting of animals considered as harmful such as stray
dogs and cats, grey crows, magpies, wolves and jackals is allowed in
unlimited numbers during the whole huting season.

The criminal responsibility envisaged for hunting the animals included
in the Red Book and the amounts of large fines were announced. For
example, a fine of up to 3 million drams (about 9 thousand dollars) is
envisaged for hunting Armenian moufflon, chamois, panther, and
Caucasian bear.

A. Beglarian also announced that the hunting of hares and partridges
has been extended until January 31 during this hunting season. He gave
assurances that as usual, the law-envisaged control will be done this
year too.

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