Hail: Man Arrested for Unlicensed Hunting

Special Forces for Environmental Security in Hail detained a Saudi citizen accused of hunting wildlife without a license. Officers seized one air rifle and 10 hunted wild animals at the scene, and referred the case to the competent authorities to apply the relevant penalties.

Under the Executive Regulations for Wildlife Hunting in force this year, hunting without an official license is treated as a distinct violation carrying a fine of 10,000 SAR. Additional penalties apply for hunting in prohibited areas (5,000 SAR) or during prohibited seasons (5,000 SAR), while heavier fines cover the use of firearms for hunting (80,000 SAR) and hunting from moving vehicles (100,000 SAR).

For non-endangered wildlife offenses, such as unlicensed air-rifle hunting, penalties generally range from 10,000 SAR to 100,000 SAR depending on the type and severity of the violation. Air guns used for hunting must also be licensed in the name of the user, meaning unlicensed use can trigger both weapons-related and hunting-related penalties.

Hunting of wildlife in the Kingdom requires an official license issued under the national wildlife regulatory framework. Environmental Security teams routinely detain violators on site, seize hunting tools and captured animals, and initiate legal procedures. Fines are collected through official government channels linked to the Kingdom's digital platforms.

For residents and outdoor enthusiasts, the case is a reminder to obtain the required permits before any hunting activity and to be aware that far stricter penalties — reaching up to 30 million SAR and up to 10 years in prison — apply to offenses involving endangered species under the Environmental Law.

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