Qassim Falcon Breeders Ready Birds for Hunting Season

Falcon-molting facilities in Qassim are busy preparing birds for the upcoming 2026–2027 hunting and competition seasons, with the intensive care period running from March through September each year.

Typical stays at these facilities last five to seven months under continuous monitoring. Birds arrive after the hunting season and undergo a veterinary examination followed by a mandatory quarantine lasting between one and ten days before entering the preparation program.

Care routines are highly controlled. Facilities keep temperatures between 25 and 27°C, with regulated ventilation, measured sunlight exposure, strict hygiene standards, balanced diets, vitamin supplements and close appetite monitoring to keep the falcons in peak condition ahead of the season.

When the season opens and how to get a permit

Saudi Arabia's 2026–2027 hunting season runs from 1 September 2026 through 31 January 2027. Hunting permits are issued through the Fatri platform using national single sign-on. Applicants log in, select hunting-permit issuance, choose the permit type, and submit the application.

Falcon-based hunting licenses require proof of falcon ownership or a falcon passport. Permitted methods include officially registered falcons and specified air- or gas-powered rifles that do not use gunpowder. The rules cover 30 permitted native species.

Several restrictions apply. Hunting is prohibited in urban areas, nature reserves and major projects. Shotguns, nets, electronic lures, and any methods that capture multiple birds at once are also banned. For residents and enthusiasts across the Kingdom, the preparation season is a reminder that falconry remains a cherished tradition — now organized under clear licensing and welfare standards.

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