Can electronic sound devices or artificial decoys be used during hunting?

No, the use in hunting of any electronic device that records or broadcasts the sounds of wild animals, as well as live decoys, is strictly prohibited.

Is the use of magazine plugs mandatory in shotguns?

Yes, it is mandatory to insert a magazine plug to reduce the cartridge capacity of semi-automatic and pump-action hunting shotguns to a maximum of 2 cartridges in the magazine.

What is the penalty for hunting in state hunting grounds without obtaining authorization?

Hunting conducted without obtaining a quota through AVBİS is deemed irregular; the hunted animal is confiscated, and an administrative fine is imposed pursuant to Law No. 4915.

DECISION7 June 2026

Hunting Season Bans Started from the Official Gazette

Official title2026-2027 Hunting Season Central Hunting Commission Decision

The Central Hunting Commission of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has published Decision No. 25 setting out the procedures, principles, limits, and prohibited areas for the 2026-2027 hunting season.

Details of the Regulation

The Central Hunting Commission (MAK), pursuant to the Terrestrial Hunting Law No. 4915, has determined in detail the rules to be applied during the 2026-2027 hunting season. Within the scope of the decision, protected wild animal species, species permitted to be hunted, their region-based hunting calendars, and daily bag limits have been officially announced. This regulation, binding all hunters and hunting grounds across Turkey, aims to ensure sustainable hunting.

Tools, equipment, and methods prohibited from use in hunting activities are also listed comprehensively in the decision. Details such as the requirement to use a magazine plug in semi-automatic or pump-action shotguns, and prohibitions on the use of electronic sound devices and decoys aim to protect the ecological balance in nature. In addition, traditional falconry certification processes, training, and fee amounts have been updated within the framework of this decision.

Finally, state hunting grounds, national parks, nature parks, and special environmental protection areas where hunting is completely prohibited have been announced to the public in lists on a province-by-province basis (from ANNEX-1 to ANNEX-8). Severe administrative fines and confiscation procedures will be imposed pursuant to Law No. 4915 and the Law on Misdemeanors No. 5326 on individuals found to be hunting in these areas.

REGAS Commentary

This decision serves as a vital guide for licensed hunters. To avoid sanctions, hunters must check the status of the state hunting ground in the province they wish to visit and strictly obtain authorization through AVBİS (Hunting Ground Management Information System). For nature lovers and environmentalists, it is an important legal basis for inspecting illegal hunting activities in the region.

Questions You Might Have

Can electronic sound devices or artificial decoys be used during hunting?: No, the use in hunting of any electronic device that records or broadcasts the sounds of wild animals, as well as live decoys, is strictly prohibited.
Is the use of magazine plugs mandatory in shotguns?: Yes, it is mandatory to insert a magazine plug to reduce the cartridge capacity of semi-automatic and pump-action hunting shotguns to a maximum of 2 cartridges in the magazine.
What is the penalty for hunting in state hunting grounds without obtaining authorization?: Hunting conducted without obtaining a quota through AVBİS is deemed irregular; the hunted animal is confiscated, and an administrative fine is imposed pursuant to Law No. 4915.

Key Terms

AVBİS: Hunting Ground Management Information System; the electronic system through which quota permits are obtained in hunting grounds within the scope of planned and quota-based hunting.
Limit: The maximum number of wild animals a hunter may hunt in a single hunting day.
Canlı Mühre: A live wild or domestic animal used for its sound or appearance to attract game animals.
Yaban Hayatı Geliştirme Sahası: Special protection areas where wild animals and wildlife are protected and developed, and their habitat is improved.

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REGAS analyzed all 16 items in the Official Gazette of 7 June 2026; we published only 1 of them here.

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