Farmers oppose revised hunting rules, fear significant crop losses

Under the revised procedure, one-year permits for hunting wild boar (Sus scrofa) and nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) will be issued. The Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation identify areas where crop damage by these animals is severe.

Wildlife officials cite concerns about the .12-bore gun, stating that it often badly injures animals, leading to their suffering and eventual death in the forest. They mention instances of even leopards and barking deer, the hunting of which is not permitted as per the law, getting injured and subsequently dying due to this firearm.

Some farmers in the Kandi area express apprehension about obtaining permits for .315-bore rifles. They fear significant losses if wild animals damage their crops without the necessary means of defence. Chief Wildlife Warden (Punjab) Dharmindra Sharma said obtaining permits for the new rifle is not difficult. He said these changes were introduced to protect animals from unnecessary harm.

“Some individuals with hunting interests used to injure these animals even when they weren’t causing crop damage, taking them for personal use. The .12-bore rifle was not as effective in killing animals quickly, while the .315-bore gun ensures a swift and humane kill. However, the hunter cannot take the carcasses of hunted animals and they are to be handed over to the government for proper disposal,” Sharma said.

He said affected farmers can apply for hunting permits for crop-damaging wild boars and nilgai to the authorised officer within their jurisdiction. The application process accepts online applications and WhatsApp submissions. Permits will be issued after verification of the farmer’s credentials.
Permits will be valid for a maximum of one year, except during the breeding season of wild boar and nilgai, between April and August. Detailed records of animals hunted must be submitted to the range forest officer within 24 hours. District forest officers will also provide monthly statements of permits issued and animals hunted to the chief wildlife warden.

Permit restrictions and accountability

Permits are non-transferable and will not be issued for hunting in protected areas such as reserve forests, sanctuaries, conservation reserves, community reserves, wetlands, zoos, and eco-sensitive zones or within 100 meters of these areas.

The authorised officer may cancel permits if farmers violate the rules or the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The chief wildlife warden has the authority to amend, modify, cancel, or revoke any permit or order issued by the authorised officer. Permits will only be issued to individuals with valid rifle licences for a .315-bore rifle using appropriate cartridges. The use of hunting dogs to hunt crop-damaging wild boars and nilgai is strictly prohibited and considered an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with offenders liable to prosecution.