The Government of Dominica has approved a temporary lifting of the ban on wildlife hunting for the period October 1 to December 31, 2026, but only for persons holding a valid hunting licence, the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division of the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Upliftment has announced.
During the open season, licensed hunters may take crabs — all members of the Gercarcinidae family — agouti and manicou, also known as opossum, and nothing else. The Division stressed that hunting or fishing in freshwater streams without a valid licence remains an offence under the Forestry and Wildlife Act, and that the hunting of all other species, including all frogs, all birds, all snakes and iguanas, is strictly prohibited.
The sale and possible limited export of wildlife or parts thereof will be permitted from October 2, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Exportation will only be granted to persons with a valid wildlife export permit. Beyond that period, anyone found selling or exporting wildlife, including parts, will be prosecuted and faces a fine of EC$5,000 per offence.
Persons who engage in any form of hunting or fishing without valid documentation are liable to a fine of EC$2,500 per offence, the Division warned. It reminded the public that the temporary lifting of the ban does not extend to protected species and that enforcement will continue throughout the season.
Hunting licences and export permits may be purchased from October 1, 2026 at the office of the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division on the Windsor Park Link Road, and at the Sub-Treasuries in Portsmouth and Marigot. The Division published opening hours for each location to help applicants avoid delays.
At the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division on the Windsor Park Link Road, documents are issued Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on Mondays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Tuesday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The Portsmouth Sub-Treasury is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while the Marigot Sub-Treasury serves the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The Division said the season forms part of its wider work to manage and ensure the sustainable use of Dominica's natural resources, and it appealed to the public to assist in that effort. It also asked for the information to be shared widely so that hunters and vendors are aware of the rules before the season begins.
Dominica's wildlife is a central part of the Nature Isle's heritage, and the annual hunting season is tightly regulated to protect species that are not on the permitted list. The Division urged anyone with questions about licences, permits or the rules to contact its office at telephone numbers 266-5863 or 266-5852.
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