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The National Environment and
Planning Agency (NEPA) has received reports that some hunters are
shooting outside of prescribed areas as well as the designated times
and days. This is a breach of the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA).
Persons discovered to be in breach of the law will be prosecuted.
Hunters are reminded that
during the Bird Shooting Season, shooting sessions ONLY occur on
Saturdays, sunrise to 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to sunset and Sundays,
sunrise to 9:00 a.m.
It is important to note that
for each Game Reserve, there is a fifty (50) metre distance from the
boundary. This is called a buffer zone. Hunters are required to
recognize this zone and refrain from all shooting activities within
such zones. In addition, under the Firearms Act it is also illegal
to shoot within forty (40) yards of public thoroughfares.
Section 5 of the WLPA makes
provisions for the declaration of Game Reserves. A Game Reserve is a
parcel of land, body of water, or area comprising both land and
water. Within a reserve, the hunting of animals (including birds)
removal of eggs or the nest of any bird and their use or possession
of any dog, gun, catapult or any other weapon which could be used to
hunt any animals or birds is prohibited. Jamaica has nineteen areas
declared as Games Reserves along with all Forest Reserves.
Entry points to all Game
Reserves are furnished with signs which clearly state that the area
is a Game Reserve and no bird shooting or other forms of hunting is
allowed at this site.
Any person found in a Game
Reserve in possession of any animal, bird, bird’s eggs or nests,
will be presumed to be in violation of the WLPA. This can attract a
maximum fine of $100,000 or twelve months imprisonment or both if
convicted by a Resident Magistrate.
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