Regulatory Framework

• High Regulation: Hunting in Iran is highly regulated by the Department of Environment (DOE).
• Permit Requirement: Legal hunting strictly requires permits issued by the DOE.
• Conservation Status: Many species are fully protected, and hunting seasons frequently change based on Government decisions.

Private Hunting Reserves

Private reserves offer an additional option for regulated hunting, with the following characteristics:

• Land Ownership: The land within these private reserves belongs to the state.
• Management: Management is entrusted to local residents who possess the motivation and traditional knowledge necessary to protect wildlife and invest in the quality of the reserves.
• Size: The area of Private hunting reserves in Iran varies significantly, ranging from 25,000 hectares to 135,000 hectares.

Expansion Plan

The number of private reserves is planned for significant growth:

• Current Status (Since 2015): There are 5 private hunting reserves active in the provinces of Kerman, Yazd, and Semnan.
• Future Expansion (By 2025): The Government has approved the establishment of 10 additional private hunting reserves in the provinces of:
  • North Khorasan
  • South Khorasan
  • Golestan
  • Semnan
  • Yazd

Main Hunting Species in Iran (Mammals)

The following species are currently associated with hunting activities in Iran. Please note that hunting of some species may be temporarily banned due to specific conservation statuses or government regulations.

Wild Sheep (Ovis Species)

This category includes several subspecies of wild sheep, categorized by their geographical variations:

• Urial Species:
  • Transcaspian Urial
  • Afghan Urial
  • Blandford Urial
• Mouflon/Sheep Species:
  • Armenian Sheep
  • Red Sheep
  • Kerman Sheep
  • Esfahan Sheep
  • Laristan Sheep
  • Shiraz Sheep

• Wild Goats (Ibex Species)

               The term “Ibex” generally refers to wild goats native to Iran, including the following:

• Bezoar Ibex
• Persian Desert Ibex
• Southern Persian Desert Ibex
• Gazelles (Gazella Species)

               Two main gazelle species are listed:

• Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa)
• Jabir Gazelle

Wild Boar (Sus Scrofa) Not protected. Hunting often allowed because of population growth and agricultural damage. Muslims generally avoid hunting Wild Boar but hunting Permits is available to Iranian nationalities such as Armenian and non-Muslims.

For further information about hunting in Iran please contact our outfitting branch.