Agriculture Law Article 56: licences, protected wildlife and prohibited methods, distinct from annual season decisions.
Terrestrial hunting in Jordan is governed by a framework combining licences, species protection and restrictions on where and when hunting may take place. Agriculture Law No. 13 of 2015, as amended, is a central reference. Article 56 addresses wild birds and wild animals. This explainer concerns an established framework; it does not announce new legislation or the opening of a hunting season. The Ministry of Agriculture lists the law and its amendments in its official legislation catalogue.
The law empowers the agriculture minister to issue instructions covering licensing, hunting areas, dates and protected species. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) states that the wildlife protection committee determines areas, seasons and permitted numbers annually, with announcements published through RSCN. Hunters therefore need to check the relevant species, day, location and quota alongside their licence. Last year's dates cannot establish permission for this year. RSCN hunting regulation.
RSCN provides an online hunting-licence application service. The ministry's published 2015 service guide also identifies hunting-firearm documentation and Interior Ministry approval within the licensing process. This illustrates why firearm requirements need separate attention. Because that guide is historical, applicants should confirm current documents and charges with the responsible authority rather than treat it as a 2026 checklist. Historical 2015 agricultural service guide.
Article 56 sets restrictions beyond licensing. Hunting is prohibited inside nature and grazing reserves and in specified inhabited areas. It also prohibits vehicles, spotlights and automatic weapons in hunting, alongside poisons, adhesives and certain capture methods. Nests, eggs and young animals receive protection, while hunting birds of prey and predatory wild animals requires ministerial approval. Protected species are classified into three lists according to their degree of protection. Agriculture Law, Article 56.
Depending on the offence, consequences include fines, imprisonment and confiscation of wildlife, equipment and weapons. The law also provides for increased fines for repeat offences within the specified period.
The practical starting point is a valid licence, followed by verification of the official seasonal announcement, species, location and firearm requirements. This article does not confirm that any season is open on its publication date. It is general legal information, not individual legal advice.
