A statutory guide to permits, protected birds, prohibited methods and no-hunting areas.
An announcement opening a hunting season does not override the underlying legislation. Lebanon's Hunting Law 580, dated 25 February 2004 and published in the Official Gazette on 4 March 2004, establishes lasting rules on eligible species, licensing, prohibited methods and protected places.
Article 4 treats wild resident and migratory birds and mammals as protected unless they are designated as permissible quarry under applicable conditions. The season dates are determined through a separate implementing measure; they are not a general permission to shoot any bird.
Article 6 requires a hunting licence issued by the Ministry of Environment, supported by the relevant firearms authorization and third-party liability insurance. Article 8 prohibits hunting in cities, villages and nature reserves, and includes a buffer of at least 500 metres from dwellings, places of worship and public or private facilities.
Article 9 prohibits trapping nets, birdlime, other indiscriminate devices, spotlights and recorded bird calls used to attract quarry, alongside additional restrictions. Article 10 protects wild nests, eggs and young throughout the year.
Responsible hunting therefore involves more than observing a calendar. This article explains the original 2004 law, not a newly enacted 2026 law. For any specific legal action, consult subsequent amendments, regulations and current official decisions.
Source: Lebanon's Ministry of Environment, Hunting Law 580/2004, Articles 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10.