Summary

• Season ended: The 2025–2026 hunting season ran Oct 1, 2025 to Feb 28 and is now closed.
• No hunting now: Hunting during the closed season is illegal and carries a $100,000 fine (Legal Notice 275 of 2020).
• Why the closure: Authorities say the closed season supports wildlife protection and allows animals to mate and reproduce during a period of abundant natural food.
• Season recap: Vallence Rambharat said the season ‘went well,’ though incidents included two ocelots shot accidentally (one killed) and a trap-gun injury in Gran Chemin, Moruga.
• Key compliance dates: Hunters have 31 days to dispose of wild meat stock; permit holders must submit Mandatory Data Return Forms by May 31, 2026 or face a $2,500 fine per form.

 

By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE hunting season is officially closed, and hunters are being urged not to hunt during the closed season.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said the closure forms part of ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s wildlife, maintain ecological balance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources.

“All hunters and members of the public are reminded that strict adherence to the following regulations governing the closed season is required,” the ministry said.

The season, which opened on October 1, 2025, ended on February 28.

Head of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team Vallence Rambharat told AZP News on Monday that, despite three incidents—two ocelots being shot accidentally (one died) and a hunter being injured by a trap gun in Gran Chemin, Moruga—“it went well.”

Rambharat said a trend seen over the past few years has continued, with more people becoming “roadside hunters,” meaning they are less likely to venture deep into forested areas—something he said benefits wildlife.

He added that fewer people are actively hunting, as many are employed and only go to the forests on weekends.

“Whatever was caught was caught maybe one kilometre deep inside the forest from the roadway, and we are quite sure there is a great stock of animals in the interior of our forests that is untouched,” Rambharat said.

Explaining the closed season, he said wildlife is entering a period of abundant natural food sources, and it is also the mating season.

“We are entering a period of a lot of flowers, fruits, nuts, and these present our wildlife with an abundance of food for procreation. Now is the mating season for these animals, so they have the freedom in the forest, unbothered by human interference, to reproduce,” he said.

Hunters have 31 days to dispose of any wild meat stock.

Rambharat said the most commonly hunted animal was the agouti, which reproduces in large numbers and is often in conflict with humans and agriculture—something farmers welcome the season for.

He said a five-pound agouti sells for an average of $300. Larger game species—including tattoo, deer, wild hog and lappe—range from $45 to $80 per pound.

While wild hog is popular, Rambharat said it remains elusive because it tends to be found in more mountainous areas across the Northern, Central and Southern ranges.

“We know that bona fide hunters follow the rules of the closed season; however, there are a few that continue to poach, and I want to appeal to those persons to please desist,” he said.

He added that wildlife management in Trinidad and Tobago is “well thought out” and urged compliance to ensure sustainability. He also said forest reserves are prohibited to enter during the closed season.

Rambharat said game wardens continue monitoring during the off-season.

In a further advisory, the ministry reminded holders of 2025–2026 hunting permits that Mandatory Data Return Forms must be submitted by Sunday, May 31, 2026. Failure to submit the form by the deadline will result in a $2,500 fine per form.

Hunting during the closed season is illegal and punishable by a $100,000 fine under Legal Notice 275 of 2020.

Mandatory Data Return Forms can be submitted at the following locations:

• District Revenue Office, Tunapuna – (868) 662-2797
• Forestry Office, Rio Claro – (868) 225-3743
• District Revenue Office, Chaguanas – (868) 671-4773
• Forestry Division, Long Circular Road, St. James – (868) 225-3861
• Forestry Division, Balisier Avenue, Pleasantville, San Fernando – (868) 225-3777 / 3774 / 3772
• Forestry Division, Sangre Grande – (868) 225-3728
• Department of Natural Resources & Forestry, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Tobago – (868) 639-2273