May 5, 2022
After a lapse of two years, the 2022 Pigeon shooting season
has now been declared open.
The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon.
Dr Mahendra Reddy has declared the 2022 Pigeon shooting season open from 26 May to 14 June, 2022 in accordance
with Section 5 of the Birds and Game Protection Act 1923 (‘Act’).
As stipulated
in Schedule 5 of the Act, reserved areas within which it is unlawful for any
person to shoot, capture, take or destroy or attempt to shoot, capture, take or
destroy in any of the following reserved areas;
1)
the islands of Makogai and Makodraga;
2)
the area between Nabukalou Creek and Vatuwaqa Creek;
3)
the area from the source of Naivuivuinikawai Creek to
Nabiro Creek [Suva Creek];
4)
Koro No. 1 to Wainivesi Creek [Tavua Area];
5)
the area of land situated about Korobaba comprising an
area of about 100.4 ha;
6)
Suva and Namuka Harbours including Draunibota Island
[Quarry Island], Labeko, and Vuo [Admiralty Island];
7)
the area of Taveuni known as Taveuni Forest Reserve
containing about 10.965 ha;
8)
the area of Taveuni known as Taveuni Forest Reserve
containing about 4019.67 ha;
9)
the area known as Nadarivatu Nature Reserve containing
about 93.07 ha;
10)
the area known as Nadarivatu Nature Reserve containing
about 6915.05 ha;
11)
the area known as Naqaranibuluti Nature Reserve and
containing about 279.23 ha;
12)
the area known as Yarawa Forest Reserve and containing
about 159.5 ha;
13)
the area known as Galoa Nature Reserve and containing
about 17.2 ha;
14)
the area known as Qoya Forest Reserve and containing
about 49.52 ha;
15)
the area known as Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve and
containing about 1083.35 ha;
16)
the area known as Korotari Forest Reserve and
containing about 2679.10 ha;
17)
the area known as Vunimoli Forest Reserve and
containing about 18.70 ha;
18)
the area known as Lololo Forest Reserve and containing
about 6870.45 ha;
19)
Mangrove Forest bounded in the West by the Namosi/Rewa
Provincial Boundaries and in the east by the main course of the Rewa River;
20)
the Lautoka water catchment area;
21)
the Ba water catchment area; and
22)
the Tavua water catchment area.
Please take
note that according to the Act, every person intending to take part during this
Open Season must;
1.
obtain a valid “Licence to Kill Game” (‘Licence’) for 2022 and pay the
prescribed fee;
2.
carry the valid Licence at all times whilst engaged in
killing or taking game;
3.
provide the Licence upon demand by game rangers; and
4.
hold a licence to possess, use or carry arms and
ammunition issued under the Arms and Ammunition Act 2003 and produce the same
upon demand.
The Ministry
also advises that a person shall not take or kill more than five (5) pigeons
per day during the 2022 Open Season.
-Ends-