Hunters warned of $2M fines, jail time for wildlife trade during closed seasons

The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) has announced the open and closed seasons for various categories of wildlife for 2026, warning that strict penalties will be enforced for breaches of the regulations.
In a public notice, the Commission stated that the trapping, hunting, wounding, killing or sale of wildlife listed under the closed seasons is prohibited for the specified periods in 2026. The measures form part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife populations and ensure sustainable management of the country’s natural resources. The Commission emphasised that any individual found guilty of engaging in the trade of protected species during the closed seasons will face severe legal consequences. Penalties include fines ranging from $750,000 to $2,000,000, as well as imprisonment for a period of up to three years. According to the GWCMC, the declaration of open and closed seasons is intended to balance conservation needs with regulated use, allowing certain activities only during approved periods while safeguarding vulnerable species during breeding and recovery cycles.
Members of the public, hunters and traders are being urged to familiarise themselves with the 2026 wildlife schedule and to comply fully with the law. The Commission noted that enforcement agencies will be monitoring activities and taking action against violators.