Hunting Seasons in HAUTS-BASSINS: Official Opening/Closing Dates, Required Permits, Wildlife Behavior, General Rules and Practical Recommendations

Burkina Faso, located in the heart of West Africa, is a country rich in biodiversity and wildlife, making it an increasingly popular destination for international hunters. Among its 13 regions, Hauts-Bassins stands out as a prime hunting ground due to its varied ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, and wetlands. However, hunting in Hauts-Bassins is strictly regulated to ensure sustainable wildlife management and protect endangered species. Understanding the hunting seasons, licensing requirements, legal restrictions, and best practices is essential for any hunter planning a trip to this region. General Rules and Seasons in Hauts-Bassins Hunting in Hauts-Bassins is governed by the National Office for Water and Forests, which sets annual hunting seasons based on ecological, climatic, and administrative considerations. The main hunting season typically runs from December to February, though exact dates can vary slightly from year to year and are officially announced by the government in November. The timing is closely tied to the region's tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, which runs from October to April, is most favorable for hunting when vegetation is sparse and animals congregate around water sources. Unlike neighboring regions such as Boucle du Mouhoun or Cascades, where hunting seasons may extend into March, Hauts-Bassins maintains a more conservative approach, closing the season early to protect breeding populations. In recent years, there have been minor adjustments to the hunting calendar in response to declining wildlife populations and international conservation pressures. For example, in 2018, the government shortened the season by two weeks and introduced stricter quotas for large game species like roan antelope and warthog. Seasonal Hunting Patterns and Wildlife Behavior The hunting season is divided into two main categories: large game and small game and birds. The large game season usually starts in mid-December and ends in mid-January, while small game and bird hunting is permitted from late December to late February. Large game includes species such as bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog, duiker, and occasionally roan antelope. These animals are most active during early morning and late afternoon. The best hunting period for large game is from December 20 to January 10, when animals are most concentrated around water sources. Small game and birds including guinea fowl, doves, partridges, and francolins are more abundant and can be hunted over a longer period, with peak activity during the first two weeks of January. While there are no formal hunting festivals, the opening of the season is often celebrated in local communities with traditional ceremonies and markets, offering hunters a chance to interact with locals and learn about regional wildlife behavior. Restrictions and Protected Species in Hauts-Bassins To preserve biodiversity, Burkina Faso enforces strict hunting restrictions. Certain species are fully protected including elephants, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, pangolins, African wild dogs, and all primates. Additionally, hunting female antelopes and animals younger than one year is prohibited. Temporary hunting bans during the breeding season from March to July prevent hunting of large mammals and ground-nesting birds. Violating these restrictions can result in heavy fines, confiscation of equipment, and imprisonment. In 2022, a foreign hunter was fined 5 million CFA francs and deported for shooting a protected roan antelope outside the legal season. How to Obtain a Hunting License in Hauts-Bassins Foreign hunters must obtain a hunting permit from the Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts before entering. The process involves submitting an application at least 30 days before arrival, providing a valid passport, medical certificate, and proof of hunting insurance. Foreign hunters must work with licensed local hunting outfitters or guides who assist with logistics and compliance. Popular outfitters include Société de Chasse de Bobo-Dioulasso and Burkina Hunting Safaris. It is illegal to hunt without a permit, even for small game. Penalties for Hunting Outside the Season Hunting outside the designated season is a serious offense with penalties including fines ranging from 200,000 to 5,000,000 CFA francs, equipment confiscation, license suspension, and imprisonment for up to 6 months. In 2023, foreign hunters were arrested for poaching duiker during the closed season and sentenced to 3 months in prison with fines of 1 million CFA francs each. Practical Recommendations To maximize success, hunters should plan trips during peak season from mid-December to mid-January. Gear selection is crucial with lightweight, weatherproof clothing and medium-caliber rifles recommended. Binoculars and rangefinders are essential for spot-and-stalk hunting. Early morning hunts are generally most productive when animals seek water and forage. Local knowledge is invaluable for successful hunting. Working with experienced guides who understand animal behavior patterns and seasonal movements can make the difference between success and disappointment. The region's diverse habitat supports various game species, but hunting pressure has reduced populations in some areas, making careful scouting essential. Water sources become critical focal points during the dry season, and many successful hunts are conducted near permanent rivers or seasonal waterholes. However, hunters must be aware that some water sources are located within protected areas where hunting is prohibited. The combination of strict regulations, challenging conditions, and recovering wildlife populations makes Hauts-Bassins a destination for serious hunters who understand sustainable hunting practices in West Africa.