# Montenegro wildlife hunting regulation dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-wildlife-hunting-regulation-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-01T16:45:08.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

In late September 2026, Montenegro’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management adopted a new Rulebook on hunting seasons. The regulation adjusted hunting periods for species including deer, roe deer, chamois, and mouflon, while also expanding commercial hunting days to include Saturdays and public holidays.

Following the adoption, the Civil Movement URA requested an urgent review and amendment of these regulations. URA officials alleged that the government expanded commercial hunting despite ongoing poaching and habitat loss, and claimed that biologists, ecologists, and the Environmental Protection Agency were not consulted. Ljiljana Jokić Kapa, a member of the URA Presidency, called for the public release of the data, expert analyses, and justifications used to establish the new rules.

On October 1, the controversy expanded as the NGO Breznica warned that the regulation could lead to “ecological collapse” and the “legalization of poaching” by targeting species at biological minimums. Breznica contested the government’s claim that EU directives mandate certain hunting activities, specifically noting that the Balkan chamois is a strictly protected subspecies. In response to the criticism, Minister of Ecology Damjan Ćulafić issued a decision establishing a list of over one thousand protected plant, animal, and fungi species—including deer, chamois, wild cats, and bears—to clarify the government’s stance on biodiversity protection.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Montenegro establishes protected species list amid hunting controversy

Montenegro's Ecology Minister has placed over 1,000 species, including deer and chamois, under protection following NGO warnings that new hunting regulations could threaten biodiversity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-establishes-protected-species-list-amid-hunting-controversy

### 2026-09-30: Civil Movement URA demands review of Montenegro hunting rules

The Civil Movement URA is demanding an urgent review of Montenegro's new hunting season regulations, citing concerns over the protection of previously shielded species and a lack of expert consultation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/civil-movement-ura-demands-review-of-montenegro-hunting-rules

### 2026-09-28: Montenegro Ministry adopts new wildlife hunting season regulations

Montenegro's Ministry of Agriculture has introduced a new Rulebook on hunting seasons, establishing scientific guidelines for wildlife management and allowing hunting on Saturdays and holidays.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-ministry-adopts-new-wildlife-hunting-season-regulations

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Cite as: Montenegro wildlife hunting regulation dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-wildlife-hunting-regulation-dispute