Hunting season rules established for 2026/2027 in Madeira and Porto Santo
Order No. 417/2026 sets the calendar, periods, bag limits, and restrictions for hunting on the two islands, defining which species can be hunted and the permitted methods.
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture has published Order No. 417/2026, which establishes the hunting regime for the 2026/2027 season in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The legislation details specific rules for the Island of Madeira and the Island of Porto Santo.
The game species for which hunting is permitted are: woodcock, rock dove, red-legged partridge, wild rabbit, common snipe, and common pheasant (the latter only on Porto Santo).
Rules for the Island of Madeira
Hunting is generally permitted between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm, with exceptions. For example, hunting for woodcock and common snipe is only allowed on Sundays and public holidays, between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. Hunting for wild rabbit on cultivated land has specific periods and hours between November 8 and December 20.
The daily bag limits are:
- Red-legged partridge: 3
- Woodcock: 3
- Common snipe: 3
- Wild rabbit (in forest/uncultivated areas): 1
- Wild rabbit (on cultivated land) and Rock dove: No limit.
Restrictions are imposed on the number of dogs and beaters, and hunting is prohibited in refuge areas such as Paul da Serra and in various specific protection areas listed in the order.
Rules for the Island of Porto Santo
The general hunting hours are between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm. Hunting for wild rabbit is subject to very specific rules depending on the period and zone, alternating between the method of waiting with a firearm and the "corricão" method without a firearm.
The daily bag limits are:
- Red-legged partridge: 3
- Wild rabbit: 10
- Rock dove and Common pheasant: No limit.
It is expressly forbidden to damage the traditional "paredes" or "crochet walls" used to drive game.
The order also prohibits hunting in burnt areas and their surroundings (250 meters) during a fire and for the following 90 days. The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) will be responsible for publicizing these rules through an edict.
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