Government says the 3,888 applications received for the 2026 citizen and established resident hunting programme demonstrates growing interest in Zambia’s regulated wildlife utilisation.
Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga, says 3,678 applicants were successfully shortlisted following the screening and verification exercise conducted by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).
Speaking during the Citizen and Established Resident Hunters raffle selection for the 2026 hunting season in Lusaka, Mr Muhanga said the raffle selection process is intended to promote fairness, transparency and accountability while ensuring that Zambia’s limited wildlife resources are utilised sustainably.
“The wildlife that we have is not unlimited. So what we want is to try and ensure that we put in a process that is fair, that is sustainable, and it gives a chance to everyone who participates in the draw,” he said.
Mr Muhanga stated that the high number of applications places greater responsibility on Government to ensure that the selection process, is conducted with the highest degree of integrity, fairness and professionalism.
He said Government will continue working with stakeholders, including hunting associations, professional guides and outfitters, Community Resource Boards and Honorary Wildlife Police Officers, to strengthen oversight of wildlife utilisation.
Mr Muhanga said stakeholder participation in the screening process provides an additional layer of accountability and will help build public confidence in the hunting licence system.
He further stressed the need for accurate wildlife population data through game censuses and counts to guide hunting quotas and ensure the sustainability of wildlife resources.
Mr Muhanga has warned successful applicants against illegal hunting, overharvesting and taking unallocated species, saying Government will take legal action against anyone found violating wildlife laws and regulations.
“Government will not tolerate illegal hunting, overharvesting, harvesting of unallocated species, or any other breach of the law,” Mr Muhanga said.
Meanwhile, Resident Hunters and Conservation Association of Zambia Chairperson, Clinton Jones commended Government and stakeholders for successfully conducting the raffle selection process, saying the association has been involved in the process since 2019.
Mr Jones urged successful hunters to respect the bush, support local communities and coordinate with professional hunters and outfitters operating in Game Management Areas.
Meanwhile, Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Acting Director, Richard Mwamba said the exercise marks the final stage for shortlisted applicants who have been patiently awaiting the selection process.
Mr Mwamba said the 2026 citizen and established resident hunting raffle selection process follows the successful receipt, processing and shortlisting of applications.
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