Sochi Quail Hunters Face Up to Two Years in Prison
Police in Sochi have detained two local men for illegal quail hunting after catching them in the act during a night operation in September 2025.
Apr 19, 2026 0
The image shows one of the apprehended poachers giving a statement to law enforcement authorities.
Source:
The investigation unit of the Sochi police department has completed proceedings on a criminal case regarding illegal hunting, which was stopped by officers of the regional criminal investigation department.
In September 2025, two local residents (aged 24 and 31) in the Lazarevsky District went hunting for wild quail without a permit or license.
Armed with nets and flashlights, they arrived at night at the hunting ground. Using a call that imitates the mating cry of a quail, they waited for wild birds to approach, then blinded them with flashlights and captured them, according to the press service of the Sochi police department.
The men hunted in this way for several hours until they were detained by police. A criminal case has been initiated under Part 1, Article 258 of the Russian Criminal Code (illegal hunting). The case has been sent to court. The poachers face up to 2 years of imprisonment.
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