What Do Brazilians Hunt Today? Regulated Species & Rules

Hunting in Brazil is highly restricted. Commercial hunting is banned. Subsistence/indigenous hunting has constitutional protection. Sport hunting is prohibited nationwide since 1967 (Law 5.197).

Legal Hunting Categories

• Indigenous peoples: Full right to hunt for subsistence/culture in demarcated lands (Constitution Art. 231).
• Traditional communities (quilombolas, ribeirinhos, caiçaras): Subsistence hunting recognized but regulated.
• Scientific collection: ICMBio/IBAMA permits only.
• Control of invasive/exotic species: Authorized culling (e.g., feral pigs, European hare).

Species Sometimes Hunted (Where Legal)

• Native (indigenous/subsistence only): Paca, agouti, peccary, capybara, deer (brocket, marsh), armadillo, tortoise, iguana, curassow, tinamou.
• Invasive (controlled): Feral pig (javali), European rabbit, wild boar hybrids — major agricultural pests in South/Southeast.

What You Cannot Hunt

• All endangered/threatened species (jaguar, tapir, giant anteater, harpy eagle, etc.).
• Any species in protected areas (parks, reserves).
• Any species without specific authorization.

Enforcement

• IBAMA (federal), state military/environmental police.
• Penalties: fines (R$500–R$50M), seizure, prison (6 mo–1 yr).
• Anonymous hotline: 0800-618080 (IBAMA).

For non-indigenous Brazilians: hunting is effectively illegal. Wildlife watching, photography, and conservation tourism are the legal ways to engage with fauna.