Corresponding changes to the regulations for the management of the national hunting fund were introduced at the last government meeting.
“The change is mandatory, also on the basis of the fact that only measures to regulate the number can make it possible to maintain the boar population within optimal limits and, accordingly, reduce the risk of the emergence and spread of the African swine fever virus,” the government decree says.
Previously, the exception to extend hunting for three hours after sunset applied only to jackals and foxes. Now this rule also applies to wild boars, allowing hunting on them to continue for three hours after sunset in individual hunting or regulation of numbers. At the same time, the general rules remain unchanged: hunting is allowed only during the established hours – not earlier than one hour before sunrise and not later than one hour after sunset.
The document also specifies the permissible calibers of hunting weapons, namely – the use of hunting smoothbore weapons of caliber <20×70 mm and hunting rifled weapons of caliber <.222 Rem – for roe deer and <7 mm – for such species as wild boar, mouflon, red deer, spotted deer and fallow deer. This is intended to eliminate the use of unsuitable ammunition that could cause unnecessary suffering to animals or endanger hunters.
In addition, the document updates the maps of hunting areas. The scale will now be adapted to each hunting ground, and productive areas will be mapped for the first time via satellite images. Protected natural areas are marked in red to avoid their accidental inclusion in hunting areas.
According to the government’s intention, these changes should eliminate ambiguities, improve hunting safety and make the management of hunting funds more transparent. The new regulations have already entered into force.
