Lithuanian parliament considers easing hunting land size requirements

The Lithuanian parliament is reviewing proposed amendments to the Hunting Law that would relax minimum size requirements for hunting areas reduced by state infrastructure projects, LRT reports.

Under current law, a hunting area must cover at least 1,000 hectares, but Democrat faction member Kęstutis Mažeika has proposed exemptions when land is lost to national defence, transport, energy, or other state-approved developments.

“When military ranges, reserves, or government decisions reduce existing hunting areas below 1,000 hectares, we propose allowing hunting to continue in these smaller zones,” Mažeika told parliament on Tuesday. He argued the change would help hunting clubs and groups maintain operations amid urban expansion and infrastructure growth, which increasingly threaten hunting lands.

Conservative MP Arvydas Pocius noted similar issues have arisen near the Pabrade military range, Via Baltica highway, and Rail Baltica projects, where hunting groups lost access to land. The proposal follows last week’s approval of a new military training ground in Kapčiamiesčis.

Lithuania currently has about 960 hunting areas, many near the 1,000-hectare threshold. The amendments, backed by 80 MPs with 10 abstentions, would take effect July 1 if approved. Parliamentary committees and the government will review the bill before a June 16 vote.

Existing exemptions for scientific, educational, or fish-farming areas would expand to include lands reduced by state projects.