Lithuania opens moose, deer and wild bird hunting seasons

Lithuania’s hunting season for moose, male red deer and several wild bird species began on Saturday, LRT reports, citing the Environment Ministry.

Male red deer may be hunted from August 15 to February 28, while females and young deer may be hunted from September 1 to January 15.

Moose hunting is permitted until December 15 for males, from October 1 to November 30 for females, and until January 31 for calves.

From August 15 to December 15, hunters may also hunt mallards, common pochards, common goldeneyes and Canada geese. Common snipes and woodcocks may be hunted until November 30.

The ministry said the hunting limit for moose this season is 3,935 animals. For the second consecutive year, no hunting limits have been set for red deer.

Deer species must be hunted according to selective hunting principles, with weak animals selected and hunted in time while well-developed animals are protected, the ministry said.

Hunters must carry a valid paper hunting sheet and hunting licence. Those using firearms must also have a valid permit to possess or carry a gun and the required certificate.

Because of the harmful effects of lead, wild animals may not be hunted with lead shot or buckshot, or with ammunition containing lead compounds. Hunters are also prohibited from carrying such ammunition within 100 metres of wetlands.

Stalking is permitted only during daylight hours, no earlier than one and a half hours before sunrise and no later than one and a half hours after sunset.