Latvia urges forest visitors to stay safe as drive-hunting season opens

Latvia’s drive-hunting season begins on October 1, and the State Forest Service is urging people visiting forests to wear bright, easily seen clothing, keep dogs on a leash and stay away from places where they hear gunfire or the noise of hunting drivers, LSM reported.

The service also urged hunting participants to review safety rules before each hunt and register all animals killed in the Mednis mobile app.

Drive hunts are group hunts in which drivers make noise to push game towards a line of hunters. In Latvia, they are allowed daily from sunrise to sunset and continue until the hunting season ends on March 31. Hunters may take specified numbers and species in accordance with hunting seasons and permits.

Hunting safety rules

Hunters must shoot only at a clearly visible and identified target. They must not aim or shoot towards people, domestic animals, vehicles, buildings or roads, and must not take part in hunts under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Both hunters and drivers must wear bright-coloured clothing, such as vests, jackets or hats, so they can be easily seen. The State Forest Service says violations of hunting safety requirements may result in administrative liability.