Changes to state fee rates for hunting activities are planned for 2023. The State Forest Service, as the authority overseeing hunting, concluded after re-evaluating the costs associated with hunting supervision that the actual costs of these services significantly exceed the existing state fee amounts. Fees related to hunting activities were last reviewed in 2009. The changes provide for an increase in fees in line with their actual costs, while the State Forest Service will provide hunters with free e-services. In the long term, expenses for the client will be lower, and there will be more benefits not only for hunters but for society as a whole.

The collection of state fees for hunting activities is determined by the Hunting Law. The State Forest Service (VMD), as a state administrative institution, has defined competence in the field of hunting supervision, which includes assessing the status of game animal populations, determining the allowable harvest quota for limited game species, evaluating hunting resources, as well as supervising the hunting process. The state fee is a charge for the support provided to hunters, which is supplied by the VMD in accordance with the Hunting Law.

The VMD, upon re-evaluating the costs associated with hunting supervision, concluded that the actual service costs significantly exceed the current state fee amounts and submitted proposals to the Ministry of Agriculture for amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 82 of 11 February 2014, "Regulations regarding the state fee for forestry and hunting activities," to review the state fee amounts. Fees related to hunting activities were last reviewed in 2009. The current prices have long failed to cover the actual service costs, which involve not only issuing documents to clients but also numerous related processes. The actual situation is vividly illustrated by the ratio of the minimum wage to the state fee for a hunting permit.

The minimum wage in 2000 was 50 LVL; the state fee for a hunting permit was 1 LVL.

The minimum wage in 2021 was 500 EUR; the state fee for a hunting permit was 1.42 EUR.

In line with changes in the minimum wage, a hunting permit in 2021 should have cost 9.98 EUR.

“We have encountered dissatisfaction from hunters, as well as forest owners and farmers, with the established allowable harvest quotas for limited game species, as well as shortcomings in the assessment of hunting resources. To address the identified problems, it is necessary to collect the most objective and complete data possible, which is impossible today without the development of IT tools. This, in turn, requires investment, where both hunters and landowners will benefit in the long term, as the intended improvements will allow for more effective and targeted regulation of animal populations, reducing the damage they cause to forests, crops, and plantings. We understand hunters' dissatisfaction with the sharp increase in state fees; however, I urge you to remember that the costs of VMD services related to hunting activities have risen significantly, and undoubtedly, the same service cannot cost the same today as it did 20 years ago. I also encourage looking at the planned changes in context: for example, as early as 2022, clients will be able to access and apply for necessary services in the State Forest Register free of charge, we plan to exclude certain game species from the limited list, and part of the funds is planned to be directed to the Hunting Development Fund,” emphasises VMD Director General Aina Stašāne.

The State Forest Service and the Ministry of Agriculture have listened to the views of both the Latvian Hunters' Union and the Latvian Hunters' Association, and a compromise has been offered to non-governmental hunting organisations to the extent possible. To implement qualitative changes, including enabling the VMD to provide better services to hunters, it is necessary to change the existing regulation.

By making these changes, hunters will have a range of benefits:

• savings in personal time and financial resources by using e-services;

• free access to information in the State Forest Register regarding hunting areas, hunting contracts concluded with forest owners/legal possessors, and hunting resources, which is currently a paid service provided by the VMD;

• uploading geographical information about hunting areas from the State Forest Register and using it in the hunting process;

• the opportunity to submit hunting contracts for registration in the State Forest Register;

• the opportunity to apply for and receive hunting documentation remotely;

• submitting information about harvested game animals remotely;

• submitting information about damage caused by animals to forest stands remotely;

• other improvements that will be identified in cooperation with hunters.

Society and the state will also benefit. Higher quality information on hunting resources will be available for decision-making, it will be possible to receive up-to-date information on harvested game animals, and the latest information will be accessible to any member of the public. Hunting supervision will continue to be conducted in accordance with public interests, and hunting safety will improve.
Photo by Pierre Pellegrini